Kirk Nielsen

Kirk Nielsen is an independent journalist and writer based in Miami. Over the past decade, he spent much of his time chronicling activities of major spies, terrorists, politicians, and other demagogues embroiled in U.S.-Cuba relations.
Autumn of the Republic?
Three books suggest America has slipped into a polarized state of undermined self-government. None convincingly suggests how we can slip back out.
The Peacemaker and the Pragmatist
Oscar Arias and Bill Clinton on the burning issues of Latin America, from unrest in Honduras to charcoal in Haiti.
Chest Pains in the USA
Our correspondent reluctantly returns to the trenches of the health care cost debate and reports back, with heart.
Canard d'Etat: Honduras and the U.S. Press
Think the fallacies in America's health care debate are slippery? Try catching the red herring that's fouling up U.S. press coverage of the Honduran coup.
Why Spy for Cuba?
Analysis: The 2001 trial of five Cubans caught spying in Florida might provide some insight into the case of Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers.
Trading With the Enemy Update
While legislation about improving trade ties to Cuba grabs headlines, a lot is going on under the embargo's radar, say tipsters at a Miami trade expo.
Fainting in America
Kirk Nielsen takes the pulse of the nation's emergency health care costs by passing out and getting gouged.
The Winter Reading of Our Discontents
What the vacationing wonk might take to the beach, courtesy of the Miami book fair and the Bush administration.
Socialist, Hell — Make Him a Full-Bore Commie
Why a Cuban Democrat can't win in South Florida: It's the Communism, Stupid.
Immigration Pathway Still Looks Uphill
Even with Democrats controlling Congress, ImmigrationPAC's goal of a pathway to immigration reform faces tough going.
PAC Fights for Undocumented Immigrants
ImmigrationPAC hopes to leverage the Hispanic faith community and help elect federal candidates who support "an earned pathway" to citizenship for undocumented migrants.
Cuba Libre?
Democrats are challenging Republican incumbents in three "Cuban" congressional districts in South Florida. Could the campaigns foreshadow a shift in presidential politics or Cuba policy?