Juanson World

The US and Brazil pursue cooperation on the production of sugarcane ethanol. Washington Post

Yolanda Izquierdo, an activist who had recently testified in the trial of Salvatore Mancuso, was killed despite her seeking protection from Colombia’s police. LA Times

Two soldiers of the Cuban army were allegedly killed December 20 by two conscripts who were aiding in the escape of dissident prisoners. Miami Herald

An AP-Ipsos poll of 1,000 Americans indicates that a majority of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of Fidel Castro, yet a majority also is in favor of reestablishing a diplomatic relationship with Cuba. AP

Venezuela has offered to finance the production of goods made from coca in Bolivia. LA Times

The proposed re-opening of a uranium mine in the Argentine province of Mendoza is fraught with controversy over the potential environmental and labor effects on local industries. Financial Times

The presence of militias in Rio’s favelas underscores their violence and lawlessness. Christian Science Monitor

Abe Lowenthal affirms that US negligence of Latin America is a chronic, not temporary condition. With that as a basis, he offers seven suggestions for improvement in US-Latin American relations. Miami Herald

Andres Oppenheimer asks the authors of the UN report on climate change what specific effect global warming will have on the Americas. Miami Herald