Is the mano dura working in El Salvador?

The recent anniversary of the end of the Porfiriato, the 30-year period in which Mexico was ruled by the military dictator Porfirio Díaz, and the beginning of the Mexican Revolution offers us a chance to reflect on how relations have changed between civilian governments and the military in the century since his regime was ended at the hands of Mexican revolutionaries - writes Joe Brandon.

Last week saw the anniversary of the birth of Bernardo O’Higgins. A revolutionary leader, he led the forces to secure independence from Spain, establishing the new Republic of Chile, creating a working governmental organisation and establishing peace and order, based on the principles of freedom and democracy. Principles which resonate today and which are at the heart of what is happening now in Chile - writes Fiona Clouder.