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HEMISPHERE HIGHLIGHTS Summary (May 2009)

Core Content

This issue of Hemisphere Highlights provides an overview of political, social, and economic developments across the Western Hemisphere, with a focus on North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. It includes updates on policy implementations, security operations, international relations, and the impact of political figures on regional dynamics.

Upcoming Events

• June 19: Cuba Outlook Series 6: "Grassroots Politics and Cuba's Communist Party"
• May 8: Cuba Outlook Series 5: "Social Factors in Cuba"
• May 11: "A Smart Power Approach to the United Nations"
• May 22: "Outlook for Venezuela's Economy: 2009 and Beyond"

North America

Canada

• The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) came into effect on June 1, requiring enhanced identification for U.S. border crossings.
• Accepted forms of ID include NEXIS, SENTRI, Global Entry, FAST passes, enhanced driver's licenses, and passport cards.
• Compliance at Canadian checkpoints is estimated at 80-90%.
• Concerns exist about the policy's impact on tourism and trade, with only 50% of Canadians and 30% of Americans holding valid passports.
• The WHTI is expected to have a greater impact on the U.S.-Mexico border, which saw 216 million crossings in 2008, compared to 72 million at the Canada-U.S. border.

Caribbean

Haiti

• Bill Clinton was appointed as the UN Special Envoy to Haiti in mid-May.
• His mission aims to attract investment, create jobs, and address environmental issues, while also promoting collaboration between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.
• Haiti faces ongoing corruption, violent crime, and climate change challenges.
• The Clinton Global Initiative will be used to mobilize resources and attention to Haiti's recovery.
• The UN peace operation (MINUSTAH) continues to provide security in the country.

Central America

Guatemala

• A scandal erupted after lawyer Rodrigo Rosenberg was shot, with his video foretelling his death allegedly linked to President Álvaro Colom.
• The video claimed that Khalil Musa, a businessman, was murdered to prevent exposure of corruption in Banrural, a state-owned bank.
• The incident has led to mass protests and international attention to the level of corruption and violence in Guatemala.
• Social media played a significant role in organizing protests and controversy, as seen in the case of Jean Ramses Anleu Fernández, who was arrested for inciting a financial panic via a Twitter message.

El Salvador

• Mauricio Funes, the president-elect, met with Hugo Chávez of Venezuela to strengthen bilateral ties.
• A bilateral agreement is being developed to increase oil supplies and support social programs in El Salvador.
• The agreement includes a 40% investment in social programs for every dollar paid in oil.
• Critics worry that Venezuela's influence may affect Funes's presidency, but he has emphasized integration with Central America and strengthening ties with the U.S..
• Funes has already engaged with leaders of Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Argentina, and other Central American countries.

South America

Panama

• Ricardo Martinelli won the presidential election on May 3, defeating Balbina Herrera with 61% of the vote.
• Martinelli's ideological shift away from anti-U.S. sentiment marks Panama's departure from center-left leadership in the region.
• His platform focused on political reform, transparency, and economic recovery through infrastructure investment.
• Panama has experienced high growth rates (over 10%) due to luxury real estate, banking sector growth, and U.S.-Asia trade via the Panama Canal.
• The U.S.-Panama trade promotion agreement remains unratified in the U.S. Congress, a point of bilateral friction.

Colombia

• Juan Manuel Santos, the Minister of Defense, resigned on May 18, signaling the start of the 2010 presidential election race.
• Santos was known for his strategic leadership in improving the Colombian military and disrupting FARC.
• He is a potential successor to President Álvaro Uribe, though his chances are uncertain due to lack of political charisma.
• Uribe has declined to run for a third term, and Santos's resignation opens the door for a political shift in Colombia.

Venezuela

• The Venezuelan intelligence police raided the offices of Globovision, an opposition TV station, on May 21.
• The raid was caught on camera, and the station is accused of irregularities at two Toyota dealerships.
• President Hugo Chávez labeled the station as engaging in "media terrorism" and ordered an investigation.
• Globovision is the only remaining broadcast TV station in Venezuela that opposes Chávez.
• The 2004 Law on Social Responsibility allows the government to suspend or revoke licenses for media outlets deemed disruptive.
• The government may shut down Globovision by refusing to renew its license, which could signal a shift toward authoritarianism.

Key Issues and Trends

• Travel and Security: The WHTI has been implemented with minimal confusion, but concerns remain about its impact on tourism and trade.
• Corruption and Violence: Countries like Guatemala and Haiti continue to face serious challenges in combating corruption and violence.
• Political Shifts: El Salvador and Panama are moving toward closer ties with the U.S., while Venezuela remains under media control by the government.
• Economic and Social Development: The focus is on economic recovery, social programs, and international cooperation.
• Social Media Impact: The role of social media in organizing protests and sparking controversy is increasingly significant in Latin America.

Contributing Authors

• Katherine E. Bliss
• Johanna Mendelson Forman
• Phillip McLean
• Jessica Horwitz
• Mariel Caille
• Thomas Cook
• Margaret Frost
• Jessica Marsh

Publisher Information

• Hemisphere Highlights is published monthly by the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
• CSIS is a private, nonpartisan research institution focusing on international policy.
• The publication does not take specific policy positions and presents diverse viewpoints from its contributors.