http://www.latampolitics.com Latin Americam Politics, by Thiago de Aragão Fri, 12 Dec 2008 04:58:59 +0000 http://backend.userland.com/rss092 en Divided and with little mobilization power, the strike called by opposition in Tarija did not create much of a stir. A total suspension of activity was expected in the department that holds the largest natural gas reserves in Bolivia.   However, the decision by Evo Morales’ government to take civic leaders, ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/12/bolivia-prisons-in-tarija-and-pando-reunite-opposition/ After being listed as running for a seat in congress in the 2009 legislative election in order to strengthen government alliance, speculation arose in Argentina that former president Néstor Kirchner may be a candidate for a seat as Senator of the province of Buenos Aires.   Recent occurrences in Argentine politics ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/12/argentina-nestor-kirchner-may-run-for-senate/ After the November 23 regional elections reduced the chance for a new constitutional reform, Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez, is looking to Plan B, with his eye on the possibility of running for another term.   He requested the PSUV (United Socialist Party of Venezuela) to begin the necessary actions to amend ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/12/venezuela-unlimited-reelection-back-on-the-agenda/ The Mayor of Lima, Luis Castañeda Lossio, considered quite conservative, and the leader of the left wing and former presidential candidate, Ollanta Humala, were shown to be leading the most recent public opinion survey on the vote for succession in 2011, carried out by the company CPI.   According to the ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/12/peru-the-dispute-in-2011-is-expected-to-be-very-close/   The victory of Democrat Barack Obama for the presidency of the US has given indications of a change in America’s foreign policies in relation to Latin America. During the eight years of George W. Bush's administration, and especially after 9/11, the US focus has been on the fight against terrorism ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/11/the-significance-of-barack-obama%e2%80%99s-victory-for-latin-america/ The biggest mystery is getting to know what the relationship will be like between Barack Obama and the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, who stated his preference for the Democrat during Obama's campaign.  Different to Republicans, who have a confrontational stance in relation to the Venezuelan Head of State, Obama ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/11/venezuela-the-impact-of-obamas-victory/ The Democrats' greater economic protectionism and Barack Obama's dislike of FTAs (Free Trade Agreements) make the signing of this type of agreement with Uruguay improbable - a possibility raised in 2007 after the signing of a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement (TIFA).   In addition to this, the effects of the ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/11/uruguay-the-impact-of-obamas-victory/ Peru is one of the countries expected to undergo little change in its relationship with the US. As its FTA (Free Trade Agreement) has already been signed, it has the support of Barack Obama and the Democrats. However, the more interventionist policies of the new American government may cause a ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/11/peru-the-impact-of-obamas-victory/ The relationship between Mexico and the US is expected to undergo changes during the future Barack Obama administration, in much the same way as Colombia. Within the Democratic vision of the market needing to continue open and dynamic - but while still favoring the working class - , NAFTA (the ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/11/mexico-the-impact-of-obamas-victory/ With a regime in transition since Fidel Castro stepped down, Cuba will also feel the impact of new policies in the White House. In his speeches, president-elect Barack Obama talked of establishing a true policy in support of human freedom. One of his intentions is to send a message to ... http://www.latampolitics.com/2008/11/cuba-the-impact-of-obamas-victory/