The missing Putin Carnival of Latin America and the Caribbean

The whole world was wondering where Vladimir Putin went for a few days. I’m glad to say I didn’t misplace him with the things I took to Goodwill on Saturday; he was in Switzerland for the birth of his secret daughter, availing himself of Swiss healthcare (and possibly Swiss law regarding investments by Swiss nationals? Are people born in Switzerland Swiss citizens by birth?).

But fear not, while the cat was away, Venezuela Stages Massive Military Drills, Assisted by Russia and China.

ARGENTINA

Three former members of Hugo Chavez’s cabinet claim that, with Venezuela acting as middleman, Iran gave money to Cristina Fernandez’s campaign in exchange for nuclear secrets and impunity in the AMIA case:
Chavistas confirmam conspiração denunciada por NismanTrês ex-integrantes da cúpula chavista dizem a VEJA que, por intermédio da Venezuela, o Irã mandou dinheiro para a campanha de Cristina Kirchner em troca de segredos nucleares e impunidade no caso Amia

Growing doubts

BOLIVIA
Childbirth in Bolivia’s High Plains

BRAZIL
Mass Protests Across Brazil Reflect Anger at President
Government of Dilma Rousseff dealing with corruption scandal, struggling economy

Olavo de Carvalho interview:

CHILE
Forest fires rage in Chile: Thousands evacuated from port
Forest fires rage out of control near Chile’s Valparaiso, with authorities evacuating over 4,000 people

COLOMBIA

#CubaReal "¿El Bloqueo? No mijo, esto solo mejora cuando se muera quien tu sabes" – Pichi #Cuba pic.twitter.com/na0O2n4wrQ

— Karel Becerra – Cuba (@KarelBecerra) March 14, 2015

ECUADOR
Demonstrations Planned Across Ecuador to Protest Correa’s Policies
Organizers say idea grew out of a number of issues including labor concerns and rights to protest

MEXICO
Hipolito Mora Chavez, Mexican Vigilante Leader Runs for Congress

Dismissal of Two Mexican Journalists Draws Accusation of Attack on Media
Investigative reporter Carmen Aristegui calls for unconditional reinstatement of colleagues

MUSTIQUE
Heavily pregnant Duchess of Cambridge sports Mustique tan as she visits Sir Ben Ainslie in Portsmouth
Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge carrying out first public engagments [sic] since holiday in Caribbean

PUERTO RICO
Puerto Rico: the Caribbean without all the edges sanded off
Stylish New Yorkers are heading to Puerto Rico for its chic new hotels, fine cuisine, and rough-round-the-edges charm. Here’s how to join them

VENEZUELA
Terrorists from Iran, Syria and Lebanon travel with Venezuelan passports: ¡GRAVE! Iraníes, sirios, y libaneses inmersos en terrorismo viajan con pasaporte de Venezuela

VenEconomy: The Aviator – One Less Political Prisoner for Venezuela

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