Panel Discussions

The Impact of Salmonella Suspicions
/ Caitlin Miner-Le Grand

As the U.S. FDA shifts suspicions from tomatoes to jalapeños after a major salmonella outbreak, questions arise over how the agency tracks imported produce. From Mexican peppers to Honduran melons, foreign farms feel the impact of the FDA warnings and recent blunders in the salmonella investigation could prompt changes in the agency's monitoring systems. 

Interview: FIU's Eduardo Gamarra on Bolivian President Evo Morales' "Riskless" Recall Vote

In an AS/COA interview, Bolivia expert Eduardo Gamarra of Florida International University discusses the complex series of referenda taking place in Bolivia, explaining what is behind the political divisions affecting the country. Speaking about Sunday’s recall vote, Gamarra comments that, “The president is basically running a riskless election.”

La Indiferencia Bipartidista del Sur
/ Christopher Sabatini

En un artículo de opinión para El Diario, Christopher Sabatini explica por qué América Latina se mantiene en un nivel secundario en los radares de política exterior de los Estados Unidos en este año electoral. También analiza los puntos de vista de los presuntos candidatos presidenciales en torno al comercio regional, Cuba, y la reforma migratoria.

Dealing without Doha
/ Carlos Macias

WTO trade talks froze in Geneva, where booming Brazil played a central role, further strengthening its position as global player and setting the stage for a battle over U.S. ethanol tariffs. As Doha flounders, countries such as Chile and Peru step up bilateral agreements to boost international trade ties. 

The Uncertain Fate of Pemex
/ Carin Zissis

After experts and officials complete more than two months of debate over how to best resolve Pemex's flagging production, Mexico's opposition party holds referendums on an energy reform package proposed by President Felipe Calderón. But neither the nonbinding referendum nor the long debate have determined Pemex's future structure.