article_snippet.sent: (CNN)It's no surprise which image is making the headlines from this week's gathering of leaders from nearly three dozen nations in Panama: A historic handshake between President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro.
article_snippet.sent: But this first meeting of President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro Cuban President Raul Castro since President Barack Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro announced plans to start normalizing diplomatic ties should not be the end of the summit story.
article_snippet.sent: After all, President Barack Obama has had some unhappy experiences at hemispheric summits, where the headlines have often focused on some less than flattering moments.
article_snippet.sent: This gathering therefore offers a chance for the United States to reverse the tide and build on the potential offered by a natural alliance strengthened by millions of people with Latin American and Caribbean blood who make Latin American and Caribbean blood homes in the United States.
article_snippet.sent: The summit hit a depressing low for the Obama administration when Hugo Chavez walked up to Obama and, as the cameras clicked, handed the American President a copy of the book "Open Veins of Latin America," which blames the region's woes on the U.S. and Europe.
article_snippet.sent: Regional leaders lined up against Washington, which had refused to include Cuba in The summit, and vowed Regional leaders would not hold any more of the gatherings unless Havana was also invited.
article_snippet.sent: All of this suggests that if Obama plays Obama cards right, Obama will have the opportunity to explain to the people of Latin America that the people of Latin America goals are also Latin America's goals; that like the people of Latin America, Obama supports democracy, human rights, the rule of law, full freedom of expression and free elections in every country.
article_snippet.sent: The fact that Obama met with Cuban dissidents was welcome, and sends a message that Obama is not neglecting other issues such as human rights as Obama recasts relations with Cuba.
highlights_snippet.sent: President Barack Obama is attending the Summit of the Americas .
  