GUATEMALA
The Army's future: new goals or defending old interests?

In the last few months, an increase in social tension has coincided with a series of government-implemented measures which favor the military. Visible signs of the growing social unrest include: protests against the mining projects in San Marcos and Huehuetenango; popular consultations in various municipalities in the east and west of the country; the recent popular uprising in Totonicapán against the proposed Water Law; and the recent protests by unions and teachers. Worsening economic conditions throughout the country form a backdrop to the unrest. Meanwhile it has been revealed that the Army's budget will increase by 11% in 2006, with more funds being allotted to military reserves, courses abroad and military training. The government's decision to provide the Army with additional funds of Q110 million (US$14.2 million) for next year coincides with a deadlock in the court cases of corruption and violation of human rights against the military. While the majority of analysts attribute the perks and impunity granted the Army to a "sale of influences" between the judiciary and the military, little has been said about the growing strategic importance of the armed forces as guardians of national security.

REGION
Corruptors enjoy legal impunity

Most of the notorious corruption cases in the region reveal two things: that the media largely sets the agenda for which cases receive top priority; and that in cases involving transnational companies and government officials, the latter enjoy far greater impunity than the former. In order to improve this situation in Guatemala, the Supreme Electoral Tribunal is drafting a bill to oversee the private funding of political parties. Similar legislation already exists in Costa Rica, which is the only country in Central America where private companies can be taken to court for corrupting public officials.

REGION
Electric energy: a badly advised market

In September, the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) published a document revealing that privatization has contributed to the energy problems currently afflicting the region. These include an increased dependency on oil derivatives for electricity generation, price hikes for consumers and a relative lack of development in renewable energy projects. In Costa Rica however, where the generation of electricity remains under State control, tariffs are among the lowest in the region and dependency on oil derivatives is minimal. The multilateral banks, through promoting privatization and financing thermoelectric projects, have emerged as accomplices to the double disaster: a strategically important sector in the hands of profit seeking companies and an increasing dependence on oil.

PANAMA
Interview with political analyst Raúl Leis

Raúl Leis, professor of Sociology at the University of Panama, has been a political analyst for over twenty years. He worked as General Secretary for the now defunct political party "Papa Egoró", led by the actor/musician Ruben Blades, and also ran as congressional candidate for Papa Egoró in the 1994 general elections. Leis is now the Secretary General of the Adult Education Council for Latin America and chairs the Panamanian Center for Studies and Social Action (CEASPA). CAR asked the analys for his opinion on the present government; to comment on Panama's current position on the hemispheric geo-political map; and to contrast the governing styles of father and son: Omar (1968-1978) and Martin Torrijos.