The Arkin Group

On May 2, 2011, President of The Arkin Group, Jack Devine, discussed the successful U.S. military operation that resulted in the demise of terrorist leader Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad, Pakistan.  Asked for his first reaction to the news of bin Laden’s death, Mr. Devine said, “What a great day … what a wonderful moment and a great tribute to all those involved – CIA and Special Forces.”  Mr. Devine also underscored the significance of bin Laden’s death to the al Qaeda movement, saying “I’ve always felt that bin Laden was more than a symbol … This is a huge event.  I think bin Laden is supremely important, not just because of 9/11 but I think what he means to the movement, and I think the movement will start to fade, frankly.”

Watch Jack Devine on NBC-NY Nightly News:  Jack Devine on Death of Osama bin Laden

In advance of President Barack Obama’s trip to Latin America, TAG’s Latin America expert Amanda Mattingly wrote an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.  In this article, Ms. Mattingly argues that the President’s trip to Brazil, Chile, and El Salvador is an opportunity to deepen hemispheric partnerships and tackle today’s global issues, including increasing trade and investment, energy security and integration, and promoting democracy and human rights.

You can read the full text of Ms. Mattingly’s article here:  Deepening Ties with Latin America, AJC

TAG’s President Jack Devine and Latin America expert Amanda Mattingly answered questions about Bolivia’s current counternarcotics efforts in a recent issue of the Inter-American Diaologue’s Latin America Advisor.  Mr. Devine and Ms. Mattingly responded that since Bolivian President Evo Morales expelled U.S. DEA agents, the country has been in a downward spiral with respect to the amount of coca cultivated and cocaine trafficked from Bolivia.

You can read the full text of Mr. Devine and Ms. Mattingly’s joint response here: 

Latin America Advisor, March 17, 2011, Bolivia