Trouble in our backyard

After today's class discussion on the United States playing the role of the "big brother" and Latin America being the US' backyard, I came across this column from the Washington Post that illustrates precisely this issue. I just wonder if any attention will be paid in the close future to the crises that Latin America seems to be undergoing and what approach is to be expected. Additionally, if there is any major outreach from the US, what do you think the likely response from Latin Americans will be?