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Andrew Downie

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Christian Science Monitor

Brazil's gun control debate: Opponents try to shoot holes in disarmament law

By Andrew Downie | 05/15/13

The number of homicides in South America’s largest nation fell in 2004 for the first time in 12 years thanks in part to a disarmament law. But a new push by some legislators could loosen gun restrictions.

Christian Science Monitor

In aftermath of nightclub fire, some Brazilians question 'culture of impunity'

By Andrew Downie | 01/29/13

Safety consultants say the lack of sprinklers, adequate illumination, smoke detectors, and fire exits is tragically common in Brazil.

Christian Science Monitor

Food inflation, land grabs spur Latin America to restrict foreign ownership

By Andrew Downie | 05/06/11
One of the first things passengers see when disembarking at Cuiaba airport in central Brazil is a real estate advertisement promoting arable land to foreigners. South America has some of the most productive land on the planet, and buyers have lo
Christian Science Monitor

Photos of isolated Amazonian tribe raise awareness of deforestation in Brazil, Peru

By Andrew Downie | 02/03/11
SAO PAULO, Brazil — An indigenous rights group this week released stunning new photos of a supposedly isolated Amazonian tribe, saying illegal loggers operating near Brazil’s remote eastern border with Peru are threatening their survival. The pho
Christian Science Monitor

Brazil floods kill at least 350 in wake of steep cut to disaster budget

By Andrew Downie | 01/13/11
SAO PAULO, Brazil — At least 350 people have died and thousands more are injured or homeless after torrential rains hit parts of Brazil this week. The worst hit area was in the state of Rio de Janeiro, where rivers of mud swept through towns and w
Christian Science Monitor

After botched exam, Brazil tries to redeem its version of the SAT

By Andrew Downie | 12/16/10
SAO PAULO, Brazil — Thousands of Brazilian students are retaking their university entrance exam today in the latest of a series of Education Ministry debacles that have further undermined Brazil’s already precarious commitment to learning. An est
Christian Science Monitor

Dilma Rousseff wins Brazil election, is nation's first female president

By Andrew Downie | 11/01/10
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL — Brazil elected its first female president Sunday, with voters choosing Dilma Rousseff to carry on the progressive policies of outgoing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Ms.
Christian Science Monitor

Brazil vows Olympic security after Rio violence

By Andrew Downie | 10/19/09
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL -- When Rio de Janeiro was named the host of the 2016 Olympics earlier this month, it seemed like a fresh start for one of the world's most vibrant but violent cities.
Christian Science Monitor

Rio de Janeiro wins out as host of 2016 Olympics

By Andrew Downie | 10/02/09
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL — Swaying International Olympic Committee votes with the argument that South America has never hosted an Olympic games before, Brazil's sun-drenched Rio de Janeiro was awarded the 2016 Summer Olympics, holding out against last
Christian Science Monitor

Olympics: Obama vs. Lula? Chicago vs. Rio? Which would you choose?

By Andrew Downie | 09/29/09
SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL -- Bringing justice and more power to the little guy has been a theme stressed by Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva almost every day of his long political career.