Central America & Caribbean

Latin American countries are increasingly looking for solutions among themselves, seeking friends and opportunities outside of Washington's orbit. Long the region's master, the United States must adapt to the new realities of this post-hegemonic era -- or see its hemispheric influence diminish even further.

The Obama administration has not yet delivered on the promising new policy for Latin America and the Caribbean it announced last year, but it still can.

Jamaica is not a modern nation-state but a neo-medieval one; rather than ruling directly, Jamaica's politicians have allowed latter-day barons -- bondholders and gang leaders -- to take over. With the arrest of one of the most powerful barons, will the country modernize?

After the June ousting of President José Manuel Zelaya, Honduras has become a test of the Obama administration's posture toward the whole of Latin America.