Sorry about the lack of updates. I had a busy week with classes (in-class simulations on global climate change and international terrorism and grading) and I've been trying to catch up on non-class related projects including a book review, an Al Jazeera op-ed and Education for Justice programming.
I had hoped to get a Honduras piece together but so much had already been written - I wasn't sure how much I would be able to add to this weekend's election. I hope to have something together after the vote.
There's been so much going on in Central America that it's difficult to keep track. In addition to this weekend's election, Vice President Biden visited Panama. Is anyone following the (alleged) scandal involving President Martinelli and family receiving kickbacks from Italian contractors to bid on Panama projects (prisons, the Metro)? Any idea if it came up on the Biden trip?
In El Salvador, President Funes, the FMLN and the wheels of justice look like they are finally moving against former administration officials - there are ongoing investigations into Tony Saca, Francisco Flores and a number of other ARENA officials going back over a decade. Unfortunately, the investigations have the air of politicization given that there are less than three months remaining before February's presidential elections. However, these investigations are exactly what we expected following twenty years of ARENA rule. Nothing really against ARENA, but twenty years of uninterrupted rule by any single political party is likely to lead to a good amount of corruption.
And then there's Daniel Ortega's move to strengthen the presidency in Nicaragua nearly fifteen years after he colluded with Arnoldo Aleman to weaken the presidency. Does anyone know whether the specific reforms are intended to undo the previous pact?
I'll probably get around to some of these issues in the future (when classes are over and grades submitted) but at that point, I am going to have to work on the September 11, 2001 and Beyond course that I am teaching during the January intersession.
Have a good weekend and stay warm.
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