Ecuador: Protests Against Free Trade Reach Critical Juncture
The Ecuadorian government declared a state of emergency on Tuesday, March 21 after countrywide protests and roadblocks led by indigenous peasants intensified.
Articles by Upside Down World
Water Law and Indigenous Rights in the Andes
In Andean countries, widespread protests over violations of traditional rights have resulted in creative reform proposals to secure indigenous water rights and water system management.
Clashes Over Global Water Policy in Mexico City
Every three years the World Water Council – a non-governmental entity based in Marseilles, France – holds the World Water Forum (WWF), an enormous event whose 4th incarnation is taking place now, between March 16 and 22, in Mexico City. This year’s gathering has already been marked by conflict and controversy.
Canadian Mining Co. Faces Setbacks in Ecuador
Canadian mining company Ascendant Copper has faced a litany of setbacks in recent weeks in their efforts to open a large-scale copper mine in the Intag region of Ecuador according to reports from Defensa y […]
Brazil and Guatemala Strengthen Ties
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva hosted a meeting Monday with Guatemala President Oscar Berger. The two countries reached a defense agreement that will allow the exchange of technology, intelligence and personnel (for training […]
U.S.-Peru FTA in Jeopardy
A trade agreement between the United States and Peru could be rejected in Congress because of Peru’s weak labor record and the agreement’s lack of labor provisions. Like CAFTA (which passed by only two votes […]
U.S. Meddling in Peruvian Presidential Race?
Something smells funny about the recent denunciation of maverick Peruvian presidential candidate Ollanta Humala for alleged human rights violations. Before the accusations, Humala was riding high as the leading candidate in Peru’s presidential elections. Investigations […]
FMLN Gains in El Salvador Elections Despite Lackluster Turnout
El Salvadorans cast ballots in 262 city mayoral races and elected 84 representatives to the national Legislative Assembly on Sunday, March 12. Despite being outspent 20-1 by the right wing ARENA party in the electoral campaign, the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) gained a seat or two in the National Assembly and looked likely to regain the mayor’s office in the capital city of San Salvador. Nationwide turnout approached 50%. […]
Latin America’s Leftist Shift: Hopes and Challenges
Within the last six years in