Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed concern to CBS News that Venezuela would “implode” under prolonged U.S. control, specifically referencing comments made by former President Trump. Petro’s statement was a reaction to Trump’s suggestion of extended U.S. oversight over Venezuela’s resources. The Colombian president also highlighted the broader implications of U.S. control, critiquing the notion that the United States has a right over Latin American resources. Despite the tensions, Petro and Trump spoke, which seemingly eased relations, leading to an invitation to the White House.
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After Venezuela operation, Trump says the whole hemisphere is in play. Well, that’s quite a statement, isn’t it? It seems the former president is signaling something significant, perhaps a broader strategic vision for the Americas. The implications are… well, they’re vast, to say the least. This goes beyond just a single operation, Venezuela or otherwise. It’s about a claimed sphere of influence, a shift in global power dynamics, and a potential reshaping of international relations in our own backyard.
One immediate reaction is the concern it stirs up. The idea of the “whole hemisphere” being “in play” evokes images of potential interventionism, of a more assertive US foreign policy.… Continue reading
Following the surprise abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, former President Donald Trump hinted at potential future actions in Latin America. Trump raised concerns about Mexico, alleging it is controlled by drug cartels, and warned Colombian President Gustavo Petro about his country’s cocaine production, suggesting that he needs to “watch his a–.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio also threatened Cuba, suggesting it played a role in Venezuela’s problems, while Trump himself indicated a willingness to address the situation in Cuba as well. The former president then stated that additional strikes would be carried out in Venezuela if the situation did not change.
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China is heavily investing in Latin American infrastructure, particularly ports, to secure its supply of agricultural products like soybeans, shifting trade away from the United States. This investment is exemplified by projects such as the Port of Chancay in Peru and expansions at the Port of Santos in Brazil. Consequently, while Latin American exports to China are booming, U.S. port traffic, especially for soybean exports, has significantly declined. Despite a recent trade agreement between the U.S. and China, the shift is negatively impacting American farmers, who face an uncertain future in the global soybean market.
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Jose Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate, has secured victory in Chile’s presidential run-off election, marking a significant win for the right wing in Latin America. Kast’s success, which saw him defeat the center-left coalition candidate, is part of a trend of right-wing leaders gaining power in the region. He campaigned on promises of addressing voter concerns about crime, immigration, and the economy. Kast’s victory is historic, marking the first time since the end of the Pinochet dictatorship that such a conservative government will be in power.
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The Vatican has updated its administrative rules, marking a shift away from Latin as the primary official language. Article 50 of the new regulations allows for the use of other languages, a change from the previous requirement that documents be written in Latin “as a rule”. This reflects a broader trend of diminishing Latin’s importance within the Catholic Church, where masses have long been conducted in local languages. While papal doctrinal letters are still published in Latin, official communications are now often released in English, Italian, Spanish, and French, with Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff, fluent in several languages including Latin.
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The USS Gerald R Ford, the U.S. Navy’s newest and largest aircraft carrier, has arrived in the U.S. Southern Command’s area of responsibility, escalating military tensions with Venezuela. This deployment, along with other U.S. warships, a submarine, and aircraft, represents a significant military buildup, purportedly aimed at combating drug trafficking. In response, the Venezuelan government has also mobilized its military, viewing the U.S. presence as a major threat and accusing the U.S. of fabricating a new war. Meanwhile, regional leaders have responded cautiously, with a summit declaration rejecting the use of force, though some nations, like Venezuela, are holding a firm line against the U.S. presence.
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Newly revealed documents show ExxonMobil funded right-wing think tanks, such as the Atlas Network, to spread climate change denial throughout Latin America, hindering support for UN climate treaties. This initiative involved translating denialist materials, sponsoring speaking engagements for American climate skeptics, and facilitating connections with local media and politicians. The goal, according to internal communications, was to influence developing nations and foster skepticism about the urgency of climate action. Despite efforts to remain anonymous, the documents, including checks, underscore Exxon’s strategy to undermine global climate efforts through strategic financial investments.
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In a significant military escalation, the U.S. is deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the waters off South America. This move, announced by the Pentagon, aims to enhance the U.S.’s ability to counter illicit activities. Simultaneously, the military has intensified strikes on suspected drug-running vessels, with the most recent targeting the Tren de Aragua gang. These actions, coupled with increased military presence and rhetoric comparing the drug crackdown to the war on terror, have sparked concerns and speculation regarding the administration’s intentions in the region.
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Measles cases are surging across Latin America, fueled by outbreaks in North America and a global rise in cases due to low vaccination rates and misinformation. The US, experiencing a significant outbreak, has raised concerns in Latin America due to unequal access to healthcare and the influence of anti-vaccine sentiment. Countries like Mexico and Bolivia are struggling with imported cases, prompting vaccination campaigns and emergency measures, but herd immunity remains a challenge. Despite efforts to increase vaccination rates, disparities persist, exacerbated by vaccine hesitancy and the spread of misinformation, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and public health initiatives.
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John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood