Correa’s Ecuador and American drug policy

The election of Rafael Correa as President of Ecuador late last year has accelerated the formation of a new Latin American axis which might have serious repercussions for the region in general and also for the United States. He has adopted the Chavista ideology which among other things includes criticism of existing representative institutions, hostility to neo-liberal and free trade policies, a harsh anti-Americanism, and, a bitter opposition to US drug polices in the Andes. An analysis of the developments in the Andean region.                               

NEWS:

• Venezuela ‘s hard turn left. Chavez sworn in gives speech on "Fatherland, socialism or death." Plans to nationalize oil, power companies and RCTV television station using country’s reserves. Latin stocks fall. Venezuela’s Rosales to lead campaign against nationalizations.
• OAS members support Insulza after Chavez’s insults.
• Iran’s Ahmadinejad leaves for Venezuela, Ecuador and Nicaragua.
• Nicaragua : Ortega sworn in. Country to join ALBA but pledges to stay on capitalist path.
• Chavez’s soldiers in Bolivia to quell protests. Unrest in Bolivia signals danger ahead.
• Ecuador and Colombia ‘reach deal.’
• Colombia ‘s Uribe absent from Chavez’s inauguration. May attend Correa’s despite tensions.
• Peru and Colombia optimistic about ratification of FTA.
• Ruling on Shining Path terrorists angers Peru.
• Mexico’s Calderon wants closer ties with Nicaragua and Latin America.

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