South American leaders met Monday in Quito for a UNASUR summit, where they debated action on a probable U.S.-Colombian military pact. Though not present at the summit, Colombia’s President Álvaro Uribe visited seven countries last week to clarify the deal’s terms.

Uribe. Chávez. Correa. Is re-election such a bad thing?

Though facing a financially tough 2009, President Rafael Correa won Sunday’s vote. His government unveiled a controversial debt buyback plan a week before the election.

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.

Ecuador faces harsh economic indicators in 2009. Still, President Rafael Correa commands high approval ratings as the country prepares for April elections.

As attention turned to the possibility that Ecuador may default on its foreign debt, AS/COA hosted its first Quito conference, bringing high-level private sector leaders and officials together to analyze the Andean country's outlook.