Contributions from Carin Zissis
Venezuela took steps to nationalize assets of dozens of oil-service companies, expanding the state firm's control of the oil industry. Caracas faces declining revenues resulting from a global oil price slump.
President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad canceled his trip this week to Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Still, Tehran's deepening ties raise questions about Iranian relations with Latin America.
OAS Secretary-General José Miguel Insulza joined AS/COA Online for an interview about the recent Summit of the Americas, from negotiating mandates to carrying them out at June's General Assembly in Honduras. He also offered his view on the process for Cuba to rejoin the OAS.