The Cancun climate talks that closed December 10 achieved near unanimity compared to the discord at last year's Copenhagen conference. But many observers call the COP16 agreement "modest" and debate its long-term viability.

To stem the flow of illegal drugs, the United States and Bolivia "need to find a more effective way to cooperate for mutual benefit," argues COA's Eric Farnsworth in The Houston Chronicle. "Rethinking the bilateral approach to coca is a promising place to start."

President Evo Morales is transferring more authority to departments—even when the results have been politically uncomfortable.

After sweeping victories in December, lackluster gains in the April 4 elections may point to future troubles for the MAS party.

From October 2009 through October 2010, seven presidential races are taking place in Latin America, with elections in Uruguay, Honduras, Bolivia, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, and Brazil. AS/COA offers an interactive guide to the results thus far and poll figures for elections yet to come.

The Bolivian president will be faced with political and economic constraints that—if dealt with correctly—could propel him to being a leading figure of the Left.

President Evo Morales won December 6 elections by pulling in roughly 35 percent more votes than his top rival. Moreover, his Movement Toward Socialism political party gained control of the Senate to gain a congressional majority.