Agreeing that Latin America has been one of the most resilient microfinance regions in the world, speakers in this November 19 panel discussed the effects of the current economic crisis on microfinance along with lessons learned and future challenges for the industry.

Election season starts in Latin America in Honduras and Uruguay, Morales polls well ahead of rivals before Bolivian vote, and immigrants pull economic weight in U.S. metropolitan areas. Read these stories and more in the Weekly Roundup.

With the U.S. Congress soon set to adjourn for the year, it leaves behind much unfinished business when it come to Western Hemisphere affairs.

As Brazil's influence on the world stage increases, its partnership with the United States should be based on mutual recognition and respect, writes COA's Eric Farnsworth in Folha de São Paulo. Economic and political security should not come at either country's expense. (em português)

Executive Vice President of the Canadian Council of Chief Executives David Stewart-Patterson makes a case in The Hill Times for why the Canada-Colombia free trade agreement is important to the Canadian economy, Colombian citizens, and labor protection standards.

Uruguayans chose José "Pepe" Mujica of the governing party as their next president in November 29 roundoff elections.The high approval ratings of the current administration likely gave an electoral boost to Mujica, a former guerilla who pledged to follow his predecessor's path and identified Brazil's president as his model.

Hondurans headed to the polls November 29 to elect Porfirio "Pepe" Lobo as the next president. But, with hemispheric leaders divided over whether to recognize the outcome and questions remaining about the restitution of a deposed president, the country's political fate remains unclear.

Honduras found itself caught in an political stalemate after the June 28 overthrow of Manuel Zelaya. Explore a timeline of key dates in the months-long crisis.