The U.S. economic downturn, rising unemployment, and heightened border security are taking a toll on migration and remittances, with declines witnessed in migration flows to the United States and cash wired to families in Mexico.

AS/COA 's Christopher Sabatini lays out the implications of Republican candidate John McCain's hesitation to meet with Spain's Prime Minister José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero. (en español)

In a September 24 event, leaders from 11 countries in the Western Hemisphere launched the Pathways to Prosperity in the Americas initiative, providing a forum to deepen trade ties and cooperation. U.S. President George W. Bush urged congressional action on pending trade deals with Panama and Colombia.

After a turbulent week on Wall Street, countries across the Americas find themselves vulnerable to tightening credit and lowering commodity prices. Yet officials emphasize Latin America’s stronger economic foundations in comparison to the past.

On September 17, the COA hosted a panel discussion on Capitol Hill to discuss the pending Free Trade Agreement between the United States and Panama. The forum provided an opportunity to analyze the future of trade links between the two countries.

As violent clashes die down in Bolivia, concern remains over deep political differences between supporters and opponents of President Evo Morales. Meanwhile, the unrest coincided with a diplomatic tit-for-tat involving Bolivia and Venezuela against the United States.

The arrival of Russian warplanes in Venezuela and plans for joint naval operations in the Caribbean raise eyebrows at a time of strained relations between Washington and Moscow. But the use of ships and aircraft dating from the Cold War may lessen potential threats.