>>Cochabamba, Bolivia, is once again at the center of a nationwide conflict.
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>>Thousands of protesters - some pro-, some anti-Evo, are marching on the streets, most of them armed with sticks (at least). There have been several confrontations, so far, the television talks about 5 dead. (However, the day isn't over yet - and the protest marches continue.)
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>>Before-yesterday, the prefectura was burned (the equivalent in the U.S. would be the Governor's building or something), and two cars were burned, but no people had died yet.
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>>Several attacks against reporters.
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>>No URL yet, but check the news in a few hours.
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>Can you provide us with a bit more of a background? What are the sides claiming, what do they want?

Well, the prefecto ("governor" in the U.S.) is not from the ruling party. Recently, the prefectos for the 9 departamentos ("states" or "provinces") were elected, instead of being named from above, as it used to happen before.

He seems to have said some things. or taken some measures, indicating his disagreement with the ruling party (MAS, president Evo Morales).

A few days ago, lots of peasants - apparently on the side of the ruling party - wanted him to step down. This ended with the burning of the prefecture building (I could see the smoke from my house - I live ca. 5 km. from the center). The prefect managed to flee the building, dressed as a policeman. This may sound like he barely escaped with his life, but I am not sure whether they would actually have killed him.

Yesterday, a march or protest was called for - by the prefect, I think - something like a "pro-peace-march". After several peasants (from the other side) went ahead to the place where the march was going to be held, the march was anulled, to avoid shedding of blood. Apparently the march (and the bloodshed) was postponed for today.