战略与国际研究中心-Hemisphere-Highlights,-Volume-VIII-Issue-10_8页_555kb

HEMISPHERE HIGHLIGHTS Summary

Core Content

This summary presents a collection of current events and political developments across various regions of the Americas, focusing on issues related to security, health, elections, and economic policy. The report is divided into sections covering North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, with detailed analyses of events in Mexico, Haiti, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Peru, Venezuela, and Chile.

Main Points

Mexico

• Drug Violence and UN Request: Local entrepreneurs in Ciudad Juárez are concerned about drug-related violence, which has led to 1,986 homicides in the city through October 2009, representing a third of all murders in Mexico. They have called for UN peacekeeping assistance, but the Mexican government, led by President Felipe Calderón, has rejected foreign intervention, emphasizing that the military's efforts are sufficient.
• Dengue Outbreak: Mexico has reported 55 confirmed cases of dengue fever, with speculation that up to 105,000 people may be infected. The disease has seen a 50% increase in cases in Veracruz. The government is implementing fumigation programs, though resistance in mosquitoes has reduced their effectiveness. The Ministry of Health has established 73 health centers to manage the crisis.

Haiti

• Prime Minister Change: Jean-Max Bellerive was appointed as Haiti's sixth prime minister since 2004, following the removal of Michele Pierre-Louis. This transition was swift and may be part of a political strategy to influence the upcoming legislative elections in February 2010.
• Election and Constitutional Changes: The fast scheduling of elections and the potential exclusion of the Lavalas Party (FL) from the process are seen as part of a broader plan to reshape the 1987 Constitution, which is considered a barrier to effective governance.

El Salvador

• Flood Crisis: Unprecedented rains caused by Hurricane Ida led to severe damage and displacement of over 14,000 people. The government has established more than 100 shelters and dispatched 400 health professionals to set up 73 health centers.
• Health Risks: Overcrowded shelters and cold weather increase the risk of epidemics, particularly dengue, diarrhea, and respiratory infections. The Ministry of Health is prioritizing food safety and disease prevention.

Nicaragua

• Constitutional Ruling: The Supreme Court ruled that Article 147 of the 1987 Constitution, which limits presidential and mayoral terms, is inapplicable to President Daniel Ortega and 109 Sandinista mayors. This allows Ortega to seek another term in 2011.
• Political Backlash: The ruling has drawn criticism from opposition parties and the U.S. Department of State, which called it a threat to democracy. Supporters of Ortega have retaliated against the U.S. Embassy, indicating the political tension.

Peru and Chile

• Espionage Allegations: Peru accused Chile of espionage after the arrest of a Peruvian Air Force officer who allegedly sold military secrets to Chilean agents. The incident has worsened already strained relations between the two countries.
• Military Tensions: The alleged espionage follows the Salitre 2009 military exercise, which was a source of controversy. Peru's foreign minister has warned Chile to investigate and punish those responsible.

Venezuela

• Water and Electricity Shortages: A severe drought, exacerbated by El Niño, has led to rationing of water and electricity. The government blames overconsumption by the upper classes, while critics point to infrastructure deficiencies.
• Policy Measures: President Chávez has implemented measures such as reducing public sector energy use, banning inefficient imports, and encouraging private energy production. Despite these efforts, public support for the government has declined.

Chile

• LNG Export Policy: Chile has authorized the duty-free sale of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Argentina and other Latin American countries. The country is developing two land-based LNG terminals, which could supply energy to the north and support mining and electrical generation.
• Mapuche Relations: The Mapuche, Chile's largest indigenous group, have proposed "Plan Araucanía" to improve socioeconomic development in the region. The plan includes multicultural education, a development agency, and increased access to credit. Recent attacks by the Mapuche militant group, CAM, suggest ongoing tensions and a desire for attention amid upcoming elections.

Key Information

• Drug Violence: Ciudad Juárez has one of the highest murder rates in Mexico, with 1,986 homicides through October 2009.
• Health Crises: Dengue and H1N1 are major concerns in Mexico and El Salvador, with significant public health impacts.
• Political Instability: Haiti continues to face political instability, with frequent changes in leadership and a complex constitutional agenda.
• Infrastructure Issues: Venezuela's energy and water shortages highlight long-term infrastructure problems.
• Energy Trends: Chile's LNG policy reflects a shift in energy sourcing in the Southern Cone, with Brazil and Argentina also developing LNG capabilities.
• Indigenous Rights: The Mapuche in Chile are seeking improved socioeconomic conditions and better relations with the government through proposed development plans.

Authors

• Peter DeShazo, Director
• Johanna Mendelson Forman, Senior Associate
• Duncan Wood, Senior Associate, Simon Chair
• Clement Carrington, Intern-Scholar
• Zachary Bedard, Intern-Scholar
• Timothy Stackhouse, Intern-Scholar
• Roxanna Vigil, Intern-Scholar
• David Angel, Intern-Scholar
• Michael Graybeal, Intern-Scholar

Publisher

• Hemisphere Highlights is published monthly by the Americas Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), a nonpartisan and nonproprietary research institution.