After a year in office, Cuban President Raúl Castro shuffled top ministerial posts, raising questions about what the shakeup signals. The move comes as Washington ponders changes to its own Cuba policy.

Venezuelans gave President Chávez a token of trust on his government and allowed him to run for office in 2012. With renewed confidence, now Chávez must tackle a declining economy and rising insecurity.

Venezuelan voters approved a referendum lifting term limits for elected officials on Sunday, allowing President Hugo Chávez to seek reelection indefinitely. With nearly complete results, 54 percent voted for the proposal.

On February 9, AS/COA organized a public panel to look at the February 15, 2009, referendum in Venezuela that abolished term limits for all elected officials. The discussion focused on public opinion trends ahead of the upcoming vote, economic implications, and the legitimacy of the referendum.

On February 9, AS/COA hosted a panel discussion about the upcoming Venezuelan referendum and its implications on public opinion, economic impact, and constitutional implications.

Canada's Liberal Party backed the Conservatives' budget plan, killing an opposition coalition and giving Prime Minister Stephen Harper's government a new lease on life. But clouds continue to darken Canada's economic horizon.

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.