Days ahead of the Summit of the Americas, the White House eased Cuba restrictions, making it easier for Cuban Americans to travel to the island and send remittances to family members there. The changes also allow for more humanitarian aid and bids by U.S. telecommunication firms.

After a year in office, Cuban President Raúl Castro shuffled top ministerial posts, raising questions about what the shakeup signals. The move comes as Washington ponders changes to its own Cuba policy.

At an AS/COA program, Cuba experts and the author of Cuba Wars, a new book by Dan Erikson, discussed the current state of U.S. policy toward the island nation and changes that could be expected in the near future. This discussion comes at a pivotal time, as leadership transitions have occurred in both countries.

Five decades after the overthrow of Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista, U.S.-Cuban relations remain on ice. In an op-ed, AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini writes that political prisoners and divided families stand as victims in the two countries' ongoing standoff. (en español)

As the 50-year anniversary for the Cuban Revolution nears, Raúl Castro makes his first state visits abroad. His statements at a regional summit raise speculation about future relations with Washington and what mediating role Brazil could play.

Chinese President Hu Jintao's trip to Latin America helps cement Beijing's growing relationship with the region. After the G20 summit and before the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation conference in Lima, Hu traveled to Costa Rica and Cuba.

Writing for Ambassadors REVIEW, AS/COA's Christopher Sabatini writes that, while Cuban President Raúl Castro's reforms led to hope for concrete change on the island, "Don’t hold your breath."