Hemisphere Highlights, Volume VII, Issue 8 - September 2008

Transparency International releases its 2008 Corruptions Perception Index, which illustrates the persistent problem of corruption in the Americas. A federal election is called in Canada, to be held on October 14. Demonstrators march in Mexico to protest rising violence, and the Mexican Supreme Court upholds a law allowing abortion. Hurricanes cause devastation in Haiti. President Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua moves to eliminate the legal standing of his two main opposition parties. Russian bombers perform military exercises in Venezuela, and the two countries announce closer relations with a series of bilateral agreements. Speculations over President Ã?lvaro Uribe's political future continue in Colombia, and a new arrest is made in the country's ongoing "parapolítica" scandal. Bolivia expels the U.S. ambassador from the country, widening the political rift with the United States. A nationwide referendum approves a new Leftist constitution in Ecuador. The government of Chile takes action to combat an endemic fish virus that is affecting commerce. Legislative power begins to revive in Argentina.