Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s appointment of Gen. Henry Sanabria as the national police chief last August was meant to start a new chapter in the country’s policing. Sanabria was tapped to help usher in an era of enlightened public safety under the progressive Petro. But the script didn’t unfold as expected.
South America
U.S. policy in Latin America is now strongly shaped by the question of China’s involvement and influence there. But while the U.S. will not convince countries to turn away from Beijing, it could help governments negotiate a better and more fair playing field, for China and other foreign powers operating in their countries.
Chilean President Gabriel Boric is anxious to convince voters he is serious about combatting a surge in violent crime, but his administration is divided over how to tackle it. After three police officers were slain in a span of 23 days since mid-March, Boric is now facing a political backlash that has sidetracked his domestic agenda.