Many Latin American countries are volatile societies. It's easy for troublemakers to make contacts there to mutual benefit. If OBL had a satellite phone, the phone number of Zetas would be on a speed dial. AQ has access to tons of weapons, and Zetas, as matter of fact, control the US border.
Very true. Stability is very rare in Latin America for the most part. Coups are often common there. Bolivia has more coups than any other nations in the world.