In remarks to the American Jewish Committee, COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth examines Latin American links with Iran, particularly with Venezuela. Citing evidence of activities by Hezbollah agents in South American, Farnsworth offers recommendations to counter negative influences that could lead to terrorist actions.

With global commodity prices on the rise, many Latin American countries face soaring inflation. Yet experts suggest the region's economies are more well-girded than in the past to handle economic crises. The IMF's director discussed inflation at COA’s 38th Annual Washington Conference.

In recent days, Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez shifted tone on several policy fronts and urged the FARC to end its armed conflict with the Colombian government. But Chávez's critics complain he continues to attempt to silence opposition. 

With tensions running high between some Andean countries, AS/COA convened a roundtable on economic, political, and security issues affecting the region. The discussion included a keynote speech by Ecuador's Minister of the Government and Police Fernando Bustamante.

Yon Goicoechea, Venezuelan law student, activist, and founder of the Futuro Presente Foundation describes his plans to start a school for young political leaders. “I believe that to have modern countries, we also have to renew our political structures,” says Goicoechea.

Yon Goicoechea, estudiante venezolano de derecho, activista y fundador de la fundación Futuro Presente describe sus planes de fundar una escuela para líderes políticos jovenes. "Yo creo que para tener países modernos también hace falta renovar nuestras estructuras políticas," dijo Goicoechea.

President Rafael Correa appoints a new head of state-owned Petroecuador after official figures show a slowdown in crude oil production. The move comes after Ecuador proposed to cut windfall taxes for private firms and signed a refinery agreement with Venezuela.