GSMA Announces that Latin America will Achieve 750 Million Mobile Connections by 2015

AP - It lacks the urgency of a nuclear crisis in Japan, or fighting in Libya or the threat of a government shutdown at home. But President Barack Obama embarks Friday on a trip to Latin America that many in the hemisphere consider long overdue and that the White House believes will help restore U.S. influence in the region.

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez, left, are seen during their meeting in the Novo-Ogaryovo residence outside Moscow, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008. Putin said at a meeting with the visiting Venezuelan President that Russia is willing to discuss further military contacts with Venezuela and also help its develop nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. (AP Photo/Ivan Sekretarev)" border="0" />AP - Prime Minister Vladimir Putin vowed Thursday to make relations with Latin America a top foreign policy priority, a pledge backed by the first Russian naval deployment to the Caribbean since the Cold War.

Reuters - President Bush wraps up a five-nation Latin America tour on Wednesday that has increased pressure on him to make changes in American immigration policy.

Reuters - A tour of Latin America has provided President George W. Bush little respite from a drumbeat of bad news back in Washington, which experts say adds up to the second-term blues.

Colombia March 11. (AP Photo/Luis Benavides)" border="0" />AP - President Bush will challenge a widespread perception in Latin America of U.S. neglect that has helped fuel leftist leader Hugo Chavez's rising influence in America's backyard.

Colombia in Bogota March 7, 2007. Bush will visit Colombia as part of a tour of Latin American countries that includes Brazil, Uruguay, Guatemala and Mexico. (Alejandra Munoz/Reuters)" border="0" />Reuters - President Bush opens a week-long tour of Latin America on Thursday aimed at strengthening ties with a region tilting to the left and influenced by the populist appeal of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.