John Otis

From guns to ballots: FARC's campaign for votes in Colombia

John Otis

Ten years after Colombia's peace deal, former FARC commander on the election campaign trail is discovering that winning ballots can be tougher than waging war.

NPR Headlines

Venezuela debates sweeping amnesty for political prisoners

John Otis

After the fall of Nicolás Maduro, the Venezuelan regime promise amnesty and reconciliation — but for hundreds still jailed and thousands facing charges, justice remains uncertain.

NPR Headlines

An uneasy détente: Trump and Colombia's Petro meet at White House

John Otis

Donald Trump and Gustavo Petro share little in common — except a talent for confrontation. Their meeting at the White House on Tuesday could reshape U.S.–Colombia relations.

NPR Headlines

U.S. strikes on alleged drug boats have done little to stop the flow of illegal drugs

John Otis

Despite dozens of lethal U.S. military strikes on suspected narco-boats, drug flows continue, allies are alarmed, and Caribbean fishermen say their livelihoods are under threat.

NPR Headlines

Venezuela: Maduro's enforcer Cabello still central to power

John Otis

The ousting of Venezuela's president raised hopes of change — but the politician now controlling the streets shows how little has really shifted.

NPR Headlines

Venezuela begins releasing political prisoners, but hundreds remain behind bars

John Otis

Venezuela has freed a handful of detainees in what it calls a gesture of national unity. Rights groups say releases are slow and the country's repressive system remains in place.

NPR Headlines

'The atmosphere is very authoritarian': Venezuela's opposition reels from the sidelines

John Otis

President Trump sidelined Venezuela's opposition and is working with remnants of the regime led by ousted leader Nicolás Maduro. What's next for the opposition?