Everywhere is War
And until there is no longer first class and second class citizens of any nation…well, everywhere is war.
—Bob Marley
The U.S. Border in Panama
Under pressure from the US, and with a large financial incentive, Panama is attempting to control the flow of migrants in its territory through deterrence and deportations.
Prophets and Mystics
…recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal and inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world…
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UNDHR), Preamble
Defending human rights is a political act. Without respect for human rights, democracy crumbles and stability gives way to civil unrest, insecurity, and migration, as people do what they feel they have to do to survive.
Are There Really no Alternatives to Armed Intervention in Haiti?
Haiti continues to deal with a heart-breaking crisis situation of extreme violence and food insecurity. Now the US government has signed an agreement with the government of Kenya to provide financial and other support for a Kenya-led “international police” action in Haiti. While the situation is desperate, I remain unconvinced that armed international intervention is the right solution.
TPS for Venezuela Statement
Deterrence is a Failed Policy: TPS and Expanded Pathways are the Way Forward
People Walk to America
The kid with the neck tattoo of bright red lips, I won’t soon forget him. It wasn’t the neck tattoo of a tough guy or a gang member, but the playful tattoo of a baby-faced teenager. I bet I will run into him someday in the U.S., but I first met him near the Guatemala/Mexico border in June.
Fresco de Jamaica Recipe
Tea made from flor de jamaica, or hibiscus, is a popular drink across Mexico and Central America, including Nicaragua. For Quixote Center staff, jamaica has often been a lifesaving thirst-quencher during our travels. Refresco de jamaica—or agua de jamaica as it’s often called in Mexico—is a perfectly refreshing way to close out the summer.
Nicaragua and the Politics of Sanctions
Back in June, Senators Rubio and Kaine introduced legislation to extend and expand sanctions directed at the Government of Nicaragua. The bill builds upon the NICA Act of 2018, passed under the Trump Administration, and RENACER of 2021, a Biden Administration-supported bill.
On the Road in Nicaragua
Last week, I had the opportunity to join Quixote Center on a delegation with PeaceWorks to Nicaragua. We visited a wide range of organizations across the departments of Managua, Masaya, León, Estelí, and Madriz.
Driving across the Nicaraguan countryside, I was struck by the beauty of the lush mountains and volcanoes. But I was also struck by the lack of people in their 20s and 30s that we encountered; many have likely left for Managua or abroad.
