An OAS task force will examine proposals, including one from Washington, which could pave the way for Havana to rejoin the OAS. But the Obama administration has indicated that Cuba must adhere to democratic principles before gaining readmission.

In a historic move, the Obama administration chose Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic nominee for the Supreme Court. Analysts predict she will win confirmation, though the process may not be free of controversy.

The Colombian Senate brought President Colombia's Álvaro Uribe a step closer to a third term when it approved a bill allowing for a reelection referendum. But the president has not yet made his intentions clear about a possible candidacy. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos resigned and may join the race.

A Brazilian delegation headed to Beijing this week to sign over a dozen deals, including a $10 billion energy pact. In recent weeks, new trade figures show China surpassed the United States as Brazil's main trading partner. The two countries also began investigating whether to drop the dollar as their bilateral trading currency.

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.

On May 3, Panama's voters chose a business leader who chaired the Panama Canal Authority over a former housing minister from the party currently in power. As the winner, Ricardo Martinelli will oversee the country as it faces economic challenges and a multi-billion dollar expansion of the canal.