Americas

In spite of criticism and resistance from local residents, Canadian mining company Ascendant Copper Corporation has big plans for its two large mining operations in Ecuador.   "We are confident that Ecuador will grow to be one of the world's great copper districts," said Gary E. Davis, President and CEO of Ascendant.

The first images we see are of intent-looking Arab men, their mission in the making.  The first words we hear are those in whispered Arabic, prayers to Allah. The first two places we encounter: Newark International, where San Francisco-bound United Flight 93 is boarding all passengers, and the National Air Traffic Control Center (NATCC), home to the most sophisticated aircraft tracking system on the planet. 

"I see in the near future a crisis approaching that unnerves me and causes me to tremble for the safety of my country … corporations have been enthroned and an era of corruption in high places will follow, and the money power of the country will endeavor to prolong its reign by working upon the prejudices of the people until all wealth is aggregated in a few hands and the Republic is destroyed."- Abraham Lincoln, Nov. 21, 1864

Years before the arrival of the Spanish, Bolivia's indigenous people used "magic water" to cure wounds and keep fires going.  With the invention of the automobile in the 1880s this black liquid took on a new importance. Since then, the oil and gas has been more of a curse than a blessing for the Bolivian people. On May 1st of this year, the history of these resources entered a new phase.

Though Bishop Juan Gerardi was murdered 8 years ago, his case still remains open in the Guatemalan courts. As the case enters the last round of appeals, it proves to be an important test of Guatemala's justice system.