Tempers have cooled since the early December political turmoil in Ottawa. But it's hardly business as usual for Prime Minister Stephen Harper or for the opposition Labor Party.

Latin Americans want Washington to join them as partners on the international stage, says Christopher Sabatini in an op-ed in the Miami Herald, citing essays from hemispheric leaders to President-elect Obama in the latest issue of Americas Quarterly.

In El Diario/La Prensa, Christopher Sabatini writes that the media inflated South America's leftward shift. Instead, election outcomes reflect the desire for pragmatic change similar to the one shown by the choice of Barack Obama for U.S. president. (en español)

During remarks to the Foro Elecciones EUA at Casa de las Americas in Madrid, COA's Eric Farnsworth highlighted what  Barack Obama's win will mean for policy on immigration, security, Cuba, trade, and energy relations with Canada and Mexico. He also forecasts improved U.S.-Spanish relations.

COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth serves as a panelist in Madrid's Casa de Américas conference, examining the impact of the 2008 U.S. elections on Spain, Mexico, and Canada.

President Hugo Chávez and his Colombian counterpart Álvaro Uribe may each seek reelection. Both command high approval ratings but face possible political and economic challenges in the coming year.

At a time of economic uncertainty, Prime Minister Stephen Harper suspended Canadian Parliament to head off a move by an opposition coalition that could have ended his premiership. The fight to lead Canada comes just weeks after a national election and leaves the country's leadership after January in doubt.