Diplomatic relations between Bogota and Quito remain distant despite efforts from the international community to mend them. Moreover, criminal and terrorist groups may take advantage of the situation along the border.

On the eve of Secretary Hillary Clinton's trip to Mexico, an AS/COA panel examined bilateral approaches to solve security issues and overcome financial concerns. Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhán and former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Jim Jones participated.

Writing in the Financial Times, President and CEO of Citibank and AS/COA Chairman William R. Rhodes urges countries to reject protectionism and lend support to multilateral institutions in the face of "the most serious economic and financial crisis in [his] more than 50 years of banking." 

Washington and Madrid should sieze on the chance to collaborate on Latin America policy. "[W]ith foresight, nuance, creativity, and a little good fortune, this is an emerging partnership whose time may very well have come," writes Farnsworth.

From the resignation of Fidel Castro to the election of Barack Obama, the Americas served as a stage for history. AS/COA Online looks back at events that shaped the region in 2008, from the Andean crisis to Mexico's drug war to Brazil's emergence as a global leader.

As the 50-year anniversary for the Cuban Revolution nears, Raúl Castro makes his first state visits abroad. His statements at a regional summit raise speculation about future relations with Washington and what mediating role Brazil could play.

Leaders from Central America met Friday to discuss how to mitigate the effects of the global financial crisis. Calling for deeper integration, leaders proposed creating a common currency and passport.