Since the 1960s, the US has squandered about trillion dollars on a failed drug war. Internationally, much of our “war” has taken place in Latin America where eradication planes have defoliated millions of acres in Colombia, US-trained police have filled prisons, and prohibition has fueled murderous gang wars. To foster a greater understanding of this issue Witness for Peace is hosting a speaking tour of Sanho Tree, IPS fellow and Director of the Institute’s Drug Policy project through Eugene, Portland, Corvallis, Seattle, and Olympia.
On July 2, 2008, when three American private contractors and Colombian presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt were rescued after being held for more than five years by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the world was captivated by their personal narratives. But between the headlines a major story was lost: Who exactly are the FARC? How had a drug-funded revolutionary army managed to hold so many hostages for so long?
The United States wants to lease Colombian military bases, but a coalition of activists from the two countries are saying no. And they have the Colombian constitution on their side.
The Coke Machine takes readers deep inside the Coca-Cola Company and its international franchisees to reveal how they became the number one brand in the world, and just how far they’ll go to stay there.
Ever since its “I’d like to teach the world to sing” commercials from the 1970s, Coca-Cola has billed itself as the world’s beverage, uniting all colors and cultures in a mutual love of its caramel-sweet sugar water. The formula has worked incredibly well-making it one of the most profitable companies on the planet and “Coca-Cola” the world’s second- most recognized word after “hello.” However, as the company expands its reach into both domestic and foreign markets, an increasing number of the world’s citizens are finding the taste of Coke more bitter than sweet.
Promise of a collaborative foreign policy and focus on land reforms at home provide a glimmer of hope for new Colombian president Juan Santos’s administration.
When it comes to changing term limits on Latin American presidents, U.S. lawmakers and pundits are applying a double standard–at least in Honduras and Colombia.
