All Content: Cuba

Mariela Castro’s Visa and LGBT Rights in Cuba

26 Apr 2013
Analysis & Commentary
The limited visa granted to Ms. Castro is indicative of the politicization of all things Cuba, including visa decisions. But it is also indicative of the contradictions and limitations inherent in the United States’ approach to promoting democracy and human rights in Cuba, which in recent years has grown to include LGBT rights.

Three Harbingers of Change in U.S. Cuba Policy

Rep. Castor’s Announcement, Yoani Sánchez’ Visit, and the State Department’s Terrorist List Review
28 Mar 2013
Analysis & Commentary
There are signs that change is coming. Here are three recent developments that are indicative of where the U.S.-Cuba relationship is headed

Cuba and the Terrorist List

Will the United States Lower the Temperature as Cuba Makes Modest Changes?
5 Mar 2013
Analysis & Commentary
Taking Cuba off the terrorist list would be a common sense step that would acknowledge changes in Cuba and serve U.S. interests in the hemisphere.

Recent Developments in Cuba Signal Modest Political Relaxation

31 Jan 2013
Analysis & Commentary
Recent reforms suggests a modest relaxation in the Cuban government’s efforts to exercise control over the flow of information into the country and a greater openness to allow Cuban citizens to engage with the outside world.

CELAC Summit: Cuba to Head Regional Organization

25 Jan 2013
Analysis & Commentary
Cuba not only will participate in the summit, but also will exercise formal leadership. That is a major shift, the culmination of a process of Cuba’s regional reintegration.

Cuba Announces Popular Consultations on Labor Code

Implications for Workers’ Rights in Cuba
14 Dec 2012
Analysis & Commentary
A consultation process that encourages honest debate could help Cuba adapt to the changing economy and the resulting changes in labor relations, while preserving an effective framework of protections and benefits for workers.

The Writing is on the Wall: The Cuban-American Vote and the Future of U.S. Policy toward Cuba

8 Nov 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The changing opinions and changing demographics of the Cuban-American community made themselves heard at the polls.

Cuba in the Presidential Debate

The Dog that Didn't Bark
23 Oct 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The decline in Cuba’s salience as a domestic political issue is an encouraging sign. It suggests that, over time, we might be able to have a more rational discussion.

Cubans Allowed to Travel Abroad Without Exit Visas

Greater Freedom for Cubans, Uncomfortable Implications for U.S. Policy
16 Oct 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The new law responds to the desires of Cubans on the island and Cubans living abroad, and it takes one more step in reducing the interference of the state in the lives of ordinary Cuban citizens.

Cuban Blogger Yoani Sanchez Detained by Authorities

5 Oct 2012
Analysis & Commentary
WOLA calls on the Cuban government to immediately confirm whether or not Yoani Sánchez and her husband are detained, and, if so, to make public the charges against them.

U.S. Interests Clash with Policy toward Cuba

Colombia Peace Talks and Caribbean Drug Strategy Underline Contradictions
21 Sep 2012
Analysis & Commentary
It is striking how our hostility to Cuba, a long-standing element of U.S. policy in the region—contradicts and undercuts other top U.S. priorities in Latin America. Two recent events highlight this contradiction.

WOLA laments the tragic death of Oswaldo Paya, the head of Cuba’s Christian Liberation Movement

23 Jul 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The head of Cuba’s Christian Liberation Movement died in an apparent car accident on the afternoon of Sunday, July 22. His colleague, Haroldo Cepero, perished as well. WOLA extends our condolences to their families and friends.

Economic Reforms and Labor Protections in Cuba

20 Jul 2012
Analysis & Commentary
In evaluating the pace of reforms and the Cuban government's sometimes ambivalent approach, it is useful to reflect on the complicated effects the reforms have on daily life in Cuba.

Denying Visas to Prominent Cuban Academics Undercuts Policy of Academic Exchanges

21 May 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The visa denials are damaging to U.S.-Cuban relations, they are harmful to the interests of the United States, and they hurt Cubans who are supporting increased engagement with the United States.

WOLA Reaction to Radio Martí's Editorial on Cardinal Jaime Ortega

WOLA Joins Members of Congress in Calling for Obama Administration to Reject Radio Martí's Characterization of Cuban Cardinal Jaime Ortega
10 May 2012
Analysis & Commentary
Controversy about the role of the Catholic Church in Cuba aside, it was inappropriate and ill-advised for Radio Martí, as a U.S. government-funded information service, to write this editorial.

Summit of the Americas: WOLA Resources

12 Apr 2012
News
WOLA is pleased to provide these resources about the upcoming Summit of the Americas.

Summit of the Americas: Walking the Walk on Partnership

5 Apr 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The presidents of the Americas (with some notable exceptions) will gather once again later this month. President Obama will likely again focus on partnership, engagement, and co-responsibility. These are the right ideas, and they can revolutionize our relationship with the hemisphere.

Opting for Dialogue and Engagement: Pope Benedict’s Visit to Cuba

29 Mar 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The Pope’s visit serves as a reminder that engagement is the best way to promote human rights in Cuba.

Building Bridges in Unlikely Places: U.S.-Cuban Cooperation on Security Issues

24 Mar 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The U.S. Coast Guard and the Cuban Border Guard work together on several issues of mutual interest. Drug interdiction, migration, and search-and-rescue of people in distress at sea are important issues for the United States and Cuba.

How Will Economic Reforms Impact Social Protections in Cuba?

23 Mar 2012
Analysis & Commentary
The changes underway have potentially profound implications for the daily lives of working people in Cuba, who will be confronted with new and unsettling realities in terms of job security, unemployment, social welfare, and other issues.

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