Greg Davis
@greg-davis.bsky.social
Watcher of politics in the US and Latin America, fan of too many podcasts, enjoyer of tacos and jokes
https://substack.com/@americaandamerica
https://x.com/americaand55509
https://substack.com/@americaandamerica
https://x.com/americaand55509
"First, they underestimated the scale of migration that was coming. Second, they failed to appreciate the political reaction to that migration — believing that stronger enforcement would alienate Latino and progressive voters, and also that a border surge would..." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
How Biden Ignored Warnings and Lost Americans’ Faith in Immigration
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:14 AM
"First, they underestimated the scale of migration that was coming. Second, they failed to appreciate the political reaction to that migration — believing that stronger enforcement would alienate Latino and progressive voters, and also that a border surge would..." www.nytimes.com/2025/12/07/u...
“For Latin Americans, Spain didn’t exist,” she said. “It was Europe, across an ocean.” But as the United States became less appealing, with the Trump administration cracking down, “people are starting to look to Spain as the country.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/w...
Spain Sees Itself as a Beacon for Immigrants. So Do Many Latin Americans.
www.nytimes.com
December 9, 2025 at 12:13 AM
“For Latin Americans, Spain didn’t exist,” she said. “It was Europe, across an ocean.” But as the United States became less appealing, with the Trump administration cracking down, “people are starting to look to Spain as the country.” www.nytimes.com/2025/12/04/w...
"My point, nevertheless, is that even if you buy the untenable claim that they are combatants, it is a war crime to intentionally kill combatants who have been rendered unable to fight. It is not permitted, under the laws and customs of honorable warfare" www.nationalreview.com/corner/we-in...
‘We Intended the Strike to Be Lethal’ Is Not a Defense | National Review
The laws of war, incorporated in the federal war crimes statute, prohibit the killing of people who have been rendered hors de combat.
www.nationalreview.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:26 PM
"My point, nevertheless, is that even if you buy the untenable claim that they are combatants, it is a war crime to intentionally kill combatants who have been rendered unable to fight. It is not permitted, under the laws and customs of honorable warfare" www.nationalreview.com/corner/we-in...
"Trump’s astonishing intervention in favour of Hernández, who is known by his initials JOH, has baffled many observers, with one Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent calling the move 'lunacy.'" www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Trump’s pardon of Honduras’s ex-president shows counter-drug effort is ‘based on lies and hypocrisy’
Why has Trump blown up alleged narco boats in the Caribbean and at the same time decided to let a big time trafficker off the hook?
www.theguardian.com
December 1, 2025 at 7:22 PM
"Trump’s astonishing intervention in favour of Hernández, who is known by his initials JOH, has baffled many observers, with one Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent calling the move 'lunacy.'" www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
Enlightening debate. Almost seems to me the best argument the “yes” side has is that the previous war on drugs hasn’t worked. Also seems like that’s the “no” side’s best argument 🙃 @opentodebate.bsky.social
The U.S. is launching military strikes against cartels, deploying warships, and reshaping foreign policy in real time. Is this a necessary response to a growing threat—or a dangerous step toward endless conflict? Watch the debate now. https://youtu.be/1UVYAs9sDE0
November 22, 2025 at 1:13 AM
Enlightening debate. Almost seems to me the best argument the “yes” side has is that the previous war on drugs hasn’t worked. Also seems like that’s the “no” side’s best argument 🙃 @opentodebate.bsky.social
Article from Puerto Rico about the US military buildup in Vieques: "La herida abierta que la Marina de Guerra de Estados Unidos dejó en esta isla municipio supura desde que, en septiembre, arribaron al país decenas de militares para realizar maniobras y ejercicios" www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/gob...
“Hay una comunidad alerta”: creciente remilitarización destapa las heridas de residentes en Vieques
La preocupación por la seguridad de la población también aumenta al restringirse el espacio aéreo en el antiguo polígono de tiro para disponer de armamento
www.elnuevodia.com
November 21, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Article from Puerto Rico about the US military buildup in Vieques: "La herida abierta que la Marina de Guerra de Estados Unidos dejó en esta isla municipio supura desde que, en septiembre, arribaron al país decenas de militares para realizar maniobras y ejercicios" www.elnuevodia.com/noticias/gob...
Fun read: "Enter Mexico City. It might be out of mind to most of us U.S. Americans, but it’s about as close to the East Coast as Phoenix or Salt Lake City. And there’s undeniable upside there. Mexico City is both the most populous city proper and metro area in..." www.natesilver.net/p/bring-the-...
Bring the big leagues to Mexico City
The rewards outweigh the risks for the NFL, NBA and MLB
www.natesilver.net
November 20, 2025 at 6:11 AM
Fun read: "Enter Mexico City. It might be out of mind to most of us U.S. Americans, but it’s about as close to the East Coast as Phoenix or Salt Lake City. And there’s undeniable upside there. Mexico City is both the most populous city proper and metro area in..." www.natesilver.net/p/bring-the-...
“'The core problem does not appear to be addressed anywhere, namely that most of the precursors today are non-scheduled chemicals,' said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institution scholar and one of the world’s preeminent experts on the illicit fentanyl trade..." insightcrime.org/news/missing...
What’s Missing From the US-China Fentanyl Agreement
The US and China announced they would step up the fight against fentanyl, but it is unclear if this will address designer precursor chemicals.
insightcrime.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:58 AM
“'The core problem does not appear to be addressed anywhere, namely that most of the precursors today are non-scheduled chemicals,' said Vanda Felbab-Brown, a Brookings Institution scholar and one of the world’s preeminent experts on the illicit fentanyl trade..." insightcrime.org/news/missing...
Interesting comparative article: "When I listen to African leaders in global forums these days, I feel a mix of pride and envy. In an increasingly fragmented world, Africa has achieved something rare: a unified voice."
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
The Necessary Quest for Latin American Unity
Current policies toward the region make speaking with a common voice even more urgent, writes a former Costa Rican president.
www.americasquarterly.org
November 14, 2025 at 1:56 AM
Interesting comparative article: "When I listen to African leaders in global forums these days, I feel a mix of pride and envy. In an increasingly fragmented world, Africa has achieved something rare: a unified voice."
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
www.americasquarterly.org/article/the-...
"The first person I ever heard use the term 'narco-terrorist' was Alvaro Uribe. I have wondered if it’s a case of a Spanish term being imported into the U.S. political lexicon." x.com/BrazilBrian/...
November 5, 2025 at 3:50 AM
"The first person I ever heard use the term 'narco-terrorist' was Alvaro Uribe. I have wondered if it’s a case of a Spanish term being imported into the U.S. political lexicon." x.com/BrazilBrian/...
“They don’t know whether there’s any data or metrics that would show (the strikes are) impeding the flow of drugs, whether there has been an increase in the price due to higher demand or lower supply, like there’s just no information” www.cnn.com/2025/10/31/p...
Pentagon shifts to Pacific strikes seeking stronger link between targets and US drug trafficking | CNN Politics
The Pentagon has deliberately shifted its strategy in recent weeks to striking suspected narcotraffickers in the eastern Pacific Ocean rather than the Caribbean Sea because administration officials be...
www.cnn.com
October 31, 2025 at 11:27 PM
“They don’t know whether there’s any data or metrics that would show (the strikes are) impeding the flow of drugs, whether there has been an increase in the price due to higher demand or lower supply, like there’s just no information” www.cnn.com/2025/10/31/p...
"The location is irrelevant to the question of whether the laws of war permit lethal force. The question is whether there is a state of armed conflict. If there is not, then lethal force may not be used." www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-b...
The Bogus ‘High Seas’ Rationale for the President’s Missile Attacks | National Review
The issue is not where the alleged drug boats are located but whether we’re in a state of armed conflict.
www.nationalreview.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:02 AM
"The location is irrelevant to the question of whether the laws of war permit lethal force. The question is whether there is a state of armed conflict. If there is not, then lethal force may not be used." www.nationalreview.com/corner/the-b...
Solid breakdown of the US domestic groups pushing for action in Venezuela: "At home, it may please multiple MAGA factions—oil interests, nationalists, MAHA-supporters, ICE-enthusiasts, and Florida Cubans and Venezuelans." @javiercorrales.bsky.social
Trump’s Domestic Pressures for a Potential War in Venezuela
"Trump is not a democracy builder. In the case of Venezuela, he is more of a coalition repairman."
time.com
October 28, 2025 at 2:32 AM
Solid breakdown of the US domestic groups pushing for action in Venezuela: "At home, it may please multiple MAGA factions—oil interests, nationalists, MAHA-supporters, ICE-enthusiasts, and Florida Cubans and Venezuelans." @javiercorrales.bsky.social
"The U.S. hasn’t sent this many ships to the Caribbean since the Cuban missile crisis. There are already roughly 6,500 Marines and sailors in the region, operating from eight Navy vessels, as well as 3,500 troops nearby." www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
The U.S. Is Preparing for War in Venezuela
More U.S. military firepower is headed to the Caribbean as Trump escalates his anti-Maduro rhetoric.
www.theatlantic.com
October 25, 2025 at 11:05 PM
"The U.S. hasn’t sent this many ships to the Caribbean since the Cuban missile crisis. There are already roughly 6,500 Marines and sailors in the region, operating from eight Navy vessels, as well as 3,500 troops nearby." www.theatlantic.com/national-sec...
"I think when the world's biggest consumer of cocaine and the world's biggest producer of cocaine stop working together, there is no way this is going to have a happy ending" (20:04)
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
Behind the Curtain: How Trump’s Spat With Colombia Could Impact Anti-Drug Ops
US anti-drug assistance to Colombia is fundamental and it will benefit no one to cut resources used to fight the cocaine trade.
insightcrime.org
October 23, 2025 at 2:46 AM
"I think when the world's biggest consumer of cocaine and the world's biggest producer of cocaine stop working together, there is no way this is going to have a happy ending" (20:04)
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
insightcrime.org/news/behind-...
"Ironically, were the United States to launch an attack on Venezuela, it would do so from within Latin America. Puerto Rico hosts a US naval training base in the island of Vieques, and in the last months the US sent guided missile cruisers, fighter jets and warships, along with 4,500 sailors.."
The US is a Latin American country
Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown ignores the United States’ Hispanic roots
www.newstatesman.com
October 17, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"Ironically, were the United States to launch an attack on Venezuela, it would do so from within Latin America. Puerto Rico hosts a US naval training base in the island of Vieques, and in the last months the US sent guided missile cruisers, fighter jets and warships, along with 4,500 sailors.."
☕☕☕ "Colombia has just enjoyed its best coffee harvest for decades, the country’s National Coffee Federation reported, thanks to good weather conditions and crop renewal which has boosted production." open.substack.com/pub/harte/p/...
The Colombia Briefing | 13th October
🗞️ Reported by Sophie Foggin
open.substack.com
October 16, 2025 at 1:55 AM
☕☕☕ "Colombia has just enjoyed its best coffee harvest for decades, the country’s National Coffee Federation reported, thanks to good weather conditions and crop renewal which has boosted production." open.substack.com/pub/harte/p/...
"I’m not sure if there’s some special term for this approach. Regime change on the side? Whatever you call it, it may prove harder to pull off than the steps Trump has taken so far."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
Trump Has a Different Plan to Oust Maduro This Time Around
Venezuela’s leader has survived the US president’s wrath before.
www.politico.com
October 14, 2025 at 2:03 AM
"I’m not sure if there’s some special term for this approach. Regime change on the side? Whatever you call it, it may prove harder to pull off than the steps Trump has taken so far."
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
www.politico.com/news/magazin...
The three most recent Americas stories on the NYT right now. Qatar as an attempted US-Venezuela mediator is not something I saw coming.
October 9, 2025 at 2:33 AM
The three most recent Americas stories on the NYT right now. Qatar as an attempted US-Venezuela mediator is not something I saw coming.
"Leaders often turn to the military because it projects authority and control. However, the record from Latin America shows that soldiers in city streets produce both short-term benefits and long-term damage."
I wrote in The Dallas Morning News: “Turning the armed forces toward specific domestic political targets breaches a core norm: an apolitical military. Latin American history is clear. Internal security missions make generals central actors in domestic governance.”
www.dallasnews.com/opinion/comm...
www.dallasnews.com/opinion/comm...
October 8, 2025 at 4:04 AM
"Leaders often turn to the military because it projects authority and control. However, the record from Latin America shows that soldiers in city streets produce both short-term benefits and long-term damage."
"🫓 Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan TPS holders being told they have to leave the U.S. and return to a country run by a drug cartel because it has gotten significantly better?"
x.com/CaracasChron...
x.com/CaracasChron...
October 7, 2025 at 3:36 AM
"🫓 Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan TPS holders being told they have to leave the U.S. and return to a country run by a drug cartel because it has gotten significantly better?"
x.com/CaracasChron...
x.com/CaracasChron...
"In the end, the Argentinian president who’d vowed never to seek a bailout ended up getting bailed out by the American president who’d vowed to stop bailing out his deadbeat allies."
Why Argentina’s Economy is Floundering
Javier Milei is failing in the least predictable way possible.
www.persuasion.community
October 7, 2025 at 3:32 AM
"In the end, the Argentinian president who’d vowed never to seek a bailout ended up getting bailed out by the American president who’d vowed to stop bailing out his deadbeat allies."
"Unlike Panama, where U.S. forces already had a vast footprint and Noriega’s army was relatively small and poorly equipped, Venezuela poses a far more formidable challenge. Its sheer size, vast oil reserves and dense urban centers make rapid occupation nearly impossible."
thehill.com
October 3, 2025 at 12:02 AM
"Unlike Panama, where U.S. forces already had a vast footprint and Noriega’s army was relatively small and poorly equipped, Venezuela poses a far more formidable challenge. Its sheer size, vast oil reserves and dense urban centers make rapid occupation nearly impossible."
"Some analysts say the Caribbean strikes could be a prelude to a broader campaign aimed at toppling the Venezuelan ruler Nicolás Maduro. But the strikes may have another purpose: They may be a test run for unilateral U.S. strikes on suspected cartel targets in Mexico."
Fentanyl Doesn’t Come Through the Caribbean
The White House is using the opioid epidemic to justify lethal strikes and other policies.
www.theatlantic.com
October 1, 2025 at 2:20 AM
"Some analysts say the Caribbean strikes could be a prelude to a broader campaign aimed at toppling the Venezuelan ruler Nicolás Maduro. But the strikes may have another purpose: They may be a test run for unilateral U.S. strikes on suspected cartel targets in Mexico."
"Regarding Venezuela, one signal to continue monitoring is whether an aircraft carrier enters the Caribbean. The Truman and the Bush are both up in Norfolk and could be down in the Caribbean relatively quickly, but so far they have not been called in." boz.substack.com/p/us-policy-...
US policy in LatAm - 22 September 2025
The DEA wanted to bomb Mexico. Instead, Trump is ordering more drug boats sunk in the Caribbean.
boz.substack.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:55 AM
"Regarding Venezuela, one signal to continue monitoring is whether an aircraft carrier enters the Caribbean. The Truman and the Bush are both up in Norfolk and could be down in the Caribbean relatively quickly, but so far they have not been called in." boz.substack.com/p/us-policy-...