In remarks to the American Jewish Committee, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth examines Latin American links with Iran, particularly with Venezuela. Citing evidence of activities by Hezbollah agents in South American, Farnsworth offers recommendations to counter negative influences that could lead to terrorist actions.

Bolivia's energy-rich provinces confront Evo Morales' government, now with the Tarija province voting in favor of greater autonomy, joining others. A recall vote scheduled for August 10 faces resistance by regional governors, widening the political divide.

Durante la décimo-segunda conferencia: Colombia a los ojos de Wall Street de AS/COA en Bogota, la presidenta de AS/COA Sugan Segal enfocó su presentación en el crecimiento economico de Colombia durante los ultimos años. También habló sobre la posibilidad de un tratado de libre comercio (TLC) entre los Estados Unidos y Colombia.

With tensions running high between some Andean countries, AS/COA convened a roundtable on economic, political, and security issues affecting the region. The discussion included a keynote speech by Ecuador's Minister of the Government and Police Fernando Bustamante.

In an AS/COA Online interview, OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza describes the role of the agency in negotiating recent border tensions between Ecuador and Colombia, autonomy and recall votes in Bolivia, and U.S.-Cuba relations. "[T]he OAS has to prove itself as the main forum for political dialogue in the Americas," said Insulza.

Concerns about violence and Bolivian unity mount as the eastern, energy-rich province of Santa Cruz prepares to hold a referendum on whether to become autonomous. Three other provinces plan similar votes. 

Bolivia struggles to maintain contractual commitments to Argentina and Brazil, leading to a recent leader’s meeting in Buenos Aires about the matter. In Venezuela, fallout continues following last year's nationalizations.