Welcome to this week’s Carnival of Latin America and the Caribbean. Today’s big story: Colombian military rescues Farc hostages
Soldier and high-ranking police officers freed by 300-strong raid after 12 years in captivity
The defence minister, Gabriel Silva, said the 300-strong raid, which took six months to plan, was carried out with “surgical” precision.
This is extraordinary, and points to the increased security in the country. Three hundred personnel and six months in the making, with no security leaks. Congratulations to the people of Colombia.
Check out today’s podcast for more news on Colombia, and Venezuela.
ARGENTINA
Argentine journalists testify about persecution of colleagues during Dirty War
BRAZIL
Brazil sees silver lining in BP spill: more rigs
CARIBBEAN
Regional countries raise concerns about Gulf oil spill with Hillary Clinton
Clinton promises U.S. help in Caribbean drug fight
US promises $600m in aid
BARBADOS will benefit from a wide-ranging, Caribbean aid package of some US$300 million, United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton announced in the island yesterday.The package comprises $US45 million committed to the State Department for the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI) in 2010 and the Obama administration’s request for US$79 million in the 2011 financial year.
Clinton also announced the administration’s commitment to provide US$162 million for Caribbean HIV/AIDS programmes and US$8 million to fund regional climate change and energy projects.
Clinton unveils Caribbean security plan
CHILE
Carta: Campaña “un árbol por cada chileno”
COLOMBIA
Liberación de Mendieta, nuevo golpe a las FARC
CUBA
Desperation Is No Substitute For Shame
The 74 — Initial Analysis The 74 — The Plot Thickens
More subsidized lunch rooms will close; move will reportedly save Cuba $27 million
EU resists pressure to normalise with Cuba
Cuban journalist released from jail, ‘deported’ to E. Cuba
1 prisoner is freed, 6 others are relocated
Hillary Clinton tries to fix relationship with Ecuador President Rafael Correa
Clinton Woos a Leftist President
Clinton dijo que pacto con Colombia respeta integridad territorial de países
Clinton Defends Military Bases In Colombia
Ecuatorianos quemaron banderas de EE.UU en visita de Hillary Clinton (+ Fotos)
GUATEMALA
Guatemala court removes attorney general amid corruption allegations
Head choppings shock Guatemala
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
On the extinction of species
Tourism is imperilling a wildlife paradise
HAITI
Photo essay: Recovering the Dead in Haiti
HONDURAS
Honduran president says plot to overthrow him
La Gringa has been posting on a friend’s newborn baby. You can read her posts here, and follow the links.
JAMAICA
The smoke clears over Jamaica
MEXICO
Massacre in Mexican Rehab Center Follows Pattern
Much of Mexico puts regular routines aside to watch World Cup
PANAMA
Mystery Solved
PERU
Peru President’s Popularity Sinks as Economy Booms
Mob Confronts Van der Sloot For Brutal Murder Of Stephany Flores
Holloway suspect back in jail in Peru
VENEZUELA
Venezuelan socialism
Food fight
How to destroy an industry
Venezuela Applauds Latest Decision In Exxon Mobil Case
Central Bank foreign exchange market, Cadivi 2.0, begins functioning even before it is regulated
Think Chávez knows about FARC’s Presence in Venezuela?
Hugo Chavez Sings Song About Hillary Clinton
AMERICAN HISTORY
Latinos Who Fought in America’s Wars: The Battle to Tell Their Stories
This week’s posts and podcasts
Venezuelan judge orders arrest of Globovision owners: 15 Minutes on Latin America
A message of solidarity with Israel from Peru
Bill and Hillary have dinner in Colombia
Hillary goes to Ecuador: 15 Minutes on Latin America
Van der Sloot confesses