Gangs and violence in Central America

Central America has the misfortune of being placed between drug supply and drug demand. The flow of cocaine from South America to the United States is one of the highest value illicit commodity streams in the world. Central America has been a conduit for these drugs for decades. Drug trafficking is often associated with the growth of youth gangs in the region, in the form of gangs operating in Central America with ties to the United States. The most dangerous are the "18th Street" gang (also known as M-18), and their main rival, the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Analysts believe these gangs could pose a serious threat to the region’s stability.

NEWS:

• Chavez thanks OAS for not intervening in the RCTV case. Aznar: Chavez seeks alliance with radical Islamism. Chavez loses popularity (RCTV). RCTV may transmit programming from Mexico. Due to food shortages, government threatens to expropriate farmers. Venezuela likely delay to enter Mercosur.
• Freed Colombian FARC member travels to Cuba. Castro: Cuba to continue military building against US.
• Attack against the French embassy in Uruguay.
• Poll: Nicaraguan President plunges in popularity. Nicaragua ‘s Ortega meets with Castro.
• Brazil: Extreme violence in Rio de Janeiro. Corruption scandals in Brazil.
• Clear Threats against Freedom of the Press in Ecuador.
• U.S military base in Peru worries Chile.

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