US Signals Shift in Latin American Strategy

Bush nominated a career diplomat to replace Roger Noriega, his polemic Secretary of State for Hemispheric Affairs. The position is the most influential in shaping US politics towards Latin America.

The confirmation of Bush's candidate, Thomas Shannon is expected to be easy. Unlike his predecessor he is a career diplomat with actual experience in the field. And also unlike Noriega he doesn’t have a vested interest in the region.

Noriega’s strong links with Anti-Castrism and his outspoken style contributed to the regional alienation of the US. His biggest problem, Hugo Chavez, got worse during his period.

Mr. Shannon speaks Spanish and Portuguese and has served in Brazil, Guatemala and Venezuela. He is considered more of a “doer” than a “talker”. The US has just a few friends left in Latin America. It is now up to Shannon to change that.