Brazil's Cuban Investment

Thursday, January 17, 2008  |  Carin Zissis

Brazilian President Inacio Lula da Silva made his first trip to Cuba since the island’s ailing leader Fidel Castro initiated a transition of power to his brother Raul. Lula’s visit brought an energy agreement and pledges of a large aid package. ... Read More

Positive Talk in Bolivia

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Bolivia predicts high foreign investment in its hydrocarbons industry, but won't meet 2008 export demands. Meanwhile, government officials and opposition leaders met this week to bridge a divide that led four provinces to demand autonomy. ... Read More

Let Reason, Not Emotion, Lead the Debate

Sunday, January 13, 2008  |  Roanoke Times

Finding balance between enforcing immigration laws and maintaining a sound, competitive state economy are priorities over the rhetoric clouding the immigration debate, writes Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine. ... Read More

A Cabinet Shuffle in Chile

Thursday, January 10, 2008  |  Carin Zissis

On January 8, President Michele Bachelet reshuffled her cabinet for the third time during her tenure in office. The latest change draws experienced appointees into the fold and seeks to heal rifts in the governing coalition. ... Read More

Immigration Discussion with Ex-Mex Author Jorge Castañeda

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Immigration experts joined Jorge Castañeda, Mexico's former secretary of foreign affairs, to discuss his new book Ex Mex: From Migrants to Immigrants, and the challenges facing immigration reform in the United States. ... Read More

Venezuela's Inflation Woes

Tuesday, January 8, 2008  |  Carin Zissis

Caracas began the year by knocking zeros off its currency, but experts say the move won’t keep inflation in check.  A cabinet shuffle and the currency change came a month after voters rejected an overhaul of the constitution. ... Read More

A New Year for NAFTA

Thursday, January 3, 2008  |  Carin Zissis

January 1 marked an end to all tariffs on agricultural goods—including corn and sugar—traded between the U.S. and Mexico. But NAFTA could hit roadblocks in 2008: Mexican truckers face barriers to accessing U.S. roads and presidential campaigns have taken protectionist tones. ... Read More

Iowa and Immigration

Friday, December 21, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

Immigration emerged as one of the most divisive issues during U.S. presidential campaigns in advance of the Iowa caucus. Yet a decision must be made on immigration policy, said Ex Mex author Jorge Castañeda in an AS/COA interview: "It's either regression...or reform." Meanwhile, U.S. states approve increasing numbers of immigration-related laws. ... Read More

Felipe's First Year

Tuesday, December 18, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

Mexican President Felipe Calderón emerged as a sure-footed leader during his first year in office, meeting challenges ranging from organized crime to a deadlocked legislature to a natural disaster. Now that the honeymoon period is over, how will he fare in 2008? An AS/COA update takes a look at what Calderón achieved and the tests he'll face next. ... Read More

Meeting in Montevideo

Friday, December 14, 2007  |  Carin Zissis

With a new leader in Argentina and Venezuela’s Mercosur membership hanging like a question mark, South American presidents gathered in Montevideo December 18. The summit comes as the organization signs a trade pact with Israel, the bloc’s first free-trade agreement, and with troubles brewing among some partners. ... Read More