There's an enduring myth in Latin America that left-wing populist governments somehow do a better job of promoting economic growth and social development than their political counterparts. For those wedded to that belief the 2014 Social Progress Index should be compulsory reading.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on a tour of Latin America, met his Venezuelan counterpart ElÃas Jaua on Monday. China has pledged to invest more than $20 billion in Venezuelan oil and social cooperation.
"If you fake being a foreigner who doesn't speak Spanish," says the fair skinned Caraqueño, "you can simply pretend not to comprehend why exactly they won't let you buy the goods. You just maintain a blank expression, holding out cash in your hand, and doing your best to sound indignant and perplexed in broken, idiot Spanish.
President Nicolás Maduro told a meeting of South American foreign ministers that the three generals, who were not identified, had been in contact with the opposition and "were trying to rise up against the legitimately constituted government."
Costa Rica's Supreme Elections Tribunal announced Tuesday that security concerns in Venezuela motivated their decision to close a polling station at the Costa Rican Consulate in Caracas, opting instead for a location in Colombia.
"Prepare yourself, we are coming for you," President Nicolás Maduro warned demonstrators in an address to thousands of soldiers gathered in support of the president on March 15. He then played John Lennon's song, "Give Peace a Chance."
Kudos to Oscar-winner Jared Leto for reminding us that democratic revolutions are occurring in two hemispheres, not one. Sadly, U.S. President Barack Obama and Secretary of State John Kerry, focusing on other important issues, ignored both for weeks.
CARACAS, Venezuela – The death toll from escalating anti-government protests in Venezuela jumped to eight on Friday, as President Nicolás Maduro's leftist administration threatened to cut off fuel to areas "under fascist siege."
