COA Vice President Eric Farnsworth writes that Iran's deepening ties with some Latin American nations could have destabilizing consequences. But he emphasizes that Iran's foray into the Americas serves as an opportunity for nations of the Western Hemisphere to work together in support of democratic principles.
Security & Defense
Washington and Mexico launched a new security pact to stem drug smuggling and related violence. U.S. Under Secretary of State R. Nicholas Burns, hosted by AS/COA, called crime "the single greatest obstacle" to progress in Mexico and Central America. The upcoming issue of Americas Quarterly examines security. View a preview of contents.
Addressing AS/COA members on October 22, U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs R. Nicholas Burns discussed White House policy toward Latin America, particularly Bogotá. "The U.S. finds itself at a crucial crossroads in our relations with Colombia," said Burns, emphasizing the need for trade deals with that country, Peru, and Panama.
At the launch for the second issue of Americas Quarterly, Admiral Jim Stavridis, who directs U.S. Southern Command, discussed his view of the security situation in the western hemisphere.
Robert Gates made his first trip to Latin America as U.S. defense secretary, beginning his five-country tour in El Salvador. The secretary's itinerary included stops in Colombia, Peru, Chile, and Suriname to focus on Washington's security ties in the region. A recent editorial co-authored by COA's Eric Farnsworth examines trade policy as a way to boost U.S.-Latin American relations.
Creating open markets, improving development assistance, and securing reasonably priced energy supplies are the leading components of a U.S. strategy to engage the hemisphere. John Negroponte cautions that “questionable decision-making in some capitals threatens to spread poverty and inequality.”
In office for just over a month, Minister Araujo outlines Colombia’s foreign policy goals both in the Andean Region and globally. Held hostage by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) until December 2006, Minister Araujo provides an inside look at prospects for peace.