Cuba feels the benefits of being back in favour in Washington

Robert Hackwill

 

 

WASHINGTON: -- After more than half a century of freezing Cuba out of diplomatic relations the last year has seen an abrupt turnaround between Havana and Washington.

 

An historic handshake between Barack Obama and Raul Castro at a homage to Nelson Mandela set the ball rolling, and set up a political coup for the American president.

 

The spectacular make-up was sealed with near-simultaneous declarations on December 17 2014, ending the war between the two sides, restoring diplomatic ties, and diluting economic sanctions.

 

Eight months later the symbolism was strengthened when the US flag again flew over the embassy in Havana as it was reopened. It was a major landmark in Obama’s foreign policy record, and comes just before he ends his second mandate.

 

At the end of September 2015, Barack Obama and Raul Castro exchanged smiles and handshakes while attending the UN General Assembly in New York. It was another front-page moment.

 

The warming in relations is seen as highly significant and normalised relations are expected to bear fruit of all kinds, political and social as well as economic.

 

“That, after so many years, Cuba and the United States have relations again will be a great benefit for families: both the families over there and those here,” said Havana resident, Idalia Cuellar.

 

However Barack Obama has focused on the economic aspects of normalisation. Cuba and America have signed bilateral agreements on the restoration of regular commercial flights and a postal service.

 

And on March 20 Obama flew in and landed on Cuban soil to underline the historic nature of the moment: it has clearly been his ambition to speed the process along before he has to leave office.

 

Speaking in front of Communist Party headquarters, he defended his Cuban policy.

 

“As President of the United States, I’ve called on our Congress to lift the embargo.

I believe my visit here demonstrates you do not need to fear a threat from the United States,” he said.

 

The immediate and direct result of Obama’s policy has been economic. Tourists are once again arriving from America and their dollars will help drag Cuba out of decades of economic stagnation. But adjusting will be tricky: for example in April Cuba’s brewers warned thirsty Americans were drinking the island dry of beer.

 

 

-- © Copyright Euronews 2016-09-01

This should have been done many years ago. 

Having numerous trade partners is always good for your country.  The Cuban people deserve more than their government has allowed over the years.  Best of luck.

Is the Cuban guy saying, "Don't pat me on the head again?"

24 minutes ago, Pinot said:

This should have been done many years ago. 

If I stole your house, business and automobiles how many years would it be before you started dealing with me again?

8 minutes ago, Scotwight said:

If I stole your house, business and automobiles how many years would it be before you started dealing with me again?

There are many legal cases.  It will be interesting to see how they are dealt with.  Nationalization of assets is rarely a good thing.

 

https://www.bostonglobe.com/ideas/2014/04/18/cuba-you-owe-billion/jHAufRfQJ9Bx24TuzQyBNO/story.html

well it is a small start. need to sort everything out with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria next.

19 minutes ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

well it is a small start. need to sort everything out with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria next.

You're comparing apples and oranges.  Though the common point is these countries are not the best in our global community.

55 minutes ago, williamgeorgeallen said:

well it is a small start. need to sort everything out with Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya and Syria next.

 

Cuba is not full of Muslim fanatics!

9 minutes ago, Scouse123 said:

 

Cuba is not full of Muslim fanatics!

Being Muslim is OK.  It's the leaders of these countries that are the problem.  Saddam, Gaddafi, Assad.  Not the cream of the crop.  Same goes with Castro.

" An historic handshake between Barack Obama and Raul Castro "

 

Strange kind of handshake

Lots of people who invested in Cuba lose everthing guess it true time heals all

 

Trumpy's buddies with Mexico

 

and

 

The Obamaiites are buddying up to Cuba

 

so it comes down to voting a choice of who do US folk want to be their better favoured neighours

Cuba be better very, very wary about the US and it's intentions. First thing Obama should do, while he still has a chance , close Guantanamo and return it to the Cuban authorities. Just as a sign of good will to start with.

Or the other way around.
Depends on if you love Castro family or not.

I met the son of fidel once in San Diego during the baseball world cup.

I didn't not express any warm feelings.

14 minutes ago, Donaldo said:

Cuba be better very, very wary about the US and it's intentions. First thing Obama should do, while he still has a chance , close Guantanamo and return it to the Cuban authorities. Just as a sign of good will to start with.

You are aware of the history of Guantanamo? 

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Guantánamo_Bay

8 hours ago, sweatalot said:

" An historic handshake between Barack Obama and Raul Castro "

 

Strange kind of handshake

 

Its like obama was trying to hold his hand out of the reach and over Rauls head and Raul had to grab at it.

 

Cuba used to be a wonderful country to visit in the early 90's but ai would have little interest in retuening now that it will be our new Disneyland.