战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Highlights,-Volume-VII,-Issue-4_6页_147kb

HEMISPHERE HIGHLIGHTS Summary

Core Content

This summary outlines key political, security, and economic developments in the Americas during April 2008. It includes events from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean (Haiti), Central America (Guatemala), South America (Colombia and Ecuador), and Argentina, with a focus on international relations, drug-related violence, government stability, and economic policies.

Main Events and Key Information

Canada

• NATO Summit: Prime Minister Stephen Harper attended the 20th NATO Summit in Bucharest, aiming to secure additional troops for Afghanistan.
• French Contribution: France pledged an additional battalion of 800 soldiers to eastern Afghanistan, which could allow the U.S. to send 1,000 troops to Kandahar in November.
• Manley Commission: The Canadian government remains hopeful about meeting the Manley commission's requirement of 1,000 additional troops by February 2009, though the French pledge doesn't directly fulfill it.
• Afghanistan Mission: Canada's leadership role in the mission was praised by NATO allies, including Condoleezza Rice and Liam Fox.

Mexico

• Drug Violence: Drug-related violence has escalated significantly, with over 1,000 murders since January 2008, and Ciudad Juárez seeing over 230 murders, 10 times more than the previous year.
• Government Response: President Felipe Calderón deployed over 25,000 troops and federal police to combat drug trafficking, though this has not curbed the violence.
• Public Support: Despite criticism from human rights groups, the use of military in the drug war is popular with the Mexican public.

Caribbean (Haiti)

• Food Crisis: A food shortage and price increase crisis led to violent protests and the resignation of Prime Minister Jacques Edouard Alexis.
• New Leadership: President René Préval appointed Ericq Pierre as the new prime minister, who awaits Senate confirmation.
• Economic Impact: The government announced a $10 million subsidy from the World Bank to lower rice prices by 15.7%.
• Public Frustration: The violence reflects deep frustrations among Haitians due to years of international intervention with minimal tangible progress.

Central America (Guatemala)

• President Colom's Agenda: President Alvaro Colom outlined a "government of transformation" focusing on poverty reduction, economic growth, and security reform.
• Security Challenges: Police reform and combating narcotraficking are key security concerns, with only a small net gain in police personnel.
• International Cooperation: Colom emphasized cooperation with the U.S. and Mexico on drug issues and the importance of the Mérida Initiative.
• CICIG Commitment: He pledged to fight impunity for past human rights violations and ensure such abuses do not recur.

South America (Colombia and Ecuador)

• Colombian Congress Investigation: 68 members of the National Congress are under investigation for links to paramilitary groups, with 32 in jail. This has led to an institutional crisis.
• Justice and Peace Law: The law, interpreted as a form of plea bargaining, is criticized for lack of transparency and not meeting U.S. standards.
• Ecuador's Mining Moratorium: The Constitutional Assembly suspended most mining operations for 180 days to prepare new legislation, revoking over 75% of current concessions.
• Correa's Policies: President Rafael Correa aims to increase state control over natural resources, including mining, and has faced resistance from the military and business sectors.
• U.S. Military Lease: Correa announced he would not renew the 10-year lease for a U.S. Forward Operating Location, raising concerns about U.S. influence in the armed forces.

Argentina

• Economic Minister Resignation: Martin Lousteau resigned after increasing export duties on major crops, sparking widespread farm protests.
• Truce and Negotiations: A 30-day truce between the government and agricultural representatives was extended, with renewed negotiations underway.
• Economic Context: High export prices benefit the economy, but they also lead to inflation and pressure on domestic food prices.

Key Themes

• Security Challenges: Drug-related violence remains a major concern across the region, particularly in Mexico and Colombia.
• Political Instability: The events in Haiti and Colombia highlight the fragility of political systems in the face of social and economic pressures.
• Economic Policies: Export duties, mining regulations, and food subsidies are central to the economic strategies of several countries.
• International Relations: The role of international organizations (e.g., NATO, World Bank, CSIS) and bilateral relationships (e.g., U.S.-Mexico, U.S.-Colombia) are crucial in shaping national policies.

Contributing Authors

• Peter DeShazo
• Lowell Fleischer
• Jessica B. Horwitz
• Phillip McLean
• Johanna Mendelson-Forman
• Carlos M. Regúnaga
• Michelle Housworth
• Sarah McCune

Disclaimer

Hemisphere Highlights is a publication of the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a nonpartisan and nonproprietary research institution. The views expressed are solely those of the authors.