PUBLICATIONS BY Ray Walser, Ph.D.

Commentary

Research


2009 Commentary

September 22, 2009
Why are We Sending Mixed Messages to Honduras?
By Israel Ortega and  Ray Walser, Ph.D.
Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote: "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Although those words were first penned more than half a century ago in a dark Birmingham jail, Rev. King's powerful words continue to inspire those facing hardships today, even in distant lands.

 

July 06, 2009
Beware of the Not-So-Hidden Agendas In Honduras
By Ray Walser
The Obama administration faces its first real Latin American crisis. Let's hope Team Obama is aware of the goals of democracy's new-found but fickle friends.

 

July 01, 2009
A 'coup' to protect a constitution
By Ray Walser
On Sunday, the citizens of Honduras woke up with one president and went to bed with another. Manuel Zelaya was forced out of the country -- replaced, with full backing from the Congress, the nation's courts, and its military, with Interim President Robert Micheletti.

 

May 28, 2009
No progress? No relief
By Ray Walser
Yet many in Congress, the academic and business communities want to go further, faster. They've called on Obama to lift the ban on travel by all American citizens and end trade restrictions altogether.

 

May 27, 2009
Cuba must fully restore political and economic freedoms
By Ray Walser
Even before his inauguration, President Barack Obama promised to improve relations with Cuba. He has since taken steps to let Cuban-Americans travel freely to the island and send more remittances.

 

April 17, 2009
Summit needs a strong Obama, not an apologetic one: Economic blame, Cuba, and Chávez, challenge new US-Latin American relations.
By Ray Walser
President Obama has promised to spend plenty of time listening to his fellow leaders this week at the fifth Summit of the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago - as well he should. But the US can't afford to turn the gathering of assembled leaders from North, Central and South America into just a Latin listening tour with photo ops.

 

April 17, 2009
Embracing a trio of anti-American dictators won't advance U.S. foreign policy interests
By Ray Walser
The Obama administration says it's in the process of altering our nation's policies in Latin America. It promises modest steps to allow Cuban-Americans to travel more often, for example, and seems to be leaning toward further diplomatic overtures elsewhere. But "change" isn't always an improvement.

 

February 09, 2009
Building a US-Latin Partnership
By Ray Walser
In the face of multiple challenges from distant Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, it may be easy to forget that Latin America and the Caribbean are so close at hand. The region may not be America's backyard, but it is certainly very much our neighbor­hood. The United States shares a 2,000-mile border with Mexico that is still far too porous. Cuba is a mere 90 miles from Key West, reachable by the desperate on even the most flimsy of craft. Ready trade partner, democratic friend, and epicenter of the cocaine trade, Colombia, is a two-hour flight from Miami and acces­sible by the ingenious, stealthy, semi-submersible boats of drug traffickers. We worry about the same legal and illegal flow of goods and people, the same hurricanes, and shared environmental hazards.

 


2008 Commentary

October 20, 2008
What about Latin America?
By Israel Ortega and Ray Walser
Halfway through the season's presidential and vice presidential debates, it seems likely there’s going to be little discussion of U.S.-Latin American relations during this election.

 

September 04, 2008
The Eighth Defense Ministerial of the Americas End of the Line?
By Ray Walser and Roman Ortiz
From September 2 to 6, 2008, the Canadian government will host the 8th Defense Ministerial of the Americas (DMA) at scenic Banff in the Canadian Rockies.  The purpose of the ministerial broadly defined is to promote regional defense and security cooperation and strengthen ties between 34 participating nations of the Americas.

 

June 10, 2008
The UN Sinks to New Depths
By Nile Gardiner and Ray Walser
Last week’s unopposed election of Nicaraguan Reverend Miguel D’Escoto Brockmann as the next President of the 192-member United Nations General Assembly will further undermine the standing of the UN in the eyes of the American public. D’Escoto served as foreign minister of Nicaragua during the Sandinista dictatorship of Daniel Ortega in the 1980s and is known for his extreme, stridently anti-American views.

 

April 22, 2008
Protectionist Congress Losing Latin America
By James Roberts and Ray Walser
In American election years, a theme sure to grab the nation's attention is who "lost" a certain country. In 1952, it was "Who lost China?" In 1980, it was "Who lost Iran?" In 2008, voters may rightfully begin to ask who lost an entire region. In this case, it will be "Who lost Latin America?"

 

February 12, 2008
A Wish List for 2008
By James Roberts and Ray Walser
In 2007, parts of Latin America continued to backslide toward leftist, authoritarian political rule. However, mixed into the record were many positive developments for democracy and free markets. The future of Latin America will have a great impact on the United States' economy, energy supply, and border security. Below is a list of 10 storylines that The Heritage Foundation would like to see take place in 2008—and the U.S. measures that can help them become a reality. 

 


2007 Commentary

December 13, 2007
Reduce Chavez Oil, Help Latin Neighbors
By James Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
The US should extend the ATPDEA with Bolivia and Ecuador and negotiate FTAs with Paraguay and Uruguay.

 


2009 Research

October 30, 2009
Honduran Handshake: U.S. Policy Still Needs to Be Better
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2673)
Presidential elections will take place in Honduras on November 29. As a result, it is now possible that the Honduran people--not outsiders--will decide who governs their nation

 

October 20, 2009
Courting Khartoum: The Obama Administration's Sudan Policy
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2660)
On October 19, 2009, the State Department finally unveiled its comprehensive policy for relations with Sudan. Characterized by conciliatory gestures, it remains unclear whether this strategy will alter the behavior of Sudan’s thuggish leaders in Khartoum or the Janjaweed militias perpetrating terrible crimes in Darfur.

 

September 23, 2009
The Return of Manuel Zelaya and the Honduras Crisis: Time for a U.S. Policy Changes
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2626)
The Obama Administration must clarify its incoherent policy toward Manuel Zelaya and the current Honduran crisis. Most importantly, the U.S. must support the November 29 Honduran elections.

 

August 18, 2009
Strengthening U.S. Anti-Narcotics Efforts in Colombia
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2592)
To preserve and strengthen U.S. counter-drug capacity, the Obama Administration is negotiating for the right to use air and naval facilities in Colombia.

 

August 06, 2009
The North American Leaders Summit: Promoting Economic Freedom and Security
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2581)
By promoting economic freedom and security, President Obama, President Calderón, and Prime Minister Harper can ensure that the North American Leaders Summit is a success.

 

July 27, 2009
Honduras's Conservative Awakening
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2566)
The path to resolving the Honduran crisis begins with a genuine understanding of the facts on the ground.

 

July 07, 2009
Crisis in Honduras: A Diplomatic Balancing Act for the United States
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2527)
An internationally coerced and unconditional return of Zelaya to the Honduran presidency will weaken the fundamentals of liberal democracy (limited government, checks and balances, and executive accountability) in the Western Hemisphere and hand Hugo Chávez and his ALBA alliance another propaganda victory.

 

June 29, 2009
Honduras Fires Its Runaway President: Constitutional Order Is Preserved
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2511)
While Honduran government institutions may have acted precipitously, the bottom line is that President Zelaya was fired for cause. However, the U.S. can ill afford to open the door to a counter-intervention by Hugo Chávez, one which would deliver Honduras into the Chávez brand of "democracy."

 

June 26, 2009
President Obama and Colombia's Uribe Meeting: A Pivotal Hemispheric Encounter
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2508)
When he meets President Uribe, President Obama should take the following steps.

 

June 05, 2009
Cuba in the OAS: Communist Fox in the Democratic Hen House?
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2469)
On June 3, the Organization of American States repealed a 1962 resolution that suspended communist Cuba from membership. What this means for U.S. interests in Latin America remains to be seen.

 

May 29, 2009
Secretary of State Clinton in El Salvador and Honduras: Defining Obama's Latin American Policy
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2463)
Recently, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton specified the three guiding "D's" of U.S. foreign policy: defense, development, and diplomacy. When she heads to El Salvador next week, she needs to pack a fourth "D": democracy.

 

May 19, 2009
Cuba Solidarity Day 2009: Supporting Cuba's Democratic Movement
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2453)
May 20 is Cuba Solidarity Day--an opportunity to shine a bright light on the abuses of the Castro regime.

 

May 04, 2009
Panama Bucks Latin America's Left: New President Favors U.S.
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2422)
Panama is an important U.S. ally in the Americas. President-elect Martinelli's victory now offers the opportunity to strengthen this relationship—to the benefit of both countries.

 

April 29, 2009
Mexico's Swine Flu Crisis: Expect Political and Economic Fallout
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2417)
A Mexico seriously weakened by fears of pandemic, economic meltdown, or drug violence will adversely impact U.S. domestic politics and this nation's capacity to demonstrate leadership in the Americas and around the globe.

 

April 21, 2009
The Fifth Summit of the Americas: Return of the Good Neighbor Policy?
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2401)
The Fifth Summit of the America’s was characterized by feel-good rhetoric and the resurrection of FDR’s Good Neighbor Policy. However, the real impact of the summit—if there is to be one—will not be clear until the Administration addresses basic challenges.

 

April 15, 2009
The Summit of the Americas: A Chance to Make the Americas More Secure
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2396)
In order to ensure that the Fifth Summit of the Americas makes considerable progress toward securing a most secure, stable, and prosperous Western Hemisphere, President Obama should take the following steps.

 

March 24, 2009
Secretary Clinton's Mexico Trip: Three Benchmarks for U.S.-Mexican Relations
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., James Roberts, and Jena Baker McNeill
(WebMemo #2358)
This week, during her inaugural visit to Mexico, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton faces a tough but critical challenge: laying the early foundations for a solid, working relationship with America’s southern neighbor.

 

March 18, 2009
FMLN Wins in El Salvador: No Mandate for Revolutionary Change
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2347)
On March 15, citizens of El Salvador elected--for the first time in the nation's history--a president hailing from the political Left. Whether the FMLN charts a course of its own or becomes an echo chamber for the rhetoric of the left is of great importance to the United States.

 

February 19, 2009
What to Do about Hugo Chávez: Venezuela’s Challenge to Security in the Americas
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2243)
Venezuela recently surpassed Mexico as the third-largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S.—after Canada and Saudi Arabia. Hugo Chávez has already demonstrated his willingness to use oil as a tool against America. Therefore, absent a firm commitment for constructive and verifiable cooperation by Chávez, the White House should not renew ambassadorial relations.

 

February 19, 2009
Executive Summary: What to Do about Hugo Chávez: Venezuela’s Challenge to Security in the Americas
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2243)
Venezuela recently surpassed Mexico as the third-largest supplier of crude oil to the U.S.—after Canada and Saudi Arabia. Hugo Chávez has already demonstrated his willingness to use oil as a tool against America. Therefore, absent a firm commitment for constructive and verifiable cooperation by Chávez, the White House should not renew ambassadorial relations.

 

February 18, 2009
Obama's Visit to Canada: Forging Stronger Alliances and Economic Cooperation
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2299)
When Barack Obama takes the traditional first foreign trip as the new U.S. President to Ottawa on February 19, our northern neighbors will be watching closely—and somewhat nervously.

 

February 12, 2009
Growing Instability in Mexico Threatens U.S. Economy and Border Security
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2290)
Mexico is facing trouble on several fronts.

 

February 05, 2009
Latin America and the U.S.: Building a Partnership for the Western Hemisphere
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2238)
Responding to challenges in the Western Hemisphere is vital to core U.S. interests. Many programs begun under Bush merit continuation. The Obama Administration should propose concrete, achievable programs to fight poverty, create jobs, and improve health and education in Latin America. It must also guard U.S. security against the drug trade, illegal migration, and terrorism.

 

January 12, 2009
Calderon and President-elect Obama Meet: A New Start in the Neighborhood
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2202)
During his January 12 meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderon, President-elect Obama has an opportunity to set a tone for U.S. relations with Mexico that recognize our nations' substantial differences and separation points but lays out a policy course for constructive action on security, trade, migration, and other pressing issues.

 

January 08, 2009
10 Points for President-Elect Obama's Latin America Strategy
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2198)
As a host of appointees and would-be ambassadors jockey for selection and Senate confirmation, the time is right to set down a list of 10 things President-elect Obama and the new Administration can undertake to demonstrate strong leadership for the Americas.

 


2008 Research

November 26, 2008
Challenges in Latin America: Russians in Caracas, Misrule in Managua
By Ray Walser Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2145)
As 2008 comes to a close, the recent developments in Latin America are raising anxiety levels in the U.S.

 

November 24, 2008
Fighting the Odds: Venezuela's Opposition Scores Key Victories
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2142)
On November 23, Venezuela's previously fragmented opposition scored key victories in state and municipal elections. President Hugo Chávez's march to create a socialized economy and install a one-party state à la Cuba continues to encounter resistance from wary voters.

 

September 26, 2008
Putin's Navy, Chávez's Ambition, and the Caribbean Adventure
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., and Mackenzie Eaglen
(WebMemo #2082)
Almost half a century after the Cuban missile crisis, the Russian navy is coming to the Americas. While the mood in Washington is far from panicked, neither is it mirthful. There is a sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction with the voyage of the Russian flotilla and concern about where U.S.-Russian and hemispheric relations are headed.

 

September 26, 2008
Mbeki's Ouster Opens the Door for Enhanced U.S.?South Africa Cooperation
By Thomas M. Woods and Ray Walser, PhD
(WebMemo #2085)
South African President Thabo Mbeki has finally been ousted by his political rivals in the ruling African National Congress, and for many the move comes none too soon. Mbeki was no friend to the U.S., and his departure opens the door for a new era of U.S.-South African cooperation. The U.S. and South Africa share a broad range of interests in Africa and beyond, and outreach now to strengthen the relationship will pay dividends for years to come.

 

September 15, 2008
Chávez, Venezuela, and Russia: A New Cuban Missile Crisis?
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2064)
On Sunday, September 7, Hugo Chávez announced that Russian and Venezuelan warships would hold joint maneuvers in late 2008. On Wednesday, September 10, he welcomed the arrival of two Russian Tupolev-160 strategic bombers to a Venezuelan airfield, evoking memories of earlier U.S.-Russian showdowns. On Thursday, as Americans observed the seventh anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Chávez expelled the U.S. ambassador, Patrick Duddy, claiming the U.S. was backing a coup attempt against him. Together, these actions are a clear and ominous reflection of a rapidly deteriorating U.S. relationship with Chávez and his ally in Bolivia. Sadly, Russia—once a partner in the fight against radical terrorism—appears ready to seek advantage in the U.S.-Venezuela rift.

 

September 03, 2008
The Eighth Defense Ministerial of the Americas: End of the Line?
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #2044)
The Canadian government will host the 8th Defense Ministerial of the Americas (DMA) September 2–6 at Banff in the scenic Canadian Rockies. The purpose of the meeting is the promotion of regional defense and security cooperation in the Americas and the strengthening of ties among 34 invited nations. It is a ministerial event in search of a diplomatic and strategic meaning—and at present lacking both.

 

August 18, 2008
Hugo Chávez's Andean Offensive
By Ray Walser Ph.D. and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #2027)
Exploiting the U.S. leadership and media's preoccupation with the Caucasus conflict, as well as the Beijing Olympics, elections, and high gas prices, President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela went on the offensive with a power grab of his own.  In response, the U.S. must pursue a stronger, bipartisan effort to forge a more active, pro-democracy consensus in the Western Hemisphere. Democracy’s friends in Latin America deserve greater support than they are presently receiving.

 

July 23, 2008
Executive Summary: Mexico, Drug Cartels, and the Merida Initiative: A Fight We Cannot Afford to Lose
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2163)
As a drug-consuming nation and major source of arms, cash, and precursor chemicals, the U.S. shares responsibility with Mexico for combating the drug trade. The Merida Initiative will enable both nations to fight the drug trade without infringing on each other's sovereignty and will help to make the border more secure by targeting traffickers who exploit vulnerabilities on the U.S.-Mexican border.

 

July 23, 2008
Mexico, Drug Cartels, and the Merida Initiative: A Fight We Cannot Afford to Lose
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2163)
As a drug-consuming nation and major source of arms, cash, and precursor chemicals, the U.S. shares responsibility with Mexico for combating the drug trade. The Merida Initiative will enable both nations to fight the drug trade without infringing on each other's sovereignty and will help to make the border more secure by targeting traffickers who exploit vulnerabilities on the U.S.-Mexican border.

 

July 21, 2008
The Russia-Venezuela Axis: Using Energy for Geopolitical Advantage
By Ariel Cohen, Ph.D. and Ray Walser, Ph.D
(WebMemo #2000)
A Russian-Venezuelan axis is a 21st-century throwback to the Cold War Soviet-Cuban alliance. Such a partnership bodes ill for energy security, for freedom in both nations, and for the Western Hemisphere.

 

July 11, 2008
Colombia v. Venezuela: An Endgame for the FARC?
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1986)
The recent rescue of 15 Colombian hostages struck a major blow to the FARC. While the fat lady has not yet begun to sing, she may be warming up in a dressing room somewhere in Caracas.

 

July 03, 2008
Hostage Rescue Major Blow to the FARC: U.S. Support for Colombia Increasingly Effective
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1981)
The safe rescue of Ingrid Betancourt and three Americans is a stunning success that symbolizes the huge gains made under the U.S.-funded Plan Colombia program and is a major black eye for the FARC.

 

June 30, 2008
Terrorism, Insurgency, and Drugs Still Threaten America's Southern Flank
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Backgrounder #2152)
The United States faces a continued security challenge in the Western Hemisphere from terrorism, political violence, and organized crime. Establishing effective security in the Hemisphere and keeping allies committed to the fight against terrorism and crime will require the U.S. to exercise continued vigilance, improve interagency cooperation, and commit a steady stream of resources.

 

June 30, 2008
Executive Summary: Terrorism, Insurgency, and Drugs Still Threaten America's Southern Flank
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Executive Summary #2152)
Executive Summary: The United States faces a continued security challenge in the Western Hemisphere from terrorism, political violence, and organized crime. Establishing effective security in the Hemisphere and keeping allies committed to the fight against terrorism and crime will require the U.S. to exercise continued vigilance, improve interagency cooperation, and commit a steady stream of resources.

 

June 24, 2008
Fidel's Propaganda Victory? European Union Removes Cuba Sanctions
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1967)
The EU's decision to lift sanctions on Cuba represents a retreat from the hard-line stance the world should be taking on the Castro regime.

 

June 16, 2008
Hugo Chávez, Colombia, and the FARC: A Change of Heart?
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1956)
For months, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) were the darlings of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. He urged the public to consider the FARC noble freedom-fighters rather than a pack of narco-terrorists. He praised them as a Bolivarian Army on a sacred mission to drive the United States out of Columbia. Chávez even entered into secret talks with the FARC, promising the organization arms and money.

 

May 20, 2008
Cuba Solidarity Day 2008: Remembering Our Totalitarian Neighbor
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1928)
May 21 is Cuba Solidarity Day. The day seeks to remind Americans that 90 miles away from the United States is an island nation controlled by a government that remains by all objective definitions a Communist, totalitarian regime.

 

May 20, 2008
Bolivia: Santa Cruz Voters Stand Firm-Against Morales and for Democracy
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1929)
President Evo Morales is intent upon gathering unchallenged and unending power to impose “21st Century Bolivarian Socialism” in Bolivia. Although pro-democracy, free-market forces appear to have scored a significant victory in a May 4 referendum about control of the country’s mineral-rich and economically more successful eastern lowlands, Morales and his followers will surely not give up their quest to subjugate the industrious and independent-minded Department of Santa Cruz.

 

May 06, 2008
Meeting Energy Challenges in the Western Hemisphere
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1079)
Meeting the nation’s petroleum needs from affordable and secure sources is vital for national security. The best guarantee for future energy security remains a stable, democratic Western Hemisphere with relationships based on genuine respect for democracy, constitutional government with real checks and balances, and the rule of law.

 

May 02, 2008
The Crisis in the Andes: Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(Heritage Lecture #1080)
On March 1, 2008, the Colombian military eliminated a key leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia in a raid on a camp in neighboring Ecuador. The incident occurred at a time when Congress moved to delay indefinitely a vote on a free trade agreement with Columbia, a U.S. ally.

 

April 15, 2008
Losing Latin America? A Protectionist Congress Is Destroying U.S. Credibility
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1890)
In American election years, a theme sure to grab the nation’s attention is who "lost" a certain country. In 1952, it was "Who lost China?" In 1980, it was "Who lost Iran?" In 2008, voters may rightfully begin to ask who lost an entire region. In this case, it will be "Who lost Latin America?"

 

March 28, 2008
The FARC Files, Colombia, and International Terrorism
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1872)
On March 26, 2008, Colombian officials reported recovering 66 pounds of depleted uranium that was originally acquired by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. (FARC). While it was not of weapons grade, the latest discovery adds to a growing body of disturbing evidence regarding the network of ties and linkages the FARC has developed throughout the Andes and elsewhere. Experts dismiss the possibility of FARC using the depleted uranium to make a “dirty bomb,” but they have yet to develop a credible explanation regarding its belligerent intentions.

 

March 04, 2008
Hugo Chávez, the FARC, and Threats of War
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1834)
The Organization of American States and regional leaders must play a stronger role in crisis management and hemispheric security.

 

February 19, 2008
Cuba's Phony Transition: Fidel Resigns, Raul Reigns
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1820)
The Unites States should keep existing policies in place until Cuba makes real progress on political reforms and human rights issues.

 

February 12, 2008
A Neighbor Calls: Mexican President Calderón Visits the U.S.
By Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1811)
The visit can set a tone for good relations that lasts well into the next U.S. Administration.

 

January 28, 2008
Hugo Chávez Eyes Colombia
By Ray Walser
(WebMemo #1784)
Congress must strengthen U.S. ties with Colombia to counter the Venezuelan President's push for an integrated, socialist South America.

 

January 11, 2008
Álvaro Colom Takes Charge in Guatemala: New Optimism for a Troubled Neighbor
By Ray Walser
(WebMemo #1772)
Washington should work to pull Guatemala's new president into the free-market, democratic fold.

 

January 07, 2008
Latin America: A Wish List for 2008
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1767)
The following 10 storylines would benefit the United States’ economy, energy supply, and border security.

 


2007 Research

December 04, 2007
Venezuela: Democracy Dodges a Bullet
By James M. Roberts and Ray Walser, Ph.D.
(WebMemo #1719)
Though he has been temporarily stymied from achieving his goal of total power in Venezuela, Chávez certainly will not give up his dream.

 

November 16, 2007
The U.S. and Mexico: Taking the "Mérida Initiative" Against Narco-Terror
By Ray Walser, Ph.D., and James M. Roberts
(WebMemo #1705)
The United States and Mexico have an opportunity to push forward with their unprecedented and outstanding level of cooperation in the battle against drug traffickers along the U.S.–Mexican border.

 

 
 
 

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