Brazil has technically entered a so-called recession. How then, can we explain the fact that Sao Paolo’s stock market (Bovespa) – which was at 30 thousand in December of 2008 – has not stopped rising, and has reached 50 thousand.

A narrow economist point of view has devalued the possibilities of volunteerism. It’s time to get over this once and for all. Obama’s example, banking on volunteerism in the midst of the American economy’s biggest crisis in eighty years, is more than suggestive.

• Global economic crisis: 400,000 more children could die in 2009
  por Bernardo Kliksberg

Moving beyond the last minute cancellation of Ahmadinejad’s trip to Brazil, what is certain is that Iran has strengthened its presence in Latin America over the last three years, on a political-ideological level as well as in relation to trade.

In Latin America, strengthening and deepening public policy is not an alternative. It is indispensable if its high levels of social exclusion and poverty are to be kept from spiraling out of control. Read on to find out how.

• Corruption in Latin America: getting past the myths
  por Bernardo Kliksberg

Washington’s progressive normalization of relations with Cuba accelerates the process of (irreversible) change on the island, increases Obama’s prestige in Latin America and gives credibility to the American project of continental integration.

In order to make progress in the fight against narcotrafficking, the distribution of drugs, as well as the sale of arms and their exportation to Mexico, must be reduced, just as money laundering in the United States must be combated.

• Organized crime unleashes a wave of violence in Mexico
  por Zidane Zeraoui

Understand why the relatively small, poor, and at times fragmented Caribbean region should cross the United States’ radar, with a new comprehensive approach.

Obama’s words are promising, but Latin America is no longer looking for promises. However, Obama is proposing pragmatism as opposed to ideology, and he deserves to be heard.

The fact that Fujimori has been tried in a public trial, with all of the guarantees of the law, should be cause for Peruvians to be proud.