战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Highlights,-Volume-IX-Issue-1_7页_594kb

HEMISPHERE HIGHLIGHTS Summary

Core Content

Hemisphere Highlights is a monthly publication by the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), focusing on political, social, and economic developments across the Americas. The January 2010 issue covers events in North America, Central America, the Andean Region, and the Southern Cone, highlighting ongoing challenges and shifts in governance, human rights, and international relations.

Main Points and Key Information

North America

Canada

• Prime Minister Stephen Harper suspended Parliament until March, drawing protests and criticism from opposition parties.
• The move was justified as a "routine constitutional matter" to allow the minority government to adjust its economic agenda.
• The Liberal Party and NDP sought to use the decision to rally against Harper, with the NDP proposing to limit the use of prerogative powers.
• Public opinion is not heavily engaged with the issue, especially with the upcoming Vancouver Winter Olympics.
• The political cost for Harper is expected to be minimal.

Mexico

• Pemex, Mexico's state-owned oil company, failed to meet production goals in the Chicontepec region for the third consecutive year.
• National oil production in 2009 was the lowest since 1990, with a 6.8% decline from 2008.
• The Cantarell oil field, once the largest in the country, produced fewer than 600,000 barrels per day in 2009.
• The Ku-Maloob-Zaap region saw increased production but is expected to decline in the near future.
• Operación Coordinada Chihuahua plans to reduce the military presence in Ciudad Juárez and increase federal police involvement.
• Despite some successes in capturing cartel members, human rights violations by the military remain a concern, with reports from Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.
• Mexico City legalized same-sex marriage and adoption, sparking debate and opposition from the Catholic Church and conservative groups.
• The move is part of a broader trend of legal reforms in the region, with similar policies in Canada, Uruguay, and Brazil.

Central America

Honduras

• The country remains divided over the forced removal of President Manuel Zelaya in 2009.
• The Supreme Court attempted to charge military officials for abuse of power but the case was dismissed due to lack of criminal intent.
• The PAN party and Attorney General Arturo Chávez Chávez challenged the legality of the legislation allowing same-sex marriage in Mexico City.
• The new president, Porfirio Lobo, faces challenges in uniting the country after the political turmoil.

Andean Region

Colombia

• U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James Steinberg visited Colombia, signaling a shift from past drug-focused policies to a broader strategic alliance.
• The U.S. and Colombia have expanded cooperation in security, intelligence, and counterterrorism.
• Colombia has provided military training to the U.S. in other regions and offered a bases agreement.
• The visit included a private meeting between Steinberg and President Álvaro Uribe, highlighting U.S. concerns over human rights abuses and Uribe's potential third term.

Southern Cone

Argentina

• A dispute between President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner and Central Bank President Martín Redrado over the use of reserves triggered an institutional crisis.
• Kirchner issued a decree to use reserves for a debt fund, which Redrado refused to comply with.
• The conflict escalated when Kirchner removed Redrado from his position, leading to legal challenges and opposition accusations of conspiracy.
• A bicameral commission is set to address the issue, highlighting ongoing power struggles within the government.

Brazil

• The Lula administration proposed a truth commission to investigate human rights violations during the military regime (1964-1985).
• The initiative sparked a cabinet conflict, with Defense Minister Nelson Jobim and the military threatening resignation.
• The commission's focus was initially criticized for not addressing abuses by leftist groups, but Lula later revised the proposal to avoid controversy.
• The Brazilian Catholic Church criticized the program for decriminalizing abortion and allowing gay civil unions.
• The incident revealed ideological tensions within Lula's government and raised concerns about future conflicts.

Contributing Authors

• Peter DeShazo – Director
• Katherine E. Bliss – Deputy Director
• Phillip McLean – Senior Associate
• Timothy Stackhouse, Ford Tanner, Seetha Ramanathan, Roxanna Vigil, and Michael Graybeal – Intern-Scholars