In the aftermarth of a corruption scandal, President Alan García reshuffled his cabinet. Both corruption and protecting the economy stand at the top of the presidential agenda.

Just months after the appointment of a new environment minister, Brazil takes new strides to rein in deforestation.

Drug-related violence continues to plague Mexico despite President Calderon’s efforts to stem the violence. Recent U.S. congressional approval of funding to help combat drug and gang violence is the first step in a larger multilateral assistance agreement.

Ecuador is in the midst of a controversial constitutional reform expected to be voted on October 2008. But recent regional tensions with Colombia, a government takeover of several media outlets, and a ministerial shake-up have decreased popular support to approve the measure.

The rise in food prices are generating concern across the globe. AS/COA looks at how rising prices are affecting Latin American, as well as regional responses to meet increased demand and combat food shortages.

As host of both a major EU-Latin American summit and the 2008 APEC meetings, Peru has the opportunity to showcase its thriving growth. Rising food prices and the task of finding ways for prosperity to reach rural areas remain as challenges.

Consumption and domestic demand are helping to fuel an economy that recorded a 5.4 percent increase in real GDP growth last year. AS/COA examines Brazil’s boom in areas ranging from credit to construction and insurance.