El Salvador Problems 12-4-25

The following Post is Left-Wing Propaganda published by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty international. El Salvador has restored Law and Order and is being criticized for doing so. 

El Salvador's primary problems in 2025 include a severe and prolonged human rights crisis, marked by mass arbitrary detentions, torture, and restricted freedoms under an unconstitutional state of emergency. Social and political issues include the suppression of peaceful protests, attacks on journalists and critics, and the weakening of democratic institutions through measures like constitutional amendments that permit single-legislature changes. 

Human rights and civil liberties

State of emergency: The unconstitutional state of emergency, in effect since March 2022, has led to over 83,000 arbitrary arrests, with many detainees having no apparent links to gangs.

Abuses in detention: Detainees report torture, sexual violence, and other ill-treatment, with reports of widespread human rights violations.

Excessive force: Security forces use excessive force against protestors, and the government has militarized responses to social discontent and criminalized protest.

Judicial independence: There are serious issues with the independence of the judiciary and a lack of accountability for abuses by security forces. 

Political and institutional problems

Authoritarianism: The government is deepening an authoritarian pattern, with the re-election of President Nayib Bukele raising concerns about democratic backsliding.

Constitutional changes: A new constitutional amendment passed in January 2025 allows for changes to the constitution in a single legislative session, a move criticized as weakening checks and balances.

Suppression of dissent: There are serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media, with journalists and government critics facing violence and threats.

Public sector dismissals: Thousands of public sector employees, particularly those in education and healthcare, were reportedly dismissed as a form of reprisal for participating in protests. 

Social and economic issues

Increased inequality: The security policies have exacerbated gendered violence and poverty, particularly for women, whose security has not improved and who face the burden of supporting detained loved ones.

Migrant returns: The U.S. has repatriated a significant number of Salvadorans and, beginning in March 2025, began deporting members of gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua to El Salvador, placing additional strain on the already overcrowded prison system. 

The primary problems in El Salvador during 2025 revolved around significant human rights violations and democratic backsliding under the prolonged "state of emergency" implemented by President Nayib Bukele's government. 

Key issues highlighted by international human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, include:

Human Rights Concerns

Mass Arbitrary Detentions: Tens of thousands of people have been detained since the state of emergency began in March 2022, often without due process or clear evidence of gang connections. Arrests are sometimes based on appearance, anonymous complaints, or alleged family ties to gang members.

Abusive Prison Conditions: The prison system suffers from critical overcrowding, exceeding capacity significantly. There are credible reports of torture, cruel and inhumane treatment, food deprivation, and lack of medical care, leading to hundreds of deaths in custody.

Suspension of Constitutional Rights: The state of emergency has involved the suspension of fundamental rights, including the right to be informed of the reason for arrest, the right to privacy of communications, freedom of assembly, and the right to appear before a judge within 72 hours.

Lack of Accountability: Authorities have reportedly failed to investigate or convict police or military officers in connection with documented abuses, including torture and sexual violence against women and girls in detention. 

Democratic and Governance Issues

Erosion of Democracy: Observers have voiced concerns about growing authoritarianism, with the government concentrating control over the legislature, judiciary, and oversight institutions.

Constitutional Changes: Constitutional amendments were passed in 2025 to ease future reforms and eliminate presidential term limits, allowing President Bukele to potentially serve for a much longer period. These changes were made without guarantees of public participation or deliberation.

Suppression of Dissent: Civil society organizations, journalists, and human rights defenders face harassment, criminalization of protest, and threats. A "foreign agents law" was introduced to restrict the funding and operations of NGOs and media outlets, forcing some prominent groups to leave the country. 

Economic and Social Challenges

Budget Priorities: The 2025 budget prioritized spending on security and defense, leading to significant cuts in key sectors like health and education, which could deepen social inequalities.

Lack of Transparency: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) report in late 2025 revealed that El Salvador did not purchase Bitcoin during the year, despite government claims of daily accumulation, raising questions about financial transparency. 

While the government's security policies have drastically reduced the homicide rate and improved the perception of safety for many citizens and tourists, these achievements have come at a high cost to human rights and democratic institutions. 

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Comments

The UN appears to only support “Criminal’s” human rights and the Bureaucrats who protect criminals. Restoring the “Rule of Law” is the first step to restoring economies.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Guatemala Problems 12-4-25

In 2025, Guatemala faces ongoing problems with corruption, high levels of crime and violence, food insecurity, and environmental degradation, which are exacerbated by systemic poverty and a widening social and economic gap for indigenous populations. These issues are compounded by external shocks like climate change and natural disasters, such as the July 2025 earthquakes, and weak public services.  

Social and economic challenges

Poverty and inequality: A significant portion of the population lives in poverty, with indigenous communities disproportionately affected by social, economic, and political disadvantages.

Food insecurity and malnutrition: A complex humanitarian crisis is driven by food insecurity, often caused by climate-induced crop failures, leading to acute malnutrition.

Weak public services: The country struggles with issues like chronic child malnutrition, low coverage in education, and insufficient access to healthcare services.

Human mobility: Systemic poverty and lack of opportunities are major drivers for migration, with many people, including unaccompanied children, leaving the country. 

Governance and rule of law

Corruption: Corruption remains a significant concern, with issues including arbitrary prosecutions and official complicity in crimes like human trafficking.

Crime and violence: Guatemala has one of the highest rates of violent crime in Latin America, and the country is grappling with issues of public safety, including sexual violence, especially against girls and indigenous women.

Judicial and civic space: There are concerns over judicial independence and a shrinking civic space, with human rights organizations reporting arbitrary prosecutions. 

Environmental issues

Deforestation and soil erosion: The country faces significant environmental problems, including widespread deforestation and soil erosion, particularly on agricultural land.

Water and air pollution: Water and air pollution are major issues, and the country is also experiencing water resource shortages and the deterioration of marine resources. 

Natural disasters

Earthquakes: A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near the capital city in July 2025, highlighting the country's vulnerability to seismic activity. 

In 2025, Guatemala continues to face systemic issues including deep-rooted corruption and political instability, high levels of poverty and inequality, a complex humanitarian crisis driven by food insecurity and climate change, and persistent challenges with public safety and human rights. 

Political and Governance Problems

Corruption and Judicial Independence: The lack of judicial independence and widespread corruption remain critical issues. The Attorney General's Office has faced accusations of politically motivated prosecutions against anti-corruption activists, journalists, and government officials. Efforts to reform the system face significant institutional opposition.

Government Opposition: President Bernardo Arévalo's administration, which took office in January 2024 on an anti-corruption platform, has faced relentless opposition from the legislature and the judiciary, making it difficult to pass reforms and implement its agenda.

Weak Public Spending Capacity: Guatemala has one of the lowest public spending levels among developing economies, with inadequate capacity to address significant gaps in education, health, and infrastructure. 

Socioeconomic and Humanitarian Issues

Poverty and Inequality: Over half of the population lives in poverty, with a high degree of income inequality. Indigenous communities are disproportionately affected, facing higher rates of poverty and malnutrition compared to non-Indigenous populations.

Food Insecurity and Malnutrition: The country is experiencing a complex humanitarian crisis due to chronic food insecurity and climate-induced crop failures, particularly in the Dry Corridor. In 2024, there were over 25,000 reported cases of acute malnutrition in children under five.

Inadequate Access to Water and Sanitation: Millions lack access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation, a problem that Human Rights Watch in a July 2025 report urged the government to address with a national water law. 

Security and Human Rights Challenges

Violence and Organized Crime: Guatemala continues to struggle with high levels of violent crime, including homicides, extortion, drug trafficking, and gang violence. While the overall homicide rate has seen a general decline over the past decade, gang-related violence has increased in certain areas.

Human Trafficking: The country is a source, destination, and transit point for human trafficking. Victims, many of whom are women and children, face exploitation and are often vulnerable to abuse by traffickers and, in some cases, complicit officials.

Migration: Lack of economic opportunity, violence, and corruption are key drivers of irregular migration to the United States and elsewhere. Guatemala also serves as a transit and return country for a high influx of migrants from other nations. 

Environmental and Natural Disasters

Vulnerability to Climate Change: Guatemala is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes, droughts, and earthquakes. A magnitude 5.7 earthquake in July 2025 resulted in several deaths and hundreds of injuries and displaced people.

Infrastructure Deficiencies: The country suffers from poor infrastructure, including port congestion and a lack of proper roads and sanitation systems, which exacerbates rural poverty and limits economic development. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=guatemala+problems+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

El Salvador Assistance in Haiti 12-4-25

Yes, in early 2025, El Salvador and Haiti had problems with the ongoing partnership to combat gang violence in Haiti, as El Salvadorian troops were deployed to assist the UN-backed mission. While El Salvador's approach has been criticized, the presence of troops, including those from El Salvador, was intended to help stabilize the country amidst the crisis. However, concerns about the effectiveness of the partnership and the potential for repressive tactics persist.  

Key issues

Mission support: El Salvadorian troops arrived in Haiti in early 2025 as part of a multinational security mission to combat the country's rampant gang violence.

Criticism of tactics: El Salvador's security policies, which rely on a heavy-handed approach, have been criticized for potentially worsening repression in Haiti and for failing to address the root causes of violence.

Partnership concerns: The partnership itself has been questioned due to concerns about the level of corruption and incompetence within the Haitian government and the potential for the militarized approach to further destabilize vulnerable communities.

Ongoing challenges: Despite the deployment of forces, gang violence and insecurity continue to plague Haiti, with travel into and out of the capital becoming increasingly dangerous.

Future of the mission: El Salvador's troop commitment was set to run until October 2025, but the future of the partnership remains uncertain. 

El Salvador and Haiti do not have problems with each other in 2025; rather, El Salvador has sent military personnel to Haiti to support the UN-backed Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to combat rampant gang violence. 

This assistance stems from Haiti's severe internal crisis, which includes widespread gang control of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and a near collapse of public order. El Salvador's involvement is a form of international support. 

Key aspects of the relationship and situation in 2025:

Military Support: In January and February 2025, El Salvador deployed a contingent of approximately 78-150 soldiers to join the MSS mission, primarily to offer expertise in air support and medical evacuations.

Shared Goal: Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has expressed confidence that his anti-gang strategies, which have been widely popular in his home country, can help "obliterate" Haiti's gangs and restore order.

Human Rights Concerns: The cooperation has drawn criticism from some human rights and political analysts. Critics argue that using the Salvadoran anti-crime model—which involves a controversial state of emergency and mass detentions with reported human rights abuses in El Salvador—could lead to similar issues in Haiti, potentially suppressing dissent and exacerbating human rights problems.

Ongoing Crisis: Despite international efforts, Haiti's humanitarian and security situation remains critical throughout 2025, with a record number of people displaced by violence and gangs maintaining significant control over large areas.

In summary, the relationship is one of assistance from El Salvador to Haiti in addressing Haiti's internal security crisis, not a conflict between the two nations.

https://www.google.com/search?q=does+san+salvador+have+problems+with+haiti+2025

Comments

The UN has a poor track record in its “peace keeping” missions.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Dominican Republic Problems 12-4-25

In 2025, the Dominican Republic faces economic challenges including

slower growth in early 2025 and a rising fiscal deficit, but expects future growth to pick up. Social and human rights issues persist, such as a rise in violent crime in urban areas, ongoing challenges with child abuse, and discrimination in birth registration for some children, particularly those of Haitian descent. Additionally, climate change poses a significant threat to the country's infrastructure, health, and agriculture.  

Economic challenges 

Economic slowdown: Growth slowed in late 2024 and the first half of 2025 due to global uncertainty and tighter financial conditions.

Fiscal deficit: The fiscal deficit was projected to increase to 3.4% of GDP in 2025 before gradually declining.

Electricity sector reform: Continued structural reforms, particularly in the electricity sector, are crucial for boosting long-term growth and resilience. 

Social and human rights issues 

Increased violent crime: Urban areas like Santo Domingo and Santiago are experiencing an increase in violent crime, including armed robberies and assaults, with a rise in incidents involving foreigners.

Petty theft: Petty theft, such as snatch-and-run phone and wallet thefts, has significantly increased, especially in tourist-heavy areas.

Child welfare: Child abuse remains a serious problem, and the government has faced challenges in effectively enforcing laws against child, early, and forced marriage.

Birth registration discrimination: Some mothers have reported difficulties registering their children's births, especially in couples with a Dominican father and a Haitian mother who lack proper documentation.

Corruption: While some anti-corruption measures have been implemented, issues like nepotism and a lack of criminal penalties for procurement fraud remain concerns. 

Environmental challenges 

Climate change impacts: Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of natural hazards and negatively impact health, infrastructure, ecosystems, and crop yields.

Disaster preparedness: The country is prone to hurricanes, tropical storms, earthquakes, and flooding, requiring ongoing disaster preparedness and response efforts. 

Other issues 

Immigration: The Dominican Republic continues to grapple with the influx of Haitians fleeing violence and instability in their country, leading to deportations and complex social issues. 

In 2025, the Dominican Republic faces several persistent challenges, notably public security concerns, a struggling public health system, pervasive corruption, and complex socio-political tensions with neighboring Haiti. Economically, the country is navigating a temporary slowdown and working on essential fiscal and energy reforms. 

Key Challenges in the Dominican Republic in 2025

Crime and Security: Violent crime remains a concern, even in tourist areas, prompting the U.S. Department of State to advise increased caution. Petty crimes like pickpocketing and credit card fraud are also common. Authorities recommend vigilance, avoiding displays of wealth, and using reputable transport services.

Public Health System: The public health system is underfunded and deteriorated, with spending at less than half of the World Health Organization's recommendation. The limited availability of services is a primary issue for Dominican nationals, with recent data debunking the myth that migrants are the cause of the strain.

Governance and Corruption: Pervasive corruption continues to undermine state institutions and the rule of law. Foreign investors cite a lack of transparency, inconsistent judicial decisions, and bureaucratic hurdles as key challenges in the business climate. The government is working on a national anti-corruption strategy in coordination with the OECD.

Haiti Relations and Migration: The ongoing crisis in Haiti has created significant challenges for the Dominican Republic, including managing migration flows and security along the shared border, which remains closed. The Dominican government has conducted mass deportations of Haitians, including those of Haitian descent who may have legal claims to residency, which has raised human rights concerns from international organizations.

Economic Adjustments: The economy experienced a slowdown in the first half of 2025 due to global uncertainty and tighter financial conditions. While growth is projected to pick up, the country faces challenges in implementing key structural reforms, particularly in the underpriced and heavily subsidized electricity sector, which poses fiscal risks.

Natural Disasters: The Dominican Republic is highly vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes. These events pose ongoing risks to lives, livelihoods, infrastructure, and government finances. A nationwide power outage in November 2025 due to a "cascade of failures" highlighted the vulnerability of the power grid to system failures and weather events. 

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Comments

The Dominican Republic Problems are caused by sharing a border with Haiti.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

South American Problems 12-3-25

Based on 2025 reports, Venezuela and Colombia are among the South American countries facing the most significant problems, particularly concerning high rates of crime and political instability. Other countries with notable issues include Brazil and Ecuador, which are grappling with climate-related crises and political unrest. Economic and social challenges like poverty and inequality are widespread across the region.  

Security and political stability

Venezuela: Facing high rates of violent crime, corruption, and political instability, with the capital, Caracas, considered one of the most dangerous cities in the world, notes Global Guardian and World Population Review. 

Colombia: Ranks as one of the most dangerous countries, with ongoing challenges from armed groups that have increased their use of explosives. 

Peru: Experiences political violence and protests, particularly related to extortion. 

Brazil: Faces political unrest, including demonstrations against police brutality. 

Climate and environmental issues 

Ecuador and Brazil: Are particularly impacted by climate-driven crises such as severe droughts, floods, and wildfires that affect their economies and infrastructure.

Regional climate concerns: Climate change is a major risk across the region, with consequences like drought, wildfires, and floods impacting energy production, agriculture, and infrastructure, according to Americas Quarterly. 

Economic and social challenges

Poverty and inequality: Remain significant and enduring problems across the continent, notes the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.

Economic prospects: Are weakened by a lack of structural reforms in many countries.

Climate risks: Add another layer of complexity for long-term economic planning, says a LinkedIn article. 

In 2025, the South American countries facing the most significant problems are widely considered to be 

Venezuela, Ecuador and Colombia, largely due to a combination of political instability, high crime rates, and the influence of organized crime and drug trafficking. 

Key Countries of Concern

Venezuela: consistently ranks as the country with the most severe challenges in South America. It is described as having one of the highest rates of violent crime, corruption, and civil unrest in the world. The nation is grappling with extreme poverty, hyperinflation, shortages of essential goods, and significant political instability, leading to a major humanitarian crisis and a large exodus of its citizens.

Ecuador: In under a decade, Ecuador has transformed into one of the region's most violent countries and a major hub for the drug trade. The government has declared an "internal armed conflict" as hyper-violent criminal groups battle for territorial control, leading to soaring rates of violence, including the killing of judges, prison staff, and mayors.

Colombia: While popular with tourists in some areas, certain regions of Colombia remain high-risk due to ongoing conflicts between state forces and non-state armed groups, such as FARC dissidents and the ELN. These groups engage in deadly attacks, making security a significant concern in specific areas outside of the main tourist circuits. 

Other Countries with Notable Challenges

Brazil faces challenges with worsening organized crime and land conflicts, particularly in the northeast and Amazon regions, involving powerful criminal organizations like the Primeiro Comando do Maranhão and the Primeiro Comando da Capital.

Argentina is experiencing political upheaval and economic pressure amidst corruption allegations and fiscal concerns.

Chile, Peru and Bolivia: These countries have faced ongoing fiscal challenges and spending pressures in 2025. 

Peru, while improving its safety ranking since 2022, still faces occasional instability. These issues are often interconnected, driven by factors such as weak governance, economic instability, and the pervasive influence of transnational criminal organizations.

In contrast, countries like Uruguay and Chile are generally cited as being among the safer and more politically stable nations in the region. 

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Comments

Trump’s Team is attending to South American countries with US Trade Deals. Trump’s National Security Goals include removing Problems from these countries to stabilize their economies.

Biden Administration Government Overspending is responsible for the Global Inflation. This Cumulative Inflation persists on all continents. Affordability is a Global Problem that added 30% inflation to the cost of everything.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Columbia Problems 12-3-25

In December 2025, Colombia faces several problems including escalating armed conflict and violence, leading to high levels of internal displacement and humanitarian crises, particularly with a reported increase in forced displacement reaching a 10-year peak. Economically, the country is grappling with high global uncertainty, fiscal deterioration, and persistent challenges in export performance. Additionally, environmental factors like climate change are worsening living conditions, and human rights concerns persist, including threats against activists and violence against marginalized groups.  

Conflict and displacement

Escalating conflict: The conflict is intensifying, driven by the territorial expansion and fragmentation of armed groups. This is leading to increased violence and displacement.

High internal displacement: The number of people forced to flee their homes has reached a 10-year peak, doubling the previous year's figure for 2025, with about 5.1 million people internally displaced due to conflict and violence.

Children affected by conflict: The recruitment and use of children and adolescents in armed conflict is a growing and severe problem. 

Economic challenges

Fiscal deterioration: The economy is facing fiscal challenges and high sovereign risk premiums, necessitating a restrictive monetary policy to maintain stability.

Weak export performance: Despite some growth in non-traditional exports, overall exports are down due to declining commodity prices.

Structural issues: Challenges include low domestic savings and investment, which limit the country's ability to finance necessary long-term investments. 

Humanitarian and rights issues

Humanitarian crisis: The combination of conflict and climate variability is worsening the humanitarian situation, affecting millions of people.

Threats and violence against activists: Human rights defenders, including those protecting LGBTI rights, continue to face threats and attacks.

Violence against vulnerable groups: Violence disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, with reports indicating a high number of killings of LGBTI people, particularly transgender women. 

Environmental concerns

Climate change impact: Climate variability and frequent natural disasters are exacerbating existing problems and affecting the population.

Risk analysis: There is a need to monitor the impact of natural hazards and climate change on vulnerable populations and their access to resources. 

In December 2025, Colombia continues to face significant challenges primarily related to ongoing internal armed conflict and violence, the resulting humanitarian crisis and forced displacement, and persistent economic and political instability. 

Security and Humanitarian Crisis

The primary issue stems from the territorial expansion and fragmentation of non-state armed groups (NSAGs), including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and FARC dissidents, who are vying for control over illicit economies like drug trafficking and illegal mining. 

Forced Displacement and Confinement: Colombia hosts one of the world's largest populations of forcibly uprooted people, with over 7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and nearly 3 million Venezuelan migrants and refugees. Ongoing clashes lead to mass displacement and forced confinement of communities, particularly indigenous and Afro-Colombian populations, who are cut off from essential services like food and medicine.

Violence and Protection Risks: The humanitarian situation in 2025 is set to be one of the decade's worst in humanitarian terms, with increasing rates of violence, targeted killings of social leaders and human rights defenders, child recruitment by armed groups, and widespread use of explosive devices such as anti-personnel mines.

Limited State Presence and Humanitarian Access: Many rural and border regions lack sufficient state presence and capacity, making them hotspots for conflict and limiting the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver aid safely. 

Political and Governance Challenges

President Gustavo Petro's "Total Peace" strategy, aimed at negotiating ceasefires and peace deals with various armed groups, has achieved limited success and faced significant setbacks, including the suspension of talks with the ELN in late 2024 and internal political gridlock. 

Political Instability and Reforms: Petro's administration faces a difficult political environment, with a lack of majority in Congress hindering the passage of structural reforms (e.g., labor and education reforms). The rejection of the 2025 budget proposal by the Senate has created further uncertainty.

Rule of Law and Impunity: Despite the 2016 peace accord with the FARC, implementation remains a challenge, and there are systemic shortcomings in the justice system, with widespread impunity for past and present crimes, including enforced disappearances. 

Economic and Social Issues

Colombia faces persistent economic and social problems that exacerbate the security situation and inequality. 

Economic Concerns: While GDP growth is expected to accelerate slightly in 2025, the country faces a widening fiscal deficit, high structural unemployment and labor informality, and a dependence on commodities like oil. The government's push to transition away from fossil fuels is a long-term goal that presents short-term economic challenges regarding revenue.

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Comments

Record shipments of Cocaine are coming from Colombia to the US. Drug Cartels are operating in Colombia again.

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Haiti Problems 12-3-25

In December 2025, Haiti faces a severe humanitarian crisis marked by widespread gang violence, high levels of displacement, and political instability. Key problems include ongoing gang control over parts of the capital, a struggling security mission, and a lack of basic services, exacerbated by recent flooding. Food insecurity is also a major issue, with nearly half the population facing acute hunger.  

Security and Political Issues

Gang violence: Gangs control territory in and around the capital, leading to thousands of deaths and injuries.

Political instability: The Transitional Presidential Council is mired in infighting, and the country lacks stable leadership.

Security mission struggles: The UN-authorized security mission has been underfunded and ineffective against the gangs. 

Humanitarian and Social Crises

Mass displacement: Over 1.4 million people are internally displaced, with the number increasing significantly in 2025 due to violence.

Food insecurity: Nearly half of the population is experiencing acute food insecurity, with conditions potentially worsening in 2025.

Humanitarian needs: Millions of children require humanitarian assistance, and there is a critical need for WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services.

Sexual violence: Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to sexual violence, which gangs use as a tool of intimidation and control. 

Environmental and Infrastructure Problems

Climate-related disasters: Above-average rainfall is expected, and previous floods damaged infrastructure like schools and sanitation systems.

Infrastructure collapse: Attacks have destroyed homes, infrastructure, and essential services, including those related to water and healthcare. 

In December 2025, Haiti continues to face a severe, multifaceted crisis characterized by pervasive gang violence, political instability, a dire humanitarian situation, and vulnerability to natural disasters. 

Key problems include:

Security Crisis

Widespread Gang Control and Violence: Criminal groups control large portions of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and have expanded into other key regions like the Artibonite. Violence, including killings, kidnappings, widespread sexual assault, and forced recruitment of children, is rampant.

Ineffective Security Forces: The national police are understaffed and under-resourced, struggling to contain the violence. The UN-authorized Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, led by Kenya, is operational but significantly underfunded and under-personnelled, limiting its effectiveness.

Justice System Collapse: The justice system is largely non-functional, with court buildings seized by gangs and a near-total lack of accountability for human rights abuses. 

Humanitarian Crisis

Mass Displacement: Over 1.4 million people are internally displaced (IDPs) due to the violence, placing immense pressure on host communities and makeshift shelters with limited resources.

Acute Food Insecurity: Nearly half of the population (approximately 5.5 million people) needs humanitarian assistance, with millions facing acute hunger, including thousands experiencing famine-like conditions.

Health System Near Collapse: Only about 40% of health facilities nationwide are functional, with many health workers having fled the country. Access to clean water and sanitation is limited, aggravating disease outbreaks like cholera.

Disrupted Education: Escalating violence has led to the closure of over a thousand schools, depriving more than a million children of education. 

Political and Economic Instability

Fragile Transitional Government: A transitional presidential council and a new prime minister, Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, are in place with a mandate to restore security and organize elections by late 2026, but the government is unstable and faces internal disputes and corruption allegations.

Economic Devastation: The security crisis has crippled economic activity, particularly in the agricultural sector, and led to high inflation and widespread poverty, making the country heavily dependent on imports.

External Challenges: International support and funding for the security and humanitarian responses remain insufficient. Neighboring countries, primarily the Dominican Republic, are continuing mass deportations of Haitians fleeing the violence, adding further strain. 

Environmental Vulnerability

Natural Disasters: Haiti is highly vulnerable to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and droughts, which exacerbate existing humanitarian and food crises. The country experienced significant damage and deaths from Hurricane Melissa in October and November 2025. 

https://www.google.com/search?q=what+problems+does+haiti+have+in+december+2025

Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Ecuador Problems 12-3-25

In December 2025, Ecuador faces significant problems including high levels of organized crime and violence, which have not been curbed by a militarized security strategy that has led to human rights abuses. Additionally, the country is dealing with an energy crisis causing extensive blackouts, and the government has responded to protests against economic reforms like fuel subsidy cuts with a crackdown that includes excessive force and arbitrary arrests.  

Security and human rights

Organized crime and violence: Despite a declared "war on criminal groups," violence remains high. Drug trafficking, gang warfare, and prison violence continue, fueled by corruption and a power vacuum.

Security force abuses: The government's militarized security strategy has resulted in increased reports of human rights violations by both police and military forces, such as arbitrary detentions, extrajudicial killings, and excessive use of force against protesters.

Judicial independence: The judiciary faces challenges from corruption, with investigations into judges and prosecutors for organized crime, bribery, and other offenses, and legal professionals are at risk. 

Economic and energy crisis

Energy crisis: A severe energy crisis has led to extended blackouts, disrupting services and disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations and the economy.

Economic instability: The government removed fuel subsidies in September 2025 to address fiscal deficits, leading to significant price increases and widespread protests.

Impact on investment: The ongoing security and fiscal crises are creating a difficult investment climate and raising risks for investors, according to the U.S. Department of State. 

Social and political issues

Repression of protests: The government has responded to widespread protests over economic issues with force, restricting freedoms of assembly and expression.

Political polarization: Deep political divisions continue to be a challenge, though the 2025 general elections have passed.

Social inequality: Long-standing issues of poverty and inequality are exacerbated by the ongoing crises, particularly the energy crisis which disproportionately affects the poor and the elderly. 

In December 2025, Ecuador continues to face significant challenges primarily related to widespread organized crime and violence, persistent economic difficulties and poverty, an ongoing energy crisis, and concerns regarding human rights and the stability of democratic institutions. 

Security and Violence

Ecuador has transitioned from a relatively peaceful nation to one of the most violent in Latin America, driven by transnational drug trafficking organizations fighting for territorial control and control of prisons. 

High Crime Rates: The country continues to grapple with high rates of homicides, kidnappings, and extortion, affecting daily life and forcing many citizens to flee their homes or limit their activities.

Militarized Security Response: The government's declaration of an "internal armed conflict" has led to the deployment of the military on streets and in prisons. While this initially showed a slight decrease in some crime statistics, it has also raised serious concerns about human rights violations by security forces, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and enforced disappearances.

Prison Crisis: Prisons remain key operational centers for criminal gangs, marked by poor conditions, overcrowding, and a lack of state control, contributing to ongoing violence within the penitentiary system. 

Economic Challenges

The economic situation is strained by structural issues, policy changes, and the ripple effects of the security and energy crises. 

Poverty and Unemployment: As of late 2024/early 2025, poverty rates have been rising, particularly in rural areas, with many people working in the informal sector.

Energy Crisis: Despite recent rainfall, the country remains vulnerable to future power outages due to an over-reliance on hydroelectric power and insufficient infrastructure investment. The 2024 power cuts caused significant economic losses and job instability.

Fiscal Issues and IMF Program: Ecuador has a large fiscal deficit and significant arrears. It is currently in a multi-year agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), committing to fiscal targets which include raising the Value Added Tax (VAT) and phasing out fuel subsidies, measures that have proven unpopular and led to protests.

Investment Climate Concerns: Private sector contacts cite a lack of legal certainty, corruption, inefficient bureaucracy, and frequent policy changes as negative aspects of the investment climate. 

Political and Social Issues

The nation also faces political instability and social challenges. 

Political Fragmentation and Instability: Tensions within the government, including between the President and Vice President, and a contentious selection process for judicial officials, contribute to a fragile political landscape. A national referendum in late 2025 on significant constitutional changes has highlighted the country's political divisions.

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Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Venezuela Problems 12-2-25

In December 2025, Venezuela continues to face a complex, ongoing crisis characterized by severe humanitarian needs, a persistent political standoff following the contested 2024 election, and acute human rights violations.  

Humanitarian and Economic Crisis

Widespread Poverty and Food Insecurity: Roughly 73.2% of the population lived in poverty in 2024, and about 40% experience food insecurity. A basic food basket remains unaffordable for most families due to low wages and high living costs.

Collapse of Basic Services: Households suffer from persistent interruptions in access to potable water, electricity, and gas supplies. The healthcare system is severely strained by shortages of medical supplies and qualified personnel.

Mass Migration: Approximately 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country since 2014, with most residing in other Latin American and Caribbean countries. These refugees and migrants face significant obstacles in accessing jobs and healthcare, making them vulnerable to exploitation.

Humanitarian Aid Shortages: The 2025 UN Humanitarian Response Plan is severely underfunded, limiting aid organizations to providing only "bare-bones" life-saving interventions. 

Political and Human Rights Issues

Electoral Crisis and Repression: The country is experiencing a major political crisis following the July 2024 presidential election, where Nicolás Maduro was declared the winner despite widespread international concerns about transparency and evidence suggesting the opposition candidate, Edmundo González, won by a significant margin.

Crackdown on Dissent: The government has engaged in brutal repression, including killings, arbitrary detentions, and persecution of protesters, opposition members, and human rights defenders. Over 1,900 "political prisoners" were arrested in the months following the election.

Lack of Judicial Independence: State institutions, including the judiciary and the Attorney General's office, are widely seen as instruments of the executive branch, used to facilitate repression and ensure impunity for government officials accused of crimes against humanity.

Suppression of Civil Society and Media: Authorities have intensified efforts to restrict civic space, including passing legislation to control the operations and financing of NGOs, blocking independent media websites, and harassing journalists. 

Regional and Geopolitical Tensions

International Isolation and Sanctions: The U.S. and other nations do not recognize Maduro as the legitimate president and have imposed sanctions, which, along with the government's economic mismanagement, continue to impact the economy.

Increased Military Posturing: Escalating tensions with the U.S. have led to increased military activity in the region, including airspace warnings and concerns about potential conflict. There are also ongoing risks related to the territorial dispute over the oil-rich Essequibo region with neighboring Guyana.

Armed Groups: Non-state armed groups, including the ELN and former FARC dissidents, operate in border states, contributing to insecurity and human rights abuses, especially in mining areas. 

In December 2025, Venezuela continues to face a multifaceted political, economic, and humanitarian crisis, marked by the fallout from disputed elections, a severe humanitarian emergency, persistent human rights abuses, and escalating international tensions. 

Key problems include:

Political and Governance Crisis

Disputed Election Results: Following the July 2024 presidential election, the official declaration of Nicolás Maduro as the winner is widely disputed by the opposition and international observers, including the UN and the Carter Center, due to a lack of transparency and credible evidence. The electoral council has not released required precinct-level tally sheets.

Intensified Repression: The government has engaged in a brutal crackdown on dissent since the election, involving killings, arbitrary detentions, forced disappearances, and the prosecution of political opponents, human rights defenders, and protesters.

Exile and Political Persecution: Opposition leader Edmundo González was forced to flee the country after an arrest warrant was issued for "conspiracy" charges. Many other opposition members and human rights defenders are in exile or arbitrarily detained.

Undermining of Democratic Institutions: State institutions, including the judiciary and the National Assembly, function as instruments of the executive branch, lacking independence and facilitating the commission of crimes against humanity.

Lack of Transparency: There is virtually no transparency in government spending and data, with the government failing to publish reliable economic and crime statistics. 

Economic and Humanitarian Emergency

Widespread Poverty and Food Insecurity: Despite some GDP growth in 2024, the economy remains less than half the size it was in 2013, and income levels are insufficient for most families to purchase basic necessities. An estimated 73.2% of the population lived in poverty in 2024, and roughly 40% experience food insecurity.

Infrastructure Collapse: Many households suffer from persistent interruptions in essential services like reliable access to potable water, electricity, and gas supply.

Strained Healthcare System: The healthcare system is severely impacted by shortages of medical supplies, a lack of qualified personnel, and limited access to essential medicines.

Funding Shortages for Aid: The UN Humanitarian Response Plan for 2025 remains significantly underfunded, impacting the ability of aid organizations like the World Food Program to provide critical assistance. 

Migration and Refugee Crisis

Mass Exodus: Since 2014, approximately 8 million Venezuelans have fled the country, creating one of the world's largest external displacement crises.

Vulnerability of Migrants: Refugees and migrants face obstacles in accessing jobs and healthcare, and many are vulnerable to human trafficking and other abuses, particularly those crossing dangerous routes like the Darién Gap. 

International Tensions

Escalating US-Venezuela Tensions: The U.S. continues its policy of not recognizing Maduro as the legitimate president and has issued new airspace warnings due to increased military activity and the risk of military confrontation.

Sanctions and Isolation: U.S. and other international sanctions continue to target the state oil company PDVSA and government officials, contributing to economic uncertainty and international isolation. 

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Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Cuba Problems 12-2-25

In December 2025, Cuba faces a severe multidimensional crisis driven by a collapsing economy, a worsening energy crisis, and persistent human rights issues. The economy is shrinking, tourism has not recovered, and the country is burdened by U.S. sanctions, which exacerbate energy shortages and lead to blackouts and supply chain failures. On the human rights front, there are ongoing concerns about freedom of expression, political imprisonment, and a lack of accountability for corruption.  

Economic and energy crisis

Economic contraction: Cuba's GDP has shrunk significantly, with further declines forecast for 2025, hindered by a lack of tourism and external aid from Venezuela.

Energy shortages: Widespread and prolonged blackouts are a daily reality due to a lack of fuel and equipment, crippling industrial and agricultural production.

Food insecurity: The energy crisis and economic decline have worsened food shortages, driving inflation and making essentials like rice, beans, and eggs scarce and expensive.

Public debt: The government faces an unsustainable public debt and a high current account deficit, with limited foreign currency to cover imports like fuel. 

Human rights and political issues

Freedom of expression: The government maintains strict control over media and the internet, leading to censorship and the arbitrary detention of critics and independent journalists.

Political prisoners: Cuba continues to hold a significant number of political prisoners, with concerns raised about their treatment and lack of due process.

Corruption: Corruption remains a serious problem with limited independent oversight or accountability for government officials.

Restricted civil society: The government suppresses independent civil society groups and journalists, who might otherwise serve as a check on power. 

Social and health impacts

Health system strain: The economic crisis has weakened the health system, leading to shortages of medicine, reagents, and laboratory supplies.

Disease outbreaks: The crisis, combined with other factors like natural disasters, increases the risk of communicable disease outbreaks.

Migration: The combination of economic hardship, shortages, and political repression is fueling a surge in emigration. 

In December 2025, Cuba is grappling with its most severe multifaceted crisis since independence, marked by an escalating economic collapse, systemic infrastructure failures, severe shortages of basic goods, and ongoing political repression. 

Key problems include:

Economic Crisis and Shortages

Widespread Shortages: The country faces acute shortages of food, medicine, fuel, and other essential goods. The government has reduced subsidized basic food rations (the libreta), forcing many to rely on expensive informal or dollarized markets.

Hyperinflation and Currency Crisis: High inflation, driven by currency devaluation on the informal market and the partial dollarization of the economy, has significantly eroded purchasing power for those on state wages.

Recession and Debt: The economy has struggled to recover, with expectations of continued contraction in 2025. Cuba is in arrears on its substantial foreign debt and has limited access to international credit, in part due to its designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism by the U.S.. 

Infrastructure Collapse 

Energy Crisis and Blackouts: The national power grid is fragile and prone to frequent, prolonged blackouts (up to 20 hours a day in some regions) due to aging oil-fired thermal plants, lack of maintenance, and fuel shortages. This paralyzes daily life, businesses, and essential services like water pumping and refrigeration.

Sanitation and Water Failures: Aging pipes, pump failures, and fuel shortages for garbage trucks have led to inconsistent water supply and accumulating solid waste in cities, raising public health risks.

Transportation Breakdown: Fuel and spare parts shortages have crippled public transport and freight movement, relying increasingly on bicycles, ox carts, and walking in rural areas. 

Social and Humanitarian Issues

Mass Migration (Brain Drain): Cuba is experiencing an unprecedented exodus, with its population declining significantly in recent years as young, educated professionals, including doctors and teachers, leave the country in search of better prospects.

Public Health Strain: The healthcare system is under severe strain with drastic shortages of medicines and supplies. This, combined with sanitation issues, has led to a rise in vector-borne diseases like dengue. The government requested aid from the UN World Food Programme for milk for children in early 2025.

Growing Inequality: The partial dollarization has widened the gap between those with access to foreign currency (via remittances or tourism) and those without, deepening social stratification.

Natural Disasters: The island is vulnerable to hurricanes and earthquakes, which have further damaged infrastructure and agriculture in late 2025. 

Political Challenges

Repression and Lack of Reform: The one-party authoritarian state continues to suppress dissent, restrict freedom of expression, and arbitrarily detain critics and protesters. The government's response to public frustration has largely been a mix of emergency measures, blaming the U.S. embargo, and crackdowns, rather than meaningful structural reforms.

US Embargo: The long-standing U.S. economic embargo and sanctions, including the re-designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, continue to significantly hinder Cuba's ability to finance new projects, import essential goods, and attract foreign investment, though internal mismanagement is also a key factor. 

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Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader

Panama Problems 12-2-25

In December 2025, Panama faces significant environmental problems, including a collapsed Pacific Ocean upwelling and a decline in the Panama Canal's water levels. Economically, the country grapples with fiscal challenges like high debt, while also dealing with a global economic slowdown and internal pressures on its productive sectors. Additionally, ongoing issues like corruption, insufficient transparency, and a need for workforce improvement persist, though the country has made progress in combating money laundering.  

Environmental and climate-related problems

Ocean upwelling failure: For the first time in at least 40 years, Panama's crucial seasonal ocean upwelling failed in 2025, which is linked to weaker trade winds. This could significantly impact fisheries and marine biodiversity, leading to a collapse in marine productivity along the Pacific coast.

Panama Canal water levels: The warming climate poses a risk to the Panama Canal due to reduced wet season rainfall and increased evaporation. Without mitigation measures, shipping disruptions may increase. 

Economic and fiscal challenges

Fiscal deficits and public debt: Panama is facing scrutiny over its high public debt and fiscal deficits, which is prompting debates on necessary tax reforms and government spending.

Global economic slowdown: The global economic downturn is negatively affecting Panama's trade volumes and investment flows.

Internal pressures on productive sectors: The manufacturing and agriculture sectors are experiencing internal and external pressures that require innovation and diversification. 

Social and governance issues

Corruption and transparency: While Panama has improved its anti-money laundering efforts, issues like corruption and a lack of transparency remain challenges.

Undereducated workforce: An undereducated workforce continues to be a concern in Panama.

Uncertainty regarding U.S. relations: There is ongoing uncertainty regarding Panama's relationship with the United States, particularly concerning the Panama Canal and a potential renegotiation of trade agreements, which could impact investor confidence. 

In December 2025, Panama faces a range of ongoing challenges, primarily centered on fiscal and economic instability, significant environmental and climate-related issues affecting the Panama Canal and marine ecosystems, and lingering geopolitical tensions related to the canal's sovereignty and foreign influence. 

Economic and Fiscal Issues

Panama is navigating a difficult economic period, following a credit rating downgrade in 2024 and the closure of the major Cobre Panamá copper mine. 

Fiscal Strain and Debt The country faces mounting deficits and high debt levels, with the government implementing expenditure containment plans to address the situation. Public debt reached nearly $50 billion in mid-2024, and interest payments consume a significant portion of government revenue.

Unemployment and Inequality As of late 2024/early 2025, Panama had high rates of unemployment and a significant informal labor sector (around 47%), and remains one of the most unequal countries in the world in terms of income distribution.

Business Environment Challenges Issues hindering foreign investment include corruption, an undereducated workforce lacking specialized skills, insufficient judicial capacity, and bureaucratic hurdles in areas like land titling. 

Environmental and Climate Concerns

Climate change is exacerbating environmental problems, with direct impacts on key national infrastructure. 

Panama Canal Water Shortages Ongoing drought conditions, linked to weakened trade winds and climate disruption, continue to threaten the Panama Canal's operations by causing low water levels in the critical Gatun Lake. This has led to shipping restrictions and potential revenue losses.

Marine Ecosystem Disruption For the first time in at least 40 years, the vital seasonal upwelling of cold, nutrient-rich water in the Gulf of Panama failed to occur in early 2025. This has serious implications for local fisheries and coral reef health.

Water Conflicts The need for water for the canal creates conflicts with residential needs, agriculture, and local communities, especially concerning plans to build new reservoirs that would displace people and submerge farmland. 

Political and Social Tensions

Domestic politics are marked by social unrest and public distrust, while geopolitical issues surround the strategically important canal. 

Social Unrest Protests and strikes have occurred throughout 2025, driven by opposition to social security reforms, the Cobre Panamá mine closure, and controversial security agreements with the U.S.. This unrest causes economic disruption and highlights deep-seated public discontent with the government.

Geopolitical Tensions The sovereignty and operation of the Panama Canal remain a point of international friction, with U.S. political figures alleging Chinese influence and even threatening to "take back" the canal. Panama maintains its commitment to the canal's neutrality.

Rule of Law and Corruption The judicial system struggles with inefficiency, a lack of independence, and vulnerability to corruption, which complicates dispute resolution for businesses and citizens alike.

Migration Issues Panama is a major transit country for migrants, and managing the associated humanitarian and security challenges places a strain on resources and security forces. 

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Norb Leahy, Dunwoody GA Tea Party Leader