For decades, Brazil has jealously safeguarded the right to decide the future of its national patrimony, the Amazon rain forest. It has responded to the plea of developing countries to stop the destruction of the rain forest with a defiant cry: "Hands off our Amazon!" Now, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has come up with a more practical response to those who want to save one of the most precious environmental resources on the planet: "Put your money where your mouth is!" ...more

September 3, 2008

Helicopters sent by Venezuela's president picked up two hostages freed by Colombian rebels in the jungle Thursday and flew the women across the border in a mission that could open a new path to freedom for dozens of captives. ...more

January 11, 2008