Iran’s president returns to the region at a time of increasing brinkmanship with Washington. His four prior visits held similar aims to expand diplomatic and economic ties with Iran’s handful of Latin American allies.

A December 29 vote unseated Jamaica’s incumbent Labor Party in an electoral loss sparked by controversy over the extradition of a drug kingpin, as well as economic concerns.

The Argentine Chamber of Deputies passed a December 16 law that will limit land sales to foreigners. While the move follows regional trends, some question the feasibility of implementation. The Senate is expected to approve the law.