Cesar Gaviria

On May 8, her first day in office, Costa Rican President Laura Chinchilla fulfilled a campaign promise and created a national anti-drug commission to combat drug trafficking and reduce the consumption of illegal substances in Costa Rica. The day before, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera flew over Santiago on board a spy plane that helped seize more than 300 kilograms of illicit drugs and disband two criminal organization involved in drug trafficking.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez loves a good rant, and in early November he directed his ire once again toward Colombia, warning of an imminent war between the two nations. "Prepare yourselves for war," Chavez instructed military commanders in a televised address on Nov. 8.

Days later, Chavez backed off his comments, claiming his words had been manipulated. But on Nov. 21 he announced the pending arrival of 300 tanks from Russia and again told his supporters they were obligated to prepare for combat.