Chimène Coste describes the current state of political and social paralysis provoked by Fidel Castro‘s illness, leaving the Cuban people with a vacuum of power. Through written statements, Fidel delegated provisional powers to his brother Raul and several other members of his cabinet, yet no high-ranking official has stepped up to publicly assume power. Despite the seeming normality and unity of the Cuban people, strong tensions are coursing as the society militarizes and prepares for the transition. In Coste‘s opinion the most important question to be asked now is: What will prevail? the revolution or the family dynasty?

Mario Toer explains how more than fifty years of denial has led to the current outbreak of violence and terror in San Pablo and Rio de Janeiro. In Toer‘s opinion, Brazil has one of the most polarized societies in the world, and so it is no wonder that given the age-old violence of the death squadrons that the poor and marginalized would create their own defense organizations. The process to end the violence will be long and arduous, but in the end the Brazilian government must find a way to reintegrate the marginalized back into society, take support away from the First Command of the Capital, and show Brazil‘s citizens that it is concerned about their health, education, and future.

Wenceslao Cruz explains how Castro‘s anti-Americanism has allowed him to stay in power by winning the economic and military support of the Soviet Union, by distracting the international community away from his regime’s abuse of human rights, and by establishing himself as a David to the Goliath of the United States. After more than half a century in power, other countries are beginning to follow Castro‘s example in order to establish themselves as antidemocratic, autocratic dictators. In Cruz‘s opinion it is up to the democratic world to stand up to the newly risen copycat dictatorships in countries like Venezuela, and to uphold the values of democracy above the economic interests.

Ricardo Israel Z. explains how, as long as Fidel Castro is alive, there will be no great transformations within the Cuban government. In Israel Z.‘s opinion, it is unlikely that the revolution will outlive the revolutionary, as Castro was a unique charismatic leader, yet in this time of uncertainty, the Cuban people will take refuge in order rather than in chaos. Cuba will most likely remain relatively calm until Castro‘s death, while the real confrontations take place behind closed doors, rather than on the streets.

Fabian Bosoer discusses how the ownership, exploitation, and allocation of natural resources has become the principal instigator of all conflict and negotiation in Latin America. And yet conflict is business for many people, and behind every one of the contentions, investments are being made and lucrative contracts being signed for weapons and security. In Bosoer‘s opinion, what distinguishes the inflammatory environment of Latin America now is the fact that all of the countries involved in deciding between unity and divergence are democracies. The question is what will they decide?

Walid Salem addresses the issue of whether Islam as a religion is compatible with the establishment of democracy. Salem believes that it is, and points out that there are hundreds of moderate Islamic groups open to the ideas of peace, democracy, and modernization operating within the Middle East. The West must find a way to incorporate these groups into an alliance against terrorism and so help to instill the values of democracy in the Middle East.

Pedro G. Cavallero discusses Venezuela‘s candidacy to replace Argentina as a nonpermanent member of the UN Security Council. Under the leadership of Hugo Chávez, Venezuela‘s foreign policy has become erratic. Chávez has allied himself with Iran and supported its bid for nuclear weapons, and if elected to such an important position in the Security Council could destabilize the Middle East. In Cavallero‘s opinion, another state must be chosen, capable of playing a constructive role in the United Nations.

Ricardo Israel Z. discusses the differences between past conflicts of a more political nature in the Middle East, and the current purely military one. In Israel Z.’s opinion, Israel‘s will be unable of achieving its objectives of neutralizing Hamas and Hezbollah. And while innocent civilians in Lebanon, Israel, and Palestine suffer, Iran and Syria will be the ones to benefit most from the conflict.

Carlos Jorquera analyzes the harsh criticism that Chilean President Michelle Bachelet has been receiving in past weeks, and explains why her popularity has been declining so rapidly. Jorquera points out several important factors in Bachelet‘s loss of support: ambiguity in leadership, indecisiveness, and poor communication within government. In Jorquera‘s opinion, Bachelet must take a stand and decide to govern in order to help her country overcome its crises and set Chile on a positive, unwavering course.