Guatemala is in the sorriest state. In May, the assassination of Rodrigo Rosenberg, a prominent lawyer, opened a hornet’s nest. Rosenberg had taped a video that starts by him saying, “If you’re watching this, I’m dead,” and continues by accusing the center-left president, Alvaro Colom, his wife and closest associates of his murder. Webs of corruption, violence and impunity have long ensnared Guatemala. Narcotraffickers have burrowed their way into political influence. Judicial and law-enforcement institutions are compromised. Colom – a well-meaning, if inept, president – accuses the opposition of conspiracy; the opposition demands his resignation. A U.N.-sponsored Commission Against Impunity in Guatemala is investigating the Rosenberg case… In Guatemala, we shouldn’t expect to see light at the tunnel’s end anytime soon. In the meantime, Colom’s weakened presidency stands by helplessly.

— Political Analysis – C.A. Nations