Hemisphere Highlights Volume X Issue 1 - February 2011

February 22, 2011

HEADLINES

Presidential contests in five countries promise excitement this year, the first taking place in Haiti next month. All mix familiar candidates with fresh faces. Though there are early leaders in each race, the possibility of close contests or upsets should not be discounted.

Mid-term review due for U.S. policy toward the Western Hemisphere—Governance issues cloud Haiti’s election runoff and earthquake reconstruction—President Raúl Castro’s plans to trim Cuba’s work force; are they realistic?—Ecuador makes counternarcotics a priority—Brazil bolsters biofuels economy—Deadly flooding in Brazil challenges the new administration’s inaugural pledges—Argentina and Brazil strive for greater energy independence.