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This special edition of Latin Pulse includes an opportunity to hear a Cuban perspective on politics and diplomacy, along with an analysis of what derailed the peace process in Colombia.  A Cuban professor discusses the importance of continued exchanges between the United States and Cuba, while analyzing reactions to U.S. programs designed at political change and Cuban succession.  The program also discusses the rejection of the peace treaty with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). The news segment covers doubts about the sincerity of Venezuela's president during the papal negotiations to end the country's political crisis and avert violence. The program includes interviews with: Santiago Perez Benitez of the University of Havana & the Cuban Center for International Political Research (CIPI); and Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer.  The photo of Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, Cuban President Raul Castro and FARC leader Rodrigo (Timochenko) Londoño Echeverri at the signing of a preliminary peace agreement is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

This special edition of Latin Pulse includes a different perspective on the presidential elections in the U.S.: a view from Cuba.  A Cuban professor discusses how the elections could have an impact on the warming relations between the two countries.  The program also discusses the rise of English as a mandated second language in South America and how that could reflect cultural imperialism. The news segment of the program covers the negotiations between opposition parties in Venezuela and the president to avert further protests and a move by the National Assembly to hold an impeachment trial. The program includes interviews with: Santiago Perez Benitez of the University of Havana & the Center for International Political Research (CIPI); and DJ Kaiser of Webster University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer.  The photo of Cuban President Raul Castro and U.S. President Barack Obama is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

We celebrate the "Latin Pulse" five-year anniversary fiesta, with out-takes and excerpts from the past year, a tradition for the program.  The audience's favorite themes are on display.  Those themes include: the clash between the National Assembly and the president in Venezuela; the shift to the right in Argentina; the impeachment trial and corruption scandals in Brazil; and the Feast of San Lazaro and Santeria. The news segment of the program covers the defense by Brazil's President Michel Temer before the United Nations' General Assembly, justifying the impeachment and removal of Dilma Rousseff, an act that brought Temer to power. The program includes interviews with: Eric Hershberg of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS); David Smilde of Tulane University; Matthew Taylor of American University; Chris Sabatini of Columbia University; and  Michael Atwood Mason of the Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer.  Excerpts and out-takes from this program came from these popular programs: https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/cuba-venezuela-santeria-feast-san-lazaro-election-results-lp12112015 https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/political-crisis-brazil-aftereffects-obama-trip-argentina-lp4012016 https://soundcloud.com/latinpulse/political-economic-forecast-latin-america-2016-lp1152016 “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

On Mexico's independence day Latin Pulse focuses this week on key themes for the country: the Drug War, national security, immigration, corruption, justice, and of course, politics. The program includes an in-depth interview tracking the effects of the visit of U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump to Mexico.  The program also looks at a new violent uptick in the Drug War, with clashes between the Sinaloa Cartel and the Nueva Generacion Jalisco Cartel. The news segment of the program covers new indictments against Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the popular former president of Brazil often just called Lula. The program includes an in-depth interview with: Maureen Myer of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA).  Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer.  The photo of Mexico’s President Enrique Pena Nieto is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Brazil and its various concerns are again on the radar of "Latin Pulse" this week. First, looks at what is in store for Brazil politically and economically after the ouster of President Dilma Rousseff by the country's Congress. And how will the Temer administration deal with anti-government protests? Also, the program discusses ways to fight the Zika virus, after the disease started in Brazil but has now spread to Central America and beyond. The news segment of the program covers how funds to fight Zika and support research for Zika vaccines are stalled in the U.S. Congress. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Prof. Matthew Taylor of American University; and Dr. Reina Turcios-Ruiz of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Technical Director: Jim Singer. The photo of protests in Brazil is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

The proposed peace treaty dealing with the FARC in Colombia and the deterioration of democracy in Nicaragua are the twin themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program dissects the proposed peace pact between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC by its Spanish acronym) and the Colombian government. Also, the program explores how President Daniel Ortega has manipulated the electoral system in Nicaragua. The news segment of the program covers the end of Dilma Rousseff's presidency as the Brazilian Senate found her guilty of shifting funds without Congressional approval and with misleading the Brazilian Congress. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Adam Isacson of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Technical Director: Jim Singer. The photo of celebrations about the proposed peace treaty in Colombia is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

LGBT (lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, or trans-gender) issues at the Summer Olympics in Rio, along with economics and politics provide the varied themes on Latin Pulse this week. First, the program delves into homophobia in Brazil and how Brazilian crowds have reacted to LGBT athletes. The program also includes an in-depth analysis into the current economic and political issues facing Cuba. The news segment of the program discusses the uptick in Zika cases in Honduras and how newborns are being affected there, while civil society groups call for more access to birth control. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Jim Buzinski of Outsports; and Dan Hellinger of Webster University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Technical Director: Jim Singer. *This program includes frank discussion of adult themes related to sexuality and sexual identity. The photo of female soccer competitors, including Megan Rapinoe (left) is a public domain photo. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Fútbol (or soccer) at the Olympics and concerns about the military and police in Honduras provide the varied themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program provides an in-depth analysis of both the women's and men's fútbol competitions at the Olympic Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The program also concludes its two-part critique of the Honduran military. The program also discusses the role the military is playing in both the Drug War and in the political sphere in Honduras. The news segment of the program discusses U.S. President Barack Obama's support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (the TPP). The program includes in-depth interviews with: Joshua Nadel of North Carolina Central University; and Orlando Perez of Millersville University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo Brazil’s fútbol team in action against South Africa in the Olympics is by Marcelo Camargo of Agência Brasil. Agência Brasil offers its images for use via a Creative Commons license: http://agenciabrasil.ebc.com.br/rio-2016/foto/2016-08/brasil-estreia-contra-africa-do-sul-no-mane-garrincha “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Venezuela, Colombia, and their simmering problems provide the central themes on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes an in-depth analysis reviewing the state of democracy in Venezuela and how that affects the current crisis situation. The program also discusses how minority groups (Afro-Colombians and indigenous tribes) have been marginalized as part of the negotiations to end the country's long-running civil war. The news segment of the program covers the inauguration of Pedro Pablo Kuczynski as both Peru's newest and oldest president, along with noting his support for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (the TPP). The program includes in-depth interviews with: Dan Hellinger of Webster University; and Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of an anti-government protester in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

An hour-long special covers various issues regarding human rights and democratization on Latin Pulse this week. The program includes a wide-ranging discussion of the various crises affecting Venezuela, including the political and economic situations. The analysis also includes discussions on the peace process in Colombia and accusations of human rights abuses by the military in Honduras. The program also includes a review of a book on corruption in Brazil. The news segment of the program covers how El Salvador's Supreme Court struck down the country's amnesty law opening the door to human rights prosecutions linked to the country's civil war. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Dan Hellinger of Webster University; Orlando Perez of Millersville University; Gimena Sanchez of the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of anti-government protesters marching due to the lack of food supplies in Venezuela is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

The Rio Olympics set for this summer in Brazil and their various problems provide the central themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes a variety of challenges for these games including security, crime, transportation, infrastructure, and environmental and economic impacts of the games. The program also discusses the various health issues confronting these games including the zika virus and super bacteria that are present in some of the venues for water events in the Olympics. The news segment of the program covers the resignation of Eduardo Cunha, president of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies due to corruption charges. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Andrew Zimbalist of Smith College; and Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The graphic is the official logo of the 2016 Olympics and is used here following fair use guidelines. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Corruption and its corrosive effects on politics in Brazil and international fùtbol/soccer tournaments is the central theme this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes the rocky beginnings of the administration of Interim President Michelle Temer in Brazil. The program also provides an analysis of the Copa America in its centennial year, which includes a preview of this weekend's finale between Argentina and Chile. The news segment of the program covers the historic agreement between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (the FARC) and the Colombian government, agreeing to a ceasefire before a permanent peace treaty. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Alex Cuadros, author of Brazillionaires; and Joshua Nadel of North Carolina Central University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of Interim President Michel Temer of Brazil is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Taking stock of the new leaders in Peru and Argentina is the where our weekly political analysis heads this week on Latin Pulse. The program delves into how Pedro Pablo Kuczynski managed to upset Keiko Fujimori in Peru's presidential race and what a Kuczynski administration will likely mean for Peru. The program also reviews the opening months of President Mauricio Macri's term in Argentina and how his policy shifts have changed his country. The news segment of the program covers U.S. President Barack Obama's call for the U.S. Congress to find solutions for the debt crisis in Puerto Rico. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA); and Mark Jones of Rice University and the Baker Institute. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of Pedro Pablo Kuczynksi is from the Cuban government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Human rights violations in Mexico and Guatemala provide the themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program delves into a new report on atrocities in Mexico that have some calling for action by the International Criminal Court. Analysis includes discussion of some of the worst cases of abuses by security forces in Mexico. The program also discusses moves toward justice in Guatemala for the indigenous Maya, including analysis of the genocide case against former dictator Efrain Rios Montt. The news segment of the program covers the upset by Pedro Pablo Kuczynski over Keiko Fujimori in the presidential race in Peru. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Eric Witte of the Open Society Justice Initiative; and Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of a protest in Mexico is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

The controversial presidential election in Peru is the centerpiece of discussion this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes two interviews recorded at the recent Latin American Studies Association (LASA) meetings in New York City with two of the top experts on Peruvian politics. Besides providing details about the two challengers Keiko Fujimori and Pedro Pablo Kuczynski, the program also talks about the legacy of corruption left by Fujimori's father, Alberto, who once was Peru's dictator but is now serving time for his various crimes. The program also discusses the recent scandals haunting the Fujimori campaign. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Cynthia McClintock of George Washington University; and Jo-Marie Burt of George Mason University and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA). Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of Keiko Fujimori is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

Corruption in Argentina and Honduras provides the central theme this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes a wide-ranging analysis of corruption in Argentina, along with key tangents on the Argentine economy and challenges for the new president, Mauricio Macri. The program details the indictment against the former president, Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and why both Fernandez and Macri are mentioned in the Panama Papers. The program also gives a deep analysis of corruption in Honduras and how the opposition in that country is concerned that the country is slipping toward authoritarianism. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Mark Jones of Rice University & the Baker Institute; and Dana Frank of the University of California, Santa Cruz. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo is from the United Nations and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

Puerto Rico and Mexico provide the central locales for the main themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program analyzes a proposal before the U.S. Congress to help Puerto Rico survive its debt crisis. But the proposal includes a fiscal control board that can supersede the powers of Puerto Rico's government, a provision that some find controversial. The program also includes a wide ranging discussion of corruption, politics and diplomacy with Mexico. The news segment of the program covers the outcome of the presidential elections in the Dominican Republic and the re-election of President Danilo Medina. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Brad Setser of the Council on Foreign Relations; and Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo from Puerto Rico comes via the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: www.webster.edu/communications/

Presidential politics in both Brazil and the Dominican Republic provides the twin themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program recounts the historic movements to suspend President Dilma Rousseff from office this past week along with how Michel Temer has moved initially to fill the role of interim president. This week's analysis includes a look forward at the impeachment process that could permanently remove Rousseff from the presidency. The program also provides a preview of this weekend's presidential vote in the Dominican Republic and gauges the chances for President Danilo Medina to be re-elected. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Matthew Taylor of American University; and Christopher Mitchell of New York University. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; Technical Director: Jim Singer; and Production Assistant: Chorsie Martin. The photo of Dilma Rousseff, the suspended president of Brazil, and Michel Temer, the interim president of Brazil, is from Agência Brasil which allows use of its material through a Creative Commons license: http://uipi.com.br/noticias/politica/2015/07/27/dilma-temer-e-ministros-tracam-estrategia-para-unificar-base-no-congresso/ “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

Another push to recall a president and the power of remittances provide the twin themes this week on "Latin Pulse." The program analyzes the latest moves with diplomacy and electoral laws to recall President Nicolas Maduro or at least restore some balance to the eroded democratic system in Venezuela. The program reviews the debate between Argentina and Venezuela at the Organization of American States (OAS). The program also includes the second part of our extended look at the links between remittances and globalization. The news segment of the program includes the latest developments regarding the debt crisis in Puerto Rico. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Michael McCarthy of American University's Center for Latin American & Latino Studies (CLALS) & the Woodrow Wilson Center ; and Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer. The photo of Gov. Henrique Capriles of the Venezuelan opposition with a presidential recall petition is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain. “Latin Pulse” is produced at Webster University’s School of Communications: http://www.webster.edu/communications/

Mexico with its problems with human rights, corruption, and migration provides the central themes this week on Latin Pulse. The program includes a wide-ranging segment discussing the findings by independent investigators for the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights that the Mexican government actively harassed their workers and thwarted the inquiry into the case of 43 missing university students. The Mexican government disputes that view. The program also discusses how remittances by Mexican migrants are not only more and more economically important, but also have become an issue in the U.S. during the presidential campaign. The program includes in-depth interviews with: Shannon O'Neil of the Council on Foreign Relations; and Manuel Orozco of the Inter-American Dialogue. Executive Producer: Rick Rockwell; and Associate Producer: Jim Singer. The photo of a protester in Mexico City is from the Venezuelan government and is in the public domain.