The PPP will gain a majority in the upper house, enabling it to block legislation for years to come.

ECONOMIST: Banyan

Moreover, analysts assert that Panama gave Hutchinson broader powers in legislation known as "Law No. 5" which enables Hutchinson to assign the pilots who take control of ships and steer them through the canal enabling them to block passage of ships to meet its business needs.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: China displaces the U.S. at Ecuador's Manta Base