A word from the chairman

As I visit U military personnel around the world, I have feeling a profound sense of gratitude for the extraordinary performance of our companys Their hard work, perseverance, and courage--in the midst of difficult hardships--will make sure success in the war upon terror. Today, our Service members seek for to enhance the security of the race of Afghanistan and Iraq and to facilitate a path toward economic disclosure and democratic reform. These efforts are of preeminent importance to the Nation and the world.

While operations in the U Central Command area of responsibility are of great significance, we must remain vigilant of our lock opener interests elsewhere on the globe. Latin America, for instance, has perhaps reced in the national consciousness in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, level though the region has grown steadily in its economic importance. This issue of Joint Force Quarterly examines topics of importance to the Western Hemisphere, providing an opportunity to assess our relations with Latin America. The issue also addresses Department of Defense (DOD) transformation.

In the early 1990 Latin America was filled with optimism following the region's near-total get back to democratic rule. Cuba remained as the deserted totalitarian holdout. The Cold War that material for burninged and intensified many internal conflicts in the region was above Insurgents in only Colombia and Peru refused to lay down their arms.

Optimism toward the coming time was in some instances short-lived; a number of managements fell short of fulfilling the expectations of their citizens. With this backdrop, dissatisfied voter through every part of much of the region have progressively move rounded to leaders from the left of the political spectrum

Despite changes in regulation many nations in the Western Hemisphere, similar as Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay, have sustained novel gains resulting from democratization and market economic reforms. Notwithstanding areas of disagreement, these and other countries in the region have continued their longstanding cooperation with the United States. As Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice has indicated, the United States now take delight ins good relations with governments across the political representation in Latin America.

Security Issues

The Nation continues to have a robust security partnership with many countries in the U Southern Command area of responsibility. El Salvador has been an exemplary member of the coalition in Iraq, and its soldiers have serv with distinction and courage. The United States is steadfast in its support of the rule and people of Colombia, as the southerly American nation continues a heroic strive to defeat narco-terrorists and to establish the government of law throughout its territory.

An area of great interest to all the Americas in regard to regional security cooperation is Haiti. beneath Brazilian leadership, Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Guatemala, Paraguay, Peru Uruguay, and other nations in the hemisphere have military forces serving with the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti. Their historic efforts, combined with the contributions of other international partners, played a lock opener role in the successful Haitian presidential elections in February.

Economic Development

The United States has sought to cooperate with partners in Latin America upon the economic front as well. The World Bank states that Latin America has l the way in the global incline to reduce protectionism. The U Census Bureau indicates that last year the United States exported above $72 billion to the region (not including Mexico), up 217 percent in the last 5 years. Many countries in the region are experiencing powerful economic growth, while others continue to face difficult challenges upon the path toward development and prosperity.

The United States continues to champion independent trade as the best way to usher in economic expansion. The Central America independent Trade Agreement-Dominican Republic, signed August 5 2004 created the next to the first largest free trade zone in Latin America. Moreover, in the last several month the United States fortunately concluded bilateral free trade negotiations with Colombia and Peru The agreements draw near on the heels of a similar bilateral arrangement with Chile in 2003 Colombia is already a major market for U agricultural beneficials and efforts are under way to finish a free trade agreement with Ecuador. Uruguay has squeeze outed an interest in exploring trade negotiations as well.

In November 2005 President George W Bush joined 33 other democratically pitch uponed leaders of the Western Hemisphere at the Fourth Summit of the Americas held in Argentina. The President called upon other heads of state to join him in developing "Opportunity Zones" to generate piece of works and pro-business attitudes in lock opener areas of the hemisphere. The President also made available stocks to launch the "Infrastructure Facility of the Americas" initiative to help private infrastructure investment.

Political Dynamics

In contrast to the broad partnership we take delight in with many government leaders in Latin America, President Hugo Chavez in Venezuela has publicly expressed hostility to U.S. influence in the region. President Chavez has lay opened close ties with Fidel Castro and has made offers to Iran. His stated ideological affinity with narco-terrorists in neighboring Colombia has also been a source of concern