Latin America

Outlook 2006: Challenges from the Left, as the U.S. Goes Deeper in Colombia, and Ponders Mexican Security Fence

As the U.S. proceeds through the second term of one of our most conservative Presidents, Latin America takes a stroll to the left. Protest leader Evo Morales' election as President of Bolivia in December consolidated a trend obvious since 2002 and the election of Brazil's Luiz da Silva. Mutual discomfort between the Bush Administration and Latin American leaders was highlighted by the awkward Fourth Summit of the Americas meeting in November 2005 in Mar del Plata. [Read more]

For programmatic information on these issues, go to:

• The Latin America and the Caribbean Office
• The Presbyterian Hunger Program
• Just Trade

Quarterly Bulletins

• MAS Victory in Bolivia Signifies Mandate for Change
  (2nd quarter, 2006)
• The Cuban Embargo: Keeping Families and Communities Apart
  (1st quarter. 2006)
• The United States and Cuba: Strands of a Failed Policy
  (4th quarter, 2005)
• Failed Colombia Policy Up for Renewal
  (3rd quarter, 2005)
• Stop the CAFTA and AFTA Trade Agreements
  (2nd quarter, 2005)
• Key Votes on Cuban Embargo and Military Aid to Colombia, as Congress Approaches End of Session
  (4th quarter, 2004)
• Protect Workers' Rights: Oppose CAFTA
  (July/August Washington Report)
• President Bush Calls for More U.S. Troops in Colombia
  (3rd quarter, 2004)
• Cracking Down on Cuba Travel
  (2nd quarter, 2004)
• The Fraying Consensus on ‘Free’ Trade
  (1st quarter, 2004)
• 2003 Wrap-Up
  (November-December Washington Report)
• Drawing the Line in Colombia
  (4th quarter, 2003)
• Support Better Relations with Cuba By Ending the Ban on Travel
  (3rd quarter, 2003)
• One Year After Pot-Banging Argentines Threw Out Their President, How Much Has Changed?
  (2nd quarter, 2003)
• Fumigation in Colombia Hurting Rural Communities,
  But Not Reducing Production of Coca
  (1st quarter, 2003)

Bulletin Archive

Actions

• Cut Military Aid to Colombia
  (Action Alert - June 16, 2005)
• CAFTA: A Flawed Trade Pact
  (Action Alert - April 11, 2005)
• Ask Your Senator to Vote Agianst the Real ID Act
  (Action Alert - April 5, 2005)
• Stop CAFTA in Congress
  (Action Alert - February 14, 2005)
• Urge the President and Secretary Ridge to Protect Haitian Refugees
  (Action Alert - March 3, 2004)
• Stop the Militarization of Colombia
  (Action Alert - July 2003)
• Colombia Military Aid Set to Expand with Little Debate
  (Action Alert - October 23, 2002)
• Momentum Gathers for Summer Votes on Cuba
  (Action Alert - July 7, 2002)
• Help Colombia's Farmers Develop Alternatives: Voice Your Concerns About Continued Fumigation in Putumayo
  (Action Alert - December 5, 2001)
• Act Now to Change U.S. Policy Toward Colombia and Cuba
  (Action Alert - July 16, 2001)
• Special Action on Military Aid for Colombia
  (Action Alert - May 16, 2000)
• Military Aid to Colombia
  (Action Alert - May 17, 2000)
• Emergency Funding for Central America and Jordan
  (Action Alert - March 8, 1999)
• Close the School of the Americas
  (Action Alert - July 1, 1998)

• Provide Temporary Protected Status to Guatemalans
  (Sign-on letter - January 10, 2005)
• Support Crucial Measures on Latin America
  (Sign-on letter – September 23, 2005)
• Ask President Uribe to Ensure Safety of the Permanent Assembly of Civil Society for Peace
  (Sign-on letter — December 22, 2004)
• Address Colombia’s Political Violence
  (Sign-on Letter — October 29, 2004)
• NCPE Urges Rejection of Vouchers
  (Sign-on letter - July 9, 2003)
• Support Basic Human Needs
  (Sign-on letter - July 9, 2003)
• Letter on Aid to Colombia
  (Sign-on letter - May 2003)
• Human Rights Commission in Guatemala
  (Sign-on letter - February 6, 2003)
• Mexican Farmers Stage Mass Protest
  (Sign-on letter - January 31, 2003)
• Human Rights in Guatemala
  (Sign-on letter -- July 22, 2002)
• Emergency Defense Supplemental
  (Sign-on letter -- July 3, 2002)
• Support Settlement to Colombian Conflict
  (Sign-on letter -- May 8, 2002)
• End Travel Controls to Cuba
  (Sign-on letter -- February 8, 2002)
• Help to Cuba after Hurricane Michelle
  (Sign-on letter -- November 29, 2001)

Other Publications

• Outlook for 2005
• Outlook for 2004
• Outlook for 2003
• Outlook for 2002

• Lift The Travel Ban to Cuba
  Cuba Central has established a campaign to end the embargo on Cuba, stop the ban on travel, and promote real reconciliation between the people of the U.S. and Cuba.

Previously, President Bush's proposal, introduced in March, broadened military aid to Colombia and eliminated human rights language. Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) circulated a Congressional letter at that time, saying that many Representatives did not want to expand military aid to Colombia. His letter has received some support, mostly from Democrats.
[Read more]