Some fascinating things are happening in the South American nation of Uruguay that should catch the attention of policymakers in Washington. If they don't, we run the risk of missing a historic opportunity to re-orient hemispheric relations in a manner consistent with strategic U.S. interests.

Ideally, the nations of the Andes would be parties to a single free trade agreement with the United States that would go into effect the day after the trade and drug agreement expires.

The cry from the streets offers a real opportunity for governments to strike an innovative balance: reform laws to reduce the burden on employers to hire and fire employees while aggressively working to improve labour and social protections for all workers, including those in the informal sector.

To be effective, a special envoy must have the full confidence of the president, but must also be able to work cooperatively with the bureaucracy. Together, the relationship must be truly symbiotic.