In this year’s tight race for the White House, wooing the Hispanic voter bloc takes on unprecedented importance. Both camps face challenges in attracting Latino voters. In an AS/COA interview, Consul General of Mexico in New York discusses prospects for immigration reform during the next administration.

President Felipe Calderón signed a much-anticipated reform of Mexico's judicial system, allowing for greater transparency through public trials and presumption of innocence for defendants.

With global commodity prices on the rise, many Latin American countries face soaring inflation. Yet experts suggest the region's economies are more well-girded than in the past to handle economic crises. The IMF's director discussed inflation at COA’s 38th Annual Washington Conference.

In recent weeks, Ottawa proved its growing clout in Latin America through a visit from Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, the approval of a trade pact with Peru, and completion of free-trade negotiations with Colombia. 

As Mexico’s drug war grows more deadly, the U.S. house approves a proposed regional security program involving the United States, Mexico, and Central America. But the Merida Initiative still faces political hurdles.

In recent days, Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez shifted tone on several policy fronts and urged the FARC to end its armed conflict with the Colombian government. But Chávez's critics complain he continues to attempt to silence opposition. 

World leaders convene in Rome to discuss worldwide security. Latin American countries face challenges associated with rising food prices and seek measures to stave off a food crisis. An AS/COA update examines regional food production and supply issues.