There is an interesting transformation happening in Latin America. While Lugo - Paraguay's new President - has taken care to distance himself from Chavez (Venezuela) and Morales (Bolivia), he is left wing and has vowed to work hard to fight poverty.
The last few years has seen a big shift to the left in LA, and as evidenced by the failed coup attempt in Venezuela in 2002, the US is losing influence in the region.
This is excellent news for the average person on the continent, however it will make the US even more twitchy as we see the worlds other powers vie for the attention of the LA countries.
"Paraguay president vows to fight poverty"
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/96bcedf8-6afe-11dd-b613-0000779fd18c.html
"Venezuela, Russia form energy alliance"
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/chi-venezuela-russia_23jul23,0,4310830.story
"Russia denies attempts at placing military base in Venezuela"
http://english.eluniversal.com/2008/07/25/en_int_art_russia-denies-attemp_25A1836121.shtml