Colombia’s government and FARC guerrillas missed the March 23 deadline that they had set for themselves to finish a peace accord. Still, after 3 1/2 years of talks, an agreement on a full cessation of hostilities—a bilateral ceasefire—is likely in the near future.

What would happen the day after that?

In this podcast, Adam and Sarah look at the obstacles in the way to a smooth post-conflict transition: other violent groups, demobilization challenges, lack of consultation with communities, international apathy, and—perhaps most of all—the Colombian government’s historic inability to be present, protecting its citizens, in much of the national territory.

This podcast features excerpts of interviews with:

- Ariel Ávila of the Fundación Paz y Reconciliación,
- Afro-Colombian leader Hélmer Eduardo Quiñones,
- Todd Howland of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Bogotá Field Office,
- Danilo Rueda of Justicia y Paz,
- Marino Córdoba of AFRODES,
- Afro-Colombian leader Diego Grueso, and
- Sr. Zoila Cueto of Movimiento Fe y Alegría.

WOLA's Latin America Today Podcast 3/24: How a Ceasefire in Colombia Can Work

Cuba is at an exciting moment — it has a growing private sector, tourism is at an all-time high, and it has restored relations with the United States after a 55-year freeze. The country has been on a trajectory of change — but how different is it?

This podcast is the first of a three-part series about Cuba that WOLA will be putting out over the next few weeks. The next episode will look at access to information, civil society and political debate and the final will delve into the role and dynamics of U.S. policy.

In this episode of Latin America Today, the WOLA podcast, Senior Associate Adam Isacson and Program Officer Sarah Kinosian explore Cuba’s new reality and discuss the country’s halting moves to attract foreign investment and allow a greater role for the private sector. So far, Cubans are getting mixed messages as the government decides how quickly it wants – or is able – to change. In the meantime expectations are high, and some, particularly in the younger generation, are unhappy with the slow pace of reform.

This podcast features excerpts of interviews with:

WOLA Senior Associate Marc Hanson,
Julio Guanche of Cuba Posible,
Bill Leogrande of American University,
Cuban student Enrique Pozo, and
"Edgar," a Havana restaurateur.

Cuba's Changing Economy

Over the past few years, the line for speech critical of the government has been incrementally pushed forward in Cuba. This has happened as the government has implemented reforms, as the private sector has grown, and as the country has re-established relations with the United States.

As Cuba gradually allows more political debate, the conversation is no longer entirely polarized between dissidents and government backers. Civil society now includes independent organizations that are finding a voice on the internet and occupying a more middle ground. How far they can go, though, is unclear.

In this episode of Latin America Today, the WOLA podcast, Senior Associate Adam Isacson and Program Officer Sarah Kinosian take a look at the dynamics behind and within this new space. This podcast is the second in a three-part series about Cuba. Next week’s episode will look at the role and dynamics of U.S. policy. Our first episode in the series covered Cuba’s Changing Economy.

This podcast features excerpts of interviews with:
- WOLA Senior Associate Marc Hanson,
- WOLA Senior Associate Geoff Thale,
- Ailynn Torres, Roberto Veiga, and Lenier Gonzalez of Cuba Posible,
- Bill LeoGrande of American University, and
- Young Cuban professional Enrique Pozo

Political Debate and Civil Society in Cuba

U.S. policy toward Cuba has changed drastically under the Obama administration. Since announcing in December 2014 that the two countries would restore diplomatic relations, the White House has significantly eased trade and travel restrictions. Embassies have been opened, business deals have been signed, law enforcement cooperation has deepened, and U.S. commercial airlines are even set to begin flights to the island this fall.
 
But the President can only do so much. The embargo on Cuba remains and only Congress can lift it. Until recently, this seemed unlikely. But the environment has changed.  
 
In this episode of Latin America Today, the WOLA podcast, Senior Associate Adam Isacson and Program Officer Sarah Kinosian look at how recent changes in U.S. policy have impacted life in Cuba, why—after decades—the tide is finally shifting in Congress toward engament, especially among Republicans, and how soon we are likely to see an end to the 56-year-old U.S. embargo.


WOLA Podcast

Is the U.S. Embargo Coming To an End?

The Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) is a leading research and advocacy organization advancing human rights in the Americas.

WOLA Podcasts