To Boost U.S. Power, Embrace Latin America

The United States is looking for new ways to regain its strength, to shake off the recession blues and fortify its position of international leadership. But Washington is missing the obvious, neglecting its closest neighbors. Big mistake.

With America's European partners struggling, with China's economy powering ahead, and the Middle East simmering with uncertainty, Washington has decided to "pivot" from its decade-long post-9/11 wars and look to Asia and the Pacific. But the United States is overlooking the most logical, natural place to build strong friendships, partnerships and alliances: Latin America.