Short sight:

The Bush administration is leaving behind so much turmoil and resentment around the world

that President-elect Barack Obama might be tempted to put off dealing with the nation’s extremely sour relations with Latin America.

That would be short-sighted. There is a unique opportunity to improve ties with a region that shares key interests and values with the United States. And given how bad relations are right now, it will not take much more than good sense and sensitivity to make progress.

For starters, the Obama administration could gain a lot of good will by supporting more aid, mostly from the International Monetary Fund, for Latin American countries sideswiped by the financial meltdown. More than anything, Latin American leaders want to know that Washington is ready to talk seriously on important topics, including drug trafficking, energy

policy, economic integration and immigration. The United States must move forward with immigration reform. It must also begin regular discussions on migration issues.

If there is still a question about the need for a new policy for the region, consider these facts: Latin America provides a third of the nation’s oil imports, most of its immigrants and virtually all of its cocaine. And, oh yes, it’s right next door. — International Herald Tribune