The Organization of American States (OAS)

An hour-long special covers various issues regarding human rights and democratization on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes a wide-ranging discussion of the various crises affecting Venezuela, including the political and economic situations. The analysis also includes discussions on the peace process in Colombia and accusations of human rights abuses by the military in Honduras. The program also includes a review of a book on corruption in Brazil. The news segment of the program covers how El Salvador's Supreme Court struck down the country's amnesty law opening the door to human rights prosecutions linked to the country's civil war. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Dan Hellinger of Webster University; Orlando Perez of Millersville University; Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of anti-government protesters marching due to the lack of food supplies in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Corruption in Argentina and Honduras provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes a wide-ranging analysis of corruption in Argentina, along with key tangents on the Argentine economy and challenges for the new president, Mauricio Macri. The program details the indictment against the former president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and why both Fernandez and Macri are mentioned in the Panama Papers. The program also gives a deep analysis of corruption in Honduras and how the opposition in that country is concerned that the country is slipping toward authoritarianism. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Mark Jones of Rice University & the Baker Institute; and Dana Frank of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo is from the United Nations and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

Another push to recall a president and the power of remittances provide the twin themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes the latest moves with diplomacy and electoral laws to recall President Nicolas Maduro or at least restore some balance to the eroded democratic system in Venezuela. The program reviews the debate between Argentina and Venezuela at the Organization of American States (OAS). The program also includes the second part of our extended look at the links between remittances and globalization. The news segment of the program includes the latest developments regarding the debt crisis in Puerto Rico. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) & the Woodrow Wilson Center ; and Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer. The photo of Gov. Henrique Capriles of the Venezuelan opposition with a presidential recall petition is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

A controversial presidential race in Peru and seeking justice in El Salvador provide the themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes how protest marches and concerns raised by the Organization of American States (OAS) may impact the voting in Peru after several candidates were removed from the ballot. The program also traces moves toward justice in the massacre of Jesuit priests and religious workers in El Salvador; a case that began in 1989. The news segment of the program outlines the report known as the Panama Papers and how those revelations may affect politicians in Argentina and Mexico. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; and Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Brittney Madison. The photo of protestors in Peru is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

Politics and the competencies of governments in Venezuela and Brazil are the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes an in-depth discussion about the state of democracy in Venezuela and how it has deteriorated due to crackdowns on opposition leaders. The program also includes a discussion of the political repercussions of the Petrobras corruption scandal in Brazil and further calls for the impeachment of President Dilma Rousseff. The news segment of the program covers the murder of an activist for transgender rights in Argentina. The program includes in-depth interviews with: David Smilde of Tulane University; and Carlos Pereira of the Getulio Vargas Foundation. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Associate Producer: Natalie Ottinger. The photo shows President Nicolas Maduro (left) meeting with President Dilma Rousseff (right). The photo is by Roberto Stuckert for the Brazilian government and is in the public domain. Produced for release on Oct. 16, 2015.

The United States and its participation in the Summit of the Americas this weekend provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. Although the summit has a specific agenda to deal with economic inequality in Latin America, experts expect that diplomacy between the U.S. and Cuba, and U.S. relations with Venezuela will dominate what happens at this meeting. The news segment of the program covers deportations and extraditions concerning former members of the Salvadoran military who sought asylum from prosecution on human rights charges stemming from their actions in the Salvadoran Civil War. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Eric Olson of the Woodrow Wilson Center; and Peter Hakim of the Inter-American Dialogue. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Sierra Hancock. The graphic is from the Summit of the Americas and is in the public domain. Produced for release on April 10, 2015. The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/

Turmoil in Venezuela and the progress in the peace talks for the civil war in Colombia are the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse. The first half of the program analyzes the politics surrounding the arrest of Mayor Antonio Ledezma of Caracas and how that arrest has drawn international reaction. The second half of the program tracks the ongoing talks attempting to end the 51-year-old war in Colombia. The news segment of the program covers the latest in the case of Alberto Nisman in Argentina and how a judge has set aside an indictment against the country's president. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola. The photo of protests in Venezuela is from the Chinese government and is in the public domain. Produced for release on Feb. 27, 2015. The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/

China and its economic and geopolitical strategy and cultural influence provide the central themes for this week's edition of Latin Pulse. The first half of the program examines the trade and economic issues connected to China's strategies in Latin America. And the program debates the response of the U.S. to this economic expansion. The second half of the program examines the history and cultural influence of Chinese emigration to Peru. The news segment of the program covers the protests this week against the handling of the investigation into the death of special prosecutor Alberto Nisman in Argentina. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Mark Jones of Rice University; Kevin Gallagher of Boston University; Larry Clayton of the University of Alabama; and Adam McKeown, author of Chinese Migrant Networks and Cultural Change. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola. The photo of President Ollanta Humala of Peru and President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China is from the Peruvian government and is in the public domain. Produced for release on Feb. 20, 2015. The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/

The historic changes between Cuba and the United States are rolling out but the Obama administration is also making aggressive diplomatic moves throughout Latin America. That strategic shift provides the centerpiece for discussion on Latin Pulse this week. The program takes a wide-ranging view of the geopolitical situation in Latin America and provides a preview of the summit next week of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). The news segment of the program focuses on the negotiations between the U.S. and Cuba and President Barack Obama's policy pronouncements on Cuba. Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Producer: Jim Singer; Engineering Support: Zach Kromer; and Production Assistant: Gabriela Canchola. The photo is from the Brazilian government and is in the public domain. The program is produced at Webster University: www.webster.edu/

(This is an episode of "Latin Pulse" from the program's archives that has not been previously available via SoundCloud and is available now during the program's summer hiatus. The historical and political insights included in this program prove to be useful, even after almost three years since they were broadcast online.) On this program, Latin Pulse focuses on Honduras. With the recent trip of Honduran President Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo to Washington, D.C., the question remains whether the country has rehabilitated its diplomatic image after the controversial coup of 2009. Several experts add their analysis of the situation between Washington and Honduras now and how the coup factors into Honduras' relationships throughout Latin America. Beyond the meeting between Lobo and U.S. President Barack Obama, the program also features news about presidential candidate Rick Perry, the governor of Texas, and his solution to Mexico's problems fighting the drug war. In-Depth Interviews: Vicki Gass of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Bill LeoGrande, Dean of the School of Public Affairs at American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Vanessa Haces-Gonzatti The graphic of the Honduran coat of arms is in the public domain.

(This is an episode of "Latin Pulse" from the program's archives that has not been previously available via SoundCloud and is available now during the program's summer hiatus. The historical and political insights included in this program prove to be useful, even after almost three years since they were broadcast online.) This week, Latin Pulse looks at both the upcoming Argentine elections and some of the themes of past weeks: economic reform and human rights in Cuba, the retreat of U.S. foreign policy from Latin America, and the quality of democracy in Venezuela. This program features discussion about the Argentine elections from political scientist Andrés Serbin in the context of the leftward tilt of much of Latin America. The program also features an in-depth interview about a new poll from Freedom House concerning reactions to Cuba's reform program. In-Depth Interviews: Daniel Calingaert of Freedom House; and Andres Serbin of CRIES. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Vanessa Haces-Gonzatti . The photo of Cuban President Raul Castro is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain.

(This is an episode of "Latin Pulse" from the program's archives that has not been previously available via SoundCloud and is available now during the program's summer hiatus. The historical and political insights included in this program prove to be useful, even after almost three years since they were broadcast online.) This week, "Latin Pulse" focuses on elections in Latin America: looking forward to presidential races next week in Guatemala and Nicaragua. Also, the program includes some perspective on the recent Argentine presidential race. This week's in-depth interviews feature an analysis of President Daniel Ortega's chances for re-election and the success of the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, along with a conversation with a leader from the Venezuelan youth movement, about the case of opposition candidate Leopoldo Lopez. In-Depth Interviews: Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue; and David Smolansky of Venezuela's Voluntad Popular. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Vanessa Haces-Gonzatti The photo of Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega is via Wikimedia Commons using a Creative Commons license: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Comandante_Daniel_Ortega_celebrando_su_triunfo_Presidencial.jpg

This week, "Latin Pulse" looks closely at Colombia: it's politics, elections, and the long civil war. The program gives a preview of this weekend's presidential runoff elections, discussing concerns that because there are several World Cup matches scheduled at the same time, voter turnout could be depressed. The program also looks at an investigative report that spelled out in detail a strategy in the civil war aimed at decimating the leadership of the rebel groups who oppose the Colombian government. The news segment this week covers the visit to the United States of Luis Guillermo Solis, the new president of Costa Rica. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Louis Goodman of American University; and Dana Priest of The Washington Post. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Elyssa Pachico. The photo of Alvaro Uribe, Colombia’s former president, and Oscar Ivan Zuluaga is from their political party, the Democratic Center and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV. http://www.american.edu/soc/ http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

Controversy in Honduras and the impact of Japanese emigrants on Latin America provide the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse. Next week, Honduras is set to inaugurate Juan Orlando Hernandez as the country's new president. But questions about the fall election that brought Hernandez to office linger, along with concerns about violence and further militarization of the country. The program also looks at how generations of Japanese emigrants have left their mark on Brazil, Peru and other parts of the region. The news segment of the program provides an update on drug violence in the Mexican state of Michoacan. The program includes interviews with: Alex Main of the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR); and Dan Masterson of the U.S. Naval Academy. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. The photo is of a Japanese postage stamp commemorating Japanese emigration to Brazil and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV. http://www.american.edu/soc/ http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

A controversial election and a controversial prisoner hold the primary focus on Latin Pulse this week. The election was held in Honduras, where opposition parties claim the National Party used fraud to stay in power. The way the election was carried out has some questioning whether reforms to bolster the rule of law are possible. The program also looks at the case of Alan Gross during the week he marked his fourth year incarcerated in Cuba. The program looks at how the Gross case is tied to the case of the Cuban Five and U.S. support for Cuban exile groups. The program includes interviews with: Adriana Beltran of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Bill LeoGrande of American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. The photo is from the election campaign of Juan Orlando Hernandez in Honduras and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV. http://www.american.edu/soc/ http://www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

Drugs and the Drug War are the central focus this week on "Latin Pulse." The program examines the proposed law in Uruguay that will legalize the use and sale of marijuana. The program also notes how Uruguay is using the experience of Colorado and Washington states in the U.S. as examples for how to shape its system. Also, the program includes an interview with the author of "Midnight in Mexico," about immigration and the Drug War. The news segment of the program covers the new trial for the oil company Chevron to dispute damage findings by indigenous groups in Ecuador. The program includes interviews with: John Walsh of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Alfredo Corchado of The Dallas Morning News & the author of Midnight in Mexico. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. The graphic is from the Uruguayan branch of the non-profit activist group Cultiva Tus Derechos and is used here following fair use guidelines for promotional materials: www.facebook.com/ctduruguay “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is affiliated with the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), and with Link TV. www.american.edu/soc/ www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

This week, "Latin Pulse" shines a light on the situation for the media in Latin America and threats to free speech. The program looks at how indigenous groups in Guatemala are disenfranchised when it comes to running public media outlets. Also, the program includes a discussion about current state threats to free media and how media outlets are often now seen as replacing opposition parties in some parts of the region. The news segment of the program covers the speech of Brazil's President Dilma Rousseff at the United Nations and how she condemned the United States for its espionage programs. The program includes interviews with: John Dinges of Columbia University; and Mark Camp of Cultural Survival. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. The photo is from the International Center for Journalists and is used here with permission: http://www.flickr.com/photos/21531040@N07/3343687965/in/photolist-66tgWv-5XRrvQ-4SvEp-7aFc1a-bCGyph-9tZnkr-8Dva2d-6ixqj7-4EaREo-cDf9zG-cDfbfY-cDfa4u-cDfaQ7-cDf9Zo-cDf9CG-cDfbz9-cDfa7d-cDfapU-cDfaaj-cDfbe7-cDfbam-cDf9Sh-cDf9nG-cDf9Us-cDfay3-cDfanq-cDfaUJ-cDfbry-cDfb59-cDf9do-cDfaiu-cDfaBb-cDfbBj-cDf9rY-cDfafN-cDf9Jh-cDfbuY-cDfaK9-f6Ro1-cDfzVd-cDfAkS-cDfB4h-cDfAuJ-cDfARJ-cDfAPN-cDfzT3-cDfAgh-cDfB6Q-cDfBhU-cDfAHu-cDfA3A “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is affiliated with the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), and Link TV. www.american.edu/soc/ www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

This week, the second anniversary of Latin Pulse has the program looking at a variety of topics. Listen in and you can hear discussion of telenovelas, politics, diplomacy, economics, censorship, human rights, and corruption. The program also covers plenty of geographic territory, including discussion of Venezuela, Cuba, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, and Chile. The program includes out-takes from previous programs and selections from the favorite interviews of the audience. The news segment of the program covers the postponement this week of the U.S.-Brazil summit, due to revelations of U.S. spying on Brazil's president and on the state oil monopoly Petrobras. The program includes interviews with: Carolina Acosta-Alzuru of the University of Georgia; Dan Hellinger of Webster University; Bill LeoGrande of American University; Mark Schneider of the International Crisis Group; Francisco Robles Rivera of Universidad Nacional and Universidad de Costa Rica; Manuel Suarez-Mier of American University; Adriana Beltran of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Rev. Joe Eldridge of American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. This program includes excerpts and out-takes from the following programs: https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/militarizing-police-honduras-remember-chile-coup-lp8292013 https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/analyzing-obama-trip-mexico-costa-rica-lp5022013 https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/hugo-chavez-his-legacy-lp3082013 https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/cuban-visa-reforms-obama-latin-america-agenda-lp1182013 https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/telenovela-special-lp11162012 “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV. www.american.edu/soc/ www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

Wrapping up a series of special reports on Venezuela, "Latin Pulse" looks at a variety of topics across the Venezuelan political landscape, including the role of the military, police, crime, human rights, corruption, and economics. The program also includes more discussion of accusations by the Venezuelan government that the United States is involved in economic destabilization of the Venezuelan government. The news segment of the program looks at reaction in Chile to the 40th anniversary this week of the coup by Gen. Augusto Pinochet in both Chile and in Washington, D.C. The program also includes a commentary on Chile. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Hugo Perez Hernaiz of Universidad Catolica & Universidad Central de Venezuela; and George Ciccariello-Maher of Drexel University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell and Associate Producer: Megan Ekhaml. (The photo is from teleSUR, the non-profit, intra-governmental television network based in Venezuela, and is in the public domain: www.telesurtv.net/ ) “Latin Pulse” is produced at American University’s School of Communication. This program is sponsored by the university’s Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS), in association with Link TV. www.american.edu/soc/ 
www.american.edu/clals/latin-pulse.cfm

Uruguay electrified the global debate concerning the Drug War this week, as its Chamber of Deputies approved a law that would make the country the first in the world to completely legalize the use and distribution of the drug. This week, Latin Pulse concentrates on the progressive trends in Uruguay. Beyond liberalizing marijuana laws, the discussion also covers the debates over abortion and same sex marriage in Uruguay. This program also concludes the three-part series of discussions with Uruguay's human rights ombudsman. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Gabriela Santini of Uruguay's Teledoce; and Juan Raul Ferreira, the Human Rights Ombudsman of Uruguay. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Production Assistant: Alexia Campbell Associate Producer: Curt Devine. The graphic is from the Uruguayan branch of the non-profit activist group Cultiva Tus Derechos and is used here following fair use guidelines for promotional materials: https://www.facebook.com/ctduruguay The other parts of our series with Juan Raul Ferreira can be heard by following these links. Part I: https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/reflections-human-rights-uruguay-beyond-lp5242013 Part II: https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/remembering-operation-condor-lp6212013

"Latin Pulse" takes various paths this week to analyze several important issues arising during June. The program includes a focus on the protests that have struck Brazil during the past month. The driving forces behind these wide-ranging protests are complex and demonstrate the various policies that Brazilians want changed, including less corruption and less police brutality. The other central focus of the program covers the diplomatic discussions between the United States and Venezuela to normalize relations between the countries. The news segment covers the passage of immigration reform by the U.S. Senate. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Matt Taylor of American University; and David Smilde of the University of Georgia. (David Smilde is also of the editor of the blog, Venezuelan Politics & Human Rights, which is sponsored by the Washington Office on Latin America: http://venezuelablog.tumblr.com/ ) Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Curt Devine. The photo of street protestors in Brazil is by Fernando Henrique C. de Oliveira of Belo Horizonte via Flickr using a Creative Commons license: www.flickr.com/photos/leftyjoe/9092527969/

The surprising results of the snap Venezuelan presidential election and the violence that followed provide one theme for this week's edition of Latin Pulse. The program includes two interviews reacting to the outcome, including a former U.S. ambassador to Venezuela. The program also looks at the issues facing Venezuela's new president. The other central theme of the program is a look forward at this weekend's elections in Paraguay, which includes the comeback of that country's powerful Colorado Party. The news segment of the program reviews the details of the recently unveiled bipartisan immigration reform proposal in the United States Senate. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Charles Shapiro of the Institute of the Americas; Dr. Christopher Sabatini of the Americas Society/Council of the Americas; and Dr. Peter Lambert of the University of Bath. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Curt Devine. The photo of pro-government supporters demonstrating in Caracas is from Iran’s Press TV and is in the public domain.

The death of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez resonated globally this week and this episode of Latin Pulse focuses on Chavez and his legacy. The program looks at the positives and negatives attached to the Chavez government. Some of the program looks at the outcomes of the Chavez social programs in Venezuela. The discussion also covers Venezuelan politics after Chavez. The program also looks at the potential for diplomatic change between the United States and Venezuela in the post-Chavez era. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Daniel Hellinger of Webster University and the Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA); Eric Hershberg of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); and Fulton Armstrong of American University's CLALS. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Curt Devine. The file photo of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.

Cuba's new travel policies and the future of Cuban diplomatic relations with the United States are the primary focus of the discussion this week on Latin Pulse. The program also reviews the latest reforms coming from Raul Castro in Cuba. The program also takes a wide-ranging look at how President Barack Obama's second term might spell out some differences in U.S. policies toward Latin America moving forward. Topics covered include: immigration, the Drug War, and U.S. relations with Venezuela. In-depth interviews in this program: Bill Leogrande of American University; and Mark Schneider of the International Crisis Group. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Curt Devine. The photo is by flippinyank via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/26326001@N08/3093235732/

Latin Pulse focuses on the weakness of some democracies in Latin America this week with a special program devoted to how constitutions are being bent to the will of some powerful forces. The program discusses what are called "express coups" and the details of controversial governmental change in Paraguay and Honduras. The program also looks at the judicial crisis in El Salvador which some characterized as a constitutional crisis. The news segment of the program covers the Caravan for Peace that wound its way from Tijuana to Washington, D.C., lobbying for policy changes in the Drug War. In-Depth Interviews: Fulton Armstrong of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies (CLALS) at American University, and Geoff Thale of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Writers: Jordan D'eri and Colin Campbell The photo of former President Fernando Lugo of Paraguay is from the World Economic Forum via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/worldeconomicforum/4503563360/ The photo is by Edgar Alberto Domínguez Cataño for the World Economic Forum and is from an economic conference in Colombia in 2010.

"Latin Pulse" comes remotely from Mexico this week, with presidential politics taking center stage. Mexico will select a new president this weekend with the PRI's Enrique Pena Nieto leading the polls. And this week, the decision by Paraguay's parliament to impeach and then remove President Fernando Lugo has caused diplomatic waves throughout Latin America. The entire program is focused on these important presidential changes. In-Depth Interviews: José "Pepé" Carreño of "Excelsior," and Eric Hershberg of the Center for Latin American and Latino Studies at American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Lydia Beyoud The photo of Enrique Pena Nieto of the PRI is from Arturo Alfaro Galán of Puebla, Mexico via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/alfarogalan/7399170430/

This week, the controversial case of Venezuelan opposition presidential candidate Leopoldo Lopez took an interesting turn as he dropped from the race to throw his support to rival Henrique Capriles Radonski. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights had ruled that Lopez should be allowed to run for office and have his rights restored after a move by the Venezuelan government to suspend him due to unproven charges of corruption. After the court ruling, the Venezuelan government announced Lopez would be allowed on the ballot but if he won uncertainties remained if he would be allowed to take office. These questions may yet re-emerge if Lopez becomes Capriles' running mate. This week's Latin Pulse focuses on this complex case and other controversies between Venezuela, Ecuador and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. The program also features an in-depth interview about the issue of extractive commodities in the Amazon rainforest. In-Depth Interviews: Claudio Grossman of the Washington College of Law at American University; and Eve Bratman of American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Vanessa Haces Gonzatti The photo is from Leopoldo Lopez' campaign and is in the public domain. (The program is 30 minutes in length and the file size is 28 MB.) For updates on some of this material, please see: http://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/lp21012 ; http://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/lp3092012 ; and http://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/lp5112012

The first program of the new year examines how Mexico and other Latin American countries may provide a financial buffer in the global financial crisis. Can Mexico, Brazil, Peru and other countries come to the aid of Europe? This edition of Latin Pulse, also looks at the new multinational diplomatic organization the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC, by its Spanish acronym) and what that means for the Organization of American States (OAS). The program's news segment deals with the legal finding in Ecuador against Chevron for polluting the Amazon. In-Depth Interviews: Manuel Suarez-Mier of American University; and Anthony Quainton of American University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell Associate Producer: Lydia Beyoud The photo is by Eduardo Gutierrez de Oliveira of Madrid, Spain via Flickr, using a Creative Commons license: http://www.flickr.com/photos/eduo/4100529889/