The U.S. government's efforts to redefine policy toward Latin America, and to counter the image that it is doing little more than fighting drug trafficking, would be boosted if it embraced cooperation with its territory in the Caribbean: Puerto Rico. Despite years of disagreement and distrust between federal and Puerto Rican political leaders, it is time to refocus on how the island's developed infrastructure, educated population, demonstrated patriotism to the United States, and cultural affinity with Latin America can help U.S.–Latin America policy. Puerto Rico is an ideal location from which to send emergency and humanitarian assistance to the region and to establish training centers to assist in building judicial and other democratic institutions in Latin America. As important, federal and local cooperation in the national security sphere will improve economic and social conditions on an island fighting crime and chronic underemployment.
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