In developing America's foreign policy over the last few months, the Obama administration has extended its hand to a number of different countries. This pursuit of closer global ties is promising and will start the crucial process of mending the rifts created by the previous administration. Lacking conspicuously in America's foreign-policy plans, however, is its own neighbor — Latin America.

In a speech at a Cuban-American National Foundation luncheon in May last year, President Barack Obama promised to "pursue aggressive, principled and sustained diplomacy in the Americas from Day One." As he explained then, "My policy toward the Americas will be guided by the simple principle that what's good for the people of the Americas is good for the United States."

Since then, plans for diplomacy in Latin America have largely fallen by the wayside. The first Western Hemispheric country to receive attention from the U.S. was not Mexico, but Canada. It is questionable as to why Obama chose to personally acknowledge the needs of Canada first when other countries in our part of the world have much more pressing needs.

Indeed, America's track record in Latin America leaves something to be desired. The recent expulsion of a U.S. diplomat from Ecuador is a case in point. The diplomat was expelled on the grounds that his alleged interference "undermine(d) the jurisdiction and powers of national authorities able to make decisions regarding who should lead a special investigations unit." The U.S. Department of State countered that the U.S. has had peaceful, non-intrusive relations with the country. Regardless of whether the U.S. is guilty of the accusations, the scandal's message sends negative signals to the rest of Latin America. This is not the kind of positive image America ought to be cultivating with Latin American countries.

At any rate, helping its southerly neighbors is in America's own best interests. In a dramatic turn of events, Mexico's drug war seems to be spilling over into Arizona. Recent Mexican-linked abductions in Phoenix are clear examples of the consequences of failing to stabilize the region. Reuters reported that Washington has pledged to give Mexico helicopters, surveillance aircraft, inspection equipment and police training under a $1.4 billion plan to beat the cartels in Mexico and Central America. Such supportive acts are the type that Latin America needs. America should not wait to intercede in Latin American affairs until it directly affects the U.S.

Latin American leaders are willing to work with President Obama. Even President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has been overwhelmingly positive, saying that, "If he wants to converse with the Venezuelans, we are here at the order without conditions." And, in a recent letter to Obama, 300 regional experts wrote that "U.S. prestige in the region is now at a historic low…Our hope is that you will embrace the opportunity to inaugurate a new period of hemispheric understanding and collaboration for the common welfare."

There is no reason for U.S. diplomacy in Latin America to be withheld. Obama should send diplomats to Latin America to capitalize on the goodwill Latin American leaders have evinced toward Obama and to assure the people there that they are indeed important to U.S. foreign policy. It is in the best interest of both the U.S. and Latin America that cooperative measures are taken to strengthen Latin American economies and reduce crime. That said, a deeper dialogue between the nations should begin with all due speed.

Anthony J. Bonilla is a columnist for the Harvard Crimson at Harvard University.

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