But it does not mean that Washington has compromised with Cuba on core issues. On the contrary, some analysts believe that engagement is a more effective measure to change Cuba, though longer time is needed.

Carlos Pascual, a foreign policy expert from the Brookings Institution, an influential think tank headquartered in Washington D.C., said US policy toward Cuba should focus on boosting the Cuban people's aspiration for "democracy" and strengthening US credibility throughout the hemisphere.

He suggested that the Obama administration "adopt a policy of critical and constructive engagement, phased-in unilaterally," adding that the policy's goal is "to support the emergence of a Cuban state where the Cuban people determine the political and economic future of their country through democratic means."

Leadership finally 

Ahead of his departure for the Americas summit, Obama wrote an article titled "A Summit for Change", which was published on Thursday by some newspapers in Trinidad and Tobago.

"This summit offers the opportunity of a new beginning," Obama said in the article, adding that "advancing prosperity, security and liberty for the people of the Americas depends upon 21st century partnerships, freed from the posturing of the past."

"Change", the word viewed as Obama's symbol during his presidential campaign, has been frequently used by the president in his addresses. And what has he changed in the past four months?

In foreign policy, at least, some changes in Washington's attitude could be found.

Recalling all the overseas visits in the past months by Obama and other top officials, "engage", "listen" and "consult" are the common rhythm. The modest attitude is in striking contrast with that of the previous administration.

A softened attitude means to strengthen the United States' leadership through the so-called "smart power", a guideline for the US foreign policy.

According to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, the US foreign policy "must be based on a marriage of principles and pragmatism, not rigid ideology; on facts and evidence, not emotion or prejudice."

"First, we must keep our people, our nation, and our allies secure; secondly, we must promote economic growth and shared prosperity at home and abroad; finally, we must strengthen America's position of global leadership," she said.

Attitude can be changed, but national interests will be permanent.

For the Obama administration and the following administrations, the US national interests in the Latin America is to keep its dominance in the region, as summarized in the Monroe Doctrine: "America for the Americans."

The Monroe Doctrine, viewed as the cornerstone of US policy toward Latin America since the 1820s, transformed the United States from a regional power into the world's super power, while Latin America became the United States' backyard and base camp for keeping its dominance in the world.

Latin America is believed to be the largest foreign supplier of oil to the United States and is a strong partner in the development of alternative fuels. It is also the US fastest-growing trading partner and the largest source of immigrants. The relationship with Latin America is a basic and important part of the grand strategy of the United States.

(Xinhua News Agency April 20, 2009)