"Be it an earthquake in Haiti or the violent drug war fought in Mexico today, the United States can ill afford to turn a blind eye to our neighbors in this hemisphere," writes former U.S. Ambassador to Mexico Antonio O. Garza in The Dallas Morning News.

Mexico rang in the New Year with a series of tax hikes in hopes of easing a budget deficit. The tax increases come as President Felipe Calderón kicks off the second half of his term with an ambitious political reform proposal.

Speakers at this October 29 featured experts from the Mexican government, multilateral organizations, and the private sector. Their discussion focused on project financing, public-private partnerships, and regulatory frameworks to attract private investors.

The U.S. Department of Justice announced a major bust of over 300 people linked to La Familia, a violent Mexican drug cartel. The crackdown involved massive drug seizures and spanned 19 states.

Citing inefficiencies, poor service, and bloated costs, the government of Mexican President Felipe Calderón dissolved the country's second biggest electric company on October 11. But even as the move drew cheers, it also drew protests from unions and congressional opponents.

This AS/COA Miami panel offers insights into how the economic crisis offers Mexico a chance to effect positive policy changes. Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Arturo Sarukhan was a keynote speaker.

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.