President of Iran Mahmoud Ahmadinejad canceled his trip this week to Brazil, Venezuela, and Ecuador. Still, Tehran's deepening ties raise questions about Iranian relations with Latin America.

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.

A Colombian cross-border raid on a FARC camp in Ecuador broke down diplomatic relations between the Andean neighbors in March 2008. The two countries have yet to reconcile a year later. Still, their economic ties continue to grow and Bogota appears to have the FARC on the run.

Venezuelans gave President Chávez a token of trust on his government and allowed him to run for office in 2012. With renewed confidence, now Chávez must tackle a declining economy and rising insecurity.

Falling oil prices come at a bad time for Venezuela President Hugo Chávez, whose amendment to end term limits faces a referendum on February 15.

Venezuelan voters approved a referendum lifting term limits for elected officials on Sunday, allowing President Hugo Chávez to seek reelection indefinitely. With nearly complete results, 54 percent voted for the proposal.

On February 9, AS/COA organized a public panel to look at the February 15, 2009, referendum in Venezuela that abolished term limits for all elected officials. The discussion focused on public opinion trends ahead of the upcoming vote, economic implications, and the legitimacy of the referendum.