Haiti's earthquake lays bare woeful political and economic dysfunctions, but in the global disaster response, there is a chance to get aid right, writes CFR's Kara C. McDonald.

Haiti's horrific earthquake is a setback for the country's slowly improving development, says Edward Luck, vice president and director of studies at the International Peace Institute. While international efforts are important, especially in providing relief, over the long-term, Haiti's development must be driven by Haitians, he says.

Tracy Kidder's op-ed in the New York Times discusses Haiti's man-made vulnerability to natural disasters.

Session Two of a Council on Foreign Relations Symposium on Organized Crime in the Western Hemisphere: An Overlooked Threat? Subject: Local and National Policy Responses. Held at the Council on Foreign Relations, New York.

Marifeli Perez-Stable discusses the leakage by El País of Obama's message to Raul Castro, warning that if the administration doesn't "break the tired two-step" of Cuban-American relations soon, it may be too late.

A remarkably accessible portrait of Cuba's unique place on the world stage over the past fifty years, including its internal politics, its often fraught relationship with the United States, and its shifting relationship with the global community.

Julia E. Sweig argues that the costs of maintaining the base at Guantanamo Bay outweigh the benefits.

Julia E. Sweig provides a road map for President Obama to improve relations between the United States and Cuba.

Julia E. Sweig, CFR's director of Latin American studies, says ties between Washington and Havana may change, but the United States has been downplaying expectations of a breakthrough.

Richard N. Haass writes on the American policy of isolating Cuba: "Things are changing in Cuba, however slowly. The United States should be a part of shaping their direction."

Brookings presents a roadmap of policy alternatives for constructive engagement with Cuba which encourages the Cuban people to pursue a democratic future without trying to impose it on them.

Pressure is building on the U.S. government to pull the plug on TV Marti, its expensive broadcast station for Cuba that has failed to overcome jamming efforts by the Cuban government.

This CFR conference call with speakers Daniel B. Prieto and Matthew C. Waxman and presider Robert McMahon discusses the closure of the Guantanamo Bay Prison Camp.