PUBLICATIONS BY Ray Walser
Commentary
Research
2008 Commentary
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.
2008 Research
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.
