AAE recently visited Santiago, Chile, a beautiful city that is adjacent to mountains and features a number of historical buildings.
Santiago most recently, though, has received attention because of widespread protests that have been conducted in the streets by citizens dissatisfied with the direction of their nation.
The recent protests have been met with efforts by President Sebastian Pinera and security forces to quell the uprising, which has resulted in violence that has claimed nearly 20 lives.
The demonstrations began in October when students protested against a rise in metro fares. The students gathered in stations and avoided turnstiles.
The protests continued peacefully, but before long, destruction and looting began. Protesters were expressing their frustration with income inequality in a nation that has made economic progress that has failed to benefit many segments of the population.
Top earners in Chile make many times what average wage earners bring home.
In an effort to address these concerns, Pinera promised a raise in the minimum wage and pensions, as well as suspension of the metro fare hike.
That has not gone far enough in the view of many protesters, who also feel pinched by education and health care expenses that are financially crippling.
During our visit, the presence of troops and security forces was quite prominent. Throughout the streets and in shopping centers, armed authorities, sometimes with gas masks, were visible.
Some observers in Chile have compared the recent times to the days of the military dictatorship of Gen. Augusto Pinochet, whose violent reign occurred during the 1970s and '80s.
Protesters are angered by conditions that have recalled that time, and have vowed to continue their uprising until lasting change and equality are achieved.
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