John Otis

Fake White House spokesman

Venezuela quotes a made-up White House 'spokesman' to debunk drug-trafficking allegations

It's like The Onion of diplomacy.

Venezuela quotes a made-up White House 'spokesman' to debunk drug-trafficking allegations
Road of death

If you're looking for a good time, try a ride down Bolivia's 'road of death'

If you're looking for a good time, try a ride down Bolivia's 'road of death'

USAID is leaving Ecuador

USAID is leaving Ecuador

In Latin America, democracy's still no guarantee of press freedom

In Latin America, democracy's still no guarantee of press freedom
John Jairo Velásquez — commonly known as "Popeye" — gives his testimony against fellow Colombian drug cartel members in 2006.

The release of 'Popeye,' a trusted assassin for Pablo Escobar, enrages many Colombians

The release of 'Popeye,' a trusted assassin for Pablo Escobar, enrages many Colombians

Here's what it's like when a feisty little WWII plane is your best way around

Mothballed in the US, the Douglas DC-3 is a workhorse in the Colombian jungle.

Here's what it's like when a feisty little WWII plane is your best way around
Colombia fans celebrate as they gather before the World Cup Group C soccer match between Colombia and Greece. After the 3-0 win, nine Colombians died in the alcohol-fueled postgame parties.

Why Colombia's capital is cracking down on alcohol after World Cup deaths

In Colombia, World Cup celebrations turned rowdy — and deadly. Nine deaths and widespread arrests led some cities to ban alcohol while Colombia is playing, which has saved lives but devastated some businesses.

Why Colombia's capital is cracking down on alcohol after World Cup deaths

Why you should root for Colombia in the World Cup

Colombians are on high, and not just because of last weekend's gorgeous goal.

Why you should root for Colombia in the World Cup

Ecuador's World Cup squad brings hope to this poor, Afro-Ecuadorean province

Esmeraldas is tiny. It would be like an impoverished North Carolina supplying half of the US national men’s squad.

Ecuador's World Cup squad brings hope to this poor, Afro-Ecuadorean province
Young Colombian army troops in the southern town of Uribe, which used to be a FARC stronghold. Some are draftees serving their obligatory 18 months service; others are professional soldiers. Most come from humble backgrounds.

Draft evasion is alive and well in Colombia. And it's an issue in the presidential race

In Colombia, if you have resources, you can get out of the military draft. But if you're poor, you're stuck. It's become an issue in the presidential runoff.

Draft evasion is alive and well in Colombia. And it's an issue in the presidential race

Amid World Cup protests, Brazil passes amendment to fight modern-day slavery

The government's so-called “name-and-shame” policies, like the creation of a "dirty list," is meant to embarrass offending companies into taking action against labor abuses.

Amid World Cup protests, Brazil passes amendment to fight modern-day slavery
It's Colombia, not Columbia Facebook page

It's 'Colombia,' not 'Columbia' — get it right

Colombians are sick of having people spell their country "Columbia." A few of them have started a campaign to educate the rest of the world. But, they have their work cut out for them.

It's 'Colombia,' not 'Columbia' — get it right

Brazilians welcome genetically-modified mosquito to help fight dengue fever

Dengue Fever is one of the biggest killers in tropical countries. It's carried by mosquitoes that have proven tough to eradicate, so now officials in Brazil are trying a new approach: mosquitoes that have been genetically modified.

Brazilians welcome genetically-modified mosquito to help fight dengue fever

Colombia's controversial coca spraying could be the next drug war casualty

The US backs Colombian coca field fumigation, but here's a host of reasons some say it's another counternarcotics flop, while others say it's actually working.

Colombia's controversial coca spraying could be the next drug war casualty

Here's why Maduro's right about Venezuela's food shortages

And also, why he's wrong.

Here's why Maduro's right about Venezuela's food shortages