Posts By: Mike Samras
Mike earned degrees in political science and journalism from the University of Pittsburgh. After graduating from college in 2006, Mike joined the Peace Corp and spent two and half years living and working in El Salvador. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in political management at George Washington University.
November 10, 2015 > Staff
FARC Rebels Reject Plebiscite Proposal to Finalize Colombian Peace Deal
Top Story — Colombian rebel group FARC rejected proposed legislation on Monday that would put a final peace agreement with the government up for popular vote, stalling progress in the peace negotiations […] Read More >
November 9, 2015 > Staff
Ecuador Proceeds With Historic Rights Abuse Case Against Former Officers
Top Story — Five former Ecuadorian military officers and an ex-police officer will face charges of human rights abuses as the country’s first-ever trial for crimes against humanity begins today, […] Read More >
November 6, 2015 > Staff
16 Feared Dead, Hundreds Displaced After Mining Dams Burst in Brazil
Top Story — Two dams holding iron-mine wastewater broke in the southeastern Brazilian state of Minas Gerais on Thursday, flooding the nearby town of Bento Rodrigues with water, mud and potentially […] Read More >
November 5, 2015 > Staff
Mexico’s Supreme Court Rules Prohibition of Marijuana Use Unconstitutional
Top Story — Mexico’s Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday in favor of allowing the four members of a marijuana-rights organization to grow and smoke their own marijuana, a move that […] Read More >
November 4, 2015 > Staff
Guatemala President-Elect Doubles Down on Anti-Corruption Pledges
Top Story — In an interview with The Associated Press on Tuesday, Guatemala’s President-elect Jimmy Morales said he will work to strengthen the mandate of domestic and international anti-corruption bodies […] Read More >
November 3, 2015 > Staff
Colombia’s ELN Promises Hostage Release, Asks For Catholic Church Role in Peace Talks
Top Story — Colombia’s leftist guerrilla National Liberation Army announced Monday that it will free two soldiers kidnapped following a recent deadly raid, and on the same day appealed to […] Read More >
November 2, 2015 > Staff
Sexual Harassment on Mexican TV Show Sparks Debate, Calls for Government Investigation
Top Story — A potentially pre-planned instance of sexual harassment between a male presenter and his female co-host on Mexican television last week has sparked a national debate on sexism and […] Read More >
October 30, 2015 > Staff
Accusations of Electoral Fraud Threaten Results, Peace in Haiti
Top Story — Despite initial reports of a lack of violence or fraud during Haiti’s municipal, legislative and presidential elections held Sunday, new concerns regarding potential illegal activity have arisen. Some […] Read More >
October 29, 2015 > Staff
Colombia Government May Call Cease-Fire in January
Top Story — Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos plans to call a bilateral ceasefire starting on the first day of 2016 if negotiators from the government and the Revolutionary Armed […] Read More >
October 28, 2015 > Staff
UN Supports Lifting of Cuba Embargo, US Position Increasingly Isolated
Top Story — The United Nations on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly in support of a resolution demanding an end to the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba. The United States, having recently discussed […] Read More >