Newly re-elected Rafael Correa of Ecuador appears to want to take on the mantle of ailing Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. At take are Ecuador's shaking freedoms and the exploitation of natural gas reserves.

Due to the current political crisis, necessary economic changes will be postponed for an increasingly unstable Venezuela, a big exporter of oil to the US.

Tanks and Ak-47s were evident in Caracas as Venezuelans went to vote. Exit polls showed Capriles the winner, but the government-controlled electoral college gave the win to Chavez who has been in power for 14 years.

Iran augments its agit-prop in Latin America.

Venezuela says it has successfully defended itself in an international arbitration case brought by U.S.-based Exxon Mobil and will pay only $255 million out of more than $900 million awarded to the company.

Thirty-eight violent deaths occured in Caracas from December 30, 2011 to January 1, 2012. Venezuelans hope for a peaceful election year.

Highways and hydro-electric projects are exacting a great cost on the environment in Latin America where unique species of animals, plants and fish are endangered.

With the death of terrorist leader Awlaki, Al Qaeda is down but not out.

The diplomatic missions of the Islamic Republic stand accused of involvement in terrorism.

An alien invader fish with human-like teeth.