Truemors
Political change may not be on the agenda for this one party state, but improving Socialism seems to be a top priority for Cuban president, Raul Castro.
Restrictions on the purchase of electrical goods, such as mobile phones, microwaves, and DVD players have been lifted. Housing reforms will make it easier for state workers to own their own homes, even though buying and selling real estate is still prohibited. Wage limits have been removed, and Cuban's can now stay in hotels formerly reserved for foreigners. State land is also being lent to farmers, who now have more say in how to cultivate the land, including what to plant. The Cuban government is also paying higher prices to farmers for some agricultural products, such as potatoes.
There is a down-side however in that even though Cuba has signed on to the United Nations Human Rights Convention, Cuba continues to take a strong stance against "dissidents", even though they are jailing fewer of them.
There are an estimated 219 political prisoners currently held in Cuban jails, 15 fewer than in January this year.
But according to the Cuban Commission for Human Rights and National Reconciliation (CCHRNR) this does not represent a fundamental change in the treatment of dissidents under Raul Castro.
Instead, the latest half yearly report by this illegal but tolerated organisation points to a change in tactics, with a marked increase in what it calls arbitrary systematic detentions.
Instead of high profile arrests and imprisonment, opponents are picked up by police, often prior to planned meetings or rallies.
They are then released without charge, usually within 24 hours.
"The Cuban authorities deny that there are any political prisoners. Instead, they are referred to as mercenaries, paid by the United States to undermine the revolution."
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