Council of the Americas organized an October 29 bipartisan discussion on Capitol Hill concerning the role of trade in building stronger partnerships, economic and job recovery, and broad-based development in the Western Hemisphere.

A policy update in the Fall 2009 issue of Americas Quarterly examines health care systems in Cuba, Chile, Colombia, and Costa Rica.

Colombia's Defense Minister Gabriel Silva indicated that a pending U.S.-Colombian military deal could be signed this week. The pact allows U.S. military troops access to seven bases in Colombia and has drawn concern from some South American countries, particularly neighboring Venezuela.

A year and a half after cutting diplomatic relations, Bogota and Quito's efforts to repair ties are showing signs of progress. Foreign ministers from each country met Friday to continue talks.

Colombian President Álvaro Uribe joined Americas Society/Council of the Americas for a question and answer session about his country's economy and the constitutional process that would pave the way for him to seek a third consecutive term. Read his remarks.

Colombia's President Álvaro Uribe held a question-and-answer session, giving an overview of his country's economic progress and improved public safety. He also discussed constitutional changes underway that could allow the possibility of a third term.

While some journalists reporting in Latin America face threats to personal security, others deal with official intimidation in what some warn could roll back hard-won press freedoms. But governments and journalists have also taken steps to ensure greater access to information.