Voters in Bolivia and Venezuela weigh in on their political futures. Bolivians voted in favor of a new constitution and Venezuelans soon determine whether their president can seek indefinite reelection.

With a new administration taking the reins, pundits, politicians, and the press offer up ideas for how Barack Obama should handle policy toward Latin America. Top issues include drug violence in Mexico, Cuba relations, and pending trade deals.

In his first meeting with a foreign head of state since the U.S. election, Barack Obama talked with Mexico's Felipe Calderón Monday about how they can tighten bilateral relations to boost each country's economy and address security concerns.

President Hugo Chávez has decided to sustain an international fuel assistance program for low-income Americans. But dropping oil prices could force his government to feel the economic pinch and slow international oil diplomacy efforts.

From the resignation of Fidel Castro to the election of Barack Obama, the Americas served as a stage for history. AS/COA Online looks back at events that shaped the region in 2008, from the Andean crisis to Mexico's drug war to Brazil's emergence as a global leader.

Despite Mexico's war on organized crime, bloodshed continues and the cartels' tentacles reach well beyond the country's borders. As the crisis grows, so do calls and proposals for solutions.

As the 50-year anniversary for the Cuban Revolution nears, Raúl Castro makes his first state visits abroad. His statements at a regional summit raise speculation about future relations with Washington and what mediating role Brazil could play.