Money to Fight Drug Gangs is Released to Mexico

The U.S. formally released the first part of a $400 million aid package, a sign of how much more involved the United States is becoming in Mexico’s brutal drug war.

Original post by By ELISABETH MALKIN


Head of State Tackles Crisis in Canada

The governor general of Canada said that she would cut short a state visit to Europe and return here as a coalition of opposition parties sought to unseat the Conservative government.

Original post by By IAN AUSTEN


Edward S. Rogers Jr., Canadian Media Mogul, Dies at 75

Mr. Rogers transformed Canada’s first FM radio station into one of North America’s most diverse communications and media companies.

Original post by By IAN AUSTEN


World Briefing | The Americas: Brazil: Pledge on Rain Forest

Brazil pledged Monday that, to fight global warming, in the next decade it would halve the rate of destruction of its Amazon rain forest. Brazil said it would aim to reduce clearing of the rain forest to 2,260 square miles a year by 2018. Brazil, which had refused to adopt targets until wealthier countries offered more help, hopes the plan will help allay criticism that it has done too little to fight burning and clearing by loggers, farmers and ranchers. Rain forest destruction has made Brazil one of the top greenhouse gas producers because trees release carbon dioxide when they are cut down or burned. Environment Minister Carlos Mins announced the plan, which is to be presented this week at a United Nations climate conference in Poland.

Original post by By REUTERS


World Briefing | The Americas: Guatemala: The Sport of Kingpins

Mexican and Guatemalan drug traffickers arguing about a horse race in a rural border town began a series of gun battles in which 17 people died, the Guatemalan National Police said Monday. A police spokesman said the traffickers were drinking in the town, Santa Ana Huista, on Sunday when an argument broke out over bets on a horse race, leading to a pursuit in which the gunmen shot at one another from trucks racing down roads.

Original post by By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


Brazil Leader Offers Plans for Recovery From Rains

The country’s president plans to help tens of thousands of people rebuild homes and businesses ruined by storms that killed at least 116 people.

Original post by By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS


Canadian Parties Form Alliance That Could Replace Government

If the pact is successful at dislodging the Conservatives, it will be the first time since 1926 that the federal government has changed hands without a vote.

Original post by By IAN AUSTEN


Camp Szuts Journal: Training Legionnaires to Fight (and Eat Rodents)

The French Foreign Legion operates one of the most grueling courses in jungle warfare and survival, opening it to Special Forces from around the world.

Original post by By SIMON ROMERO


Chávez Again Seeks to End Term Limits

The move, which would have to be approved by a national referendum, comes a year after voters rejected a constitutional overhaul that included a similar measure.

Original post by By SIMON ROMERO


Vote Creates Unlikely Foe for Leader of Argentina

A vote against higher taxes has put Vice President Julio Cobos of Argentina at odds with his boss.

Original post by By ALEXEI BARRIONUEVO