Europe Becoming Poorer?

The Eurozone is falling further behind the United States.

China Calling in its Loans to Poor Countries

Debt-trap diplomacy has finally come home to roost.

The Qatar World Cup and Broad Drawing Conclusions From Unique Events

Sports fans enjoy watching sports. How much does politics impact that?

Latin America and Covid-19

The pandemic is having serious effects in the region, and they will persist for some time.

White House Coronavirus Update Briefing President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House COVID-19 Coronavirus task force, delivers remarks and answers questions from members of the press during a coronavirus update briefing Thursday, April 16, 2020, in the James S. Brady White House Press Briefing Room. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian) White House Coronavirus Update Briefing President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House COVID-19 Coronavirus task force, delivers remarks and answers questions from members of the press during a coronavirus update briefing Thursday, April 16, 2020, in the James S. Brady White House Press Briefing Room. (Official White House Photo by Joyce N. Boghosian)

I’m Sorry, What?

Trump made some odd suggestions on today’s Aló Presidente.

Chelsea Manning Heads Back To Jail

Not surprisingly, Chelsea Manning is headed back to jail for her refusal to answer questions before a Federal Grand Jury investigating Julian Assange and Wikileaks.

Chelsea Manning Released From Jail, But It Won’t Last For Long

Chelsea Manning, who was being held in jail for refusing to comply with a Grand Jury subpoena, was released yesterday but it’s likely to only be a temporary freedom.

Julian Assange Arrested

The Wikileaks founder has been detained by London authorities after 7 years hiding in Ecuador’s embassy.

Venezuelan Crisis Enters A New Stage

The situation in Venezuela entered a new stage yesterday as opposition leader Juan Guaidó claimed the nation’s Presidency.

Federal Government Inadvertently Reveals Sealed Indictment Against Julian Assange

A filing in an unrelated case has apparently revealed the existence of a sealed indictment against Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Changes in Turkey

By a narrow margin, Turks voted for some significant changes.

Background on the FARC (and Remembering the FARC’s Terrible, Horrible, no Good, very Bad Year+)

The seeds of the current peace deal date back to 2007-2008 (plus some longer-term background notes).

Marriage Equality Is Coming To Mexico

Thanks largely to a series of court decisions, same-sex marriage is effectively legal in all of Mexico.

Second Term Blues?

The sixth year of a presidency leads to some predictable commentary (and some comparative notes).

Should We Let 16 And 17 Year Olds Vote?

After success in Scotland, it may be time to consider allowing at least some teenagers to vote.

Colombia’s Presidential Elections

Looking back at the first round and forward to the second.

Edward Snowden: I Was More Than Just A ‘Data Analyst’

For the first time, Edward Snowden is talking to the American media.

The USA v. the FARC

Newly disclosed details about the US role in Colombia.

Time To Play “Let’s Make A Deal” With Edward Snowden?

Without a deal of some kind, it’s quite likely that Edward Snowden will remain beyond the reach of U.S. law enforcement or some time to come.

Edward Snowden Is Not The Story, And You Don’t Have To Like Him

Focusing on Edward Snowden is largely a waste of time.

Edward Snowden Leaves Hong Kong For Russia And Parts Unknown

Despite an extradition request from the United States, Edward Snowden left Hong Kong overnight on a flight to Moscow and parts unknown.

Iran, Hezbollah and Latin America?

The same story yet again.

Governing Requires Compromise

There are factions of the American right that really need to understand this.

Ecuador Grants Julian Assange Asylum

Another step in the ongoing diplomatic showdown over the founder of Wikileaks.

FARC Commander Killed

The FARC now has an opening for supreme commander.

Syrian Troops Continue Crackdown Amid International Pressure

The world is starting to denounce the crackdown in Syria, but the reaction seems unlikely to go much beyond strongly worded statements.