CaspianReport

United States - Cuba relations (2016x8)

: 26, 2016

Years of talks between Washington and Havana resulted in Obama’s historic visit to Cuba on March 21st. Obama became the first US President to visit Cuba in 88 years. The normalization effort between the two countries began in December 2014 and was preceded by months of secret negotiations, facilitated by Pope Francis and largely hosted by Canada. Even though Obama’s visit to Cuba and his meeting with Raúl Castro marks a milestone in ending the five decades stretch of hostility between the countries, geopolitical relations are not restored with merely a handshake and a smile. However, presidential power only goes so far. For the full normalization of relations, Washington will have to lift its embargo against Cuba. And, Havana will have to conduct substantial financial and political reforms. Whether it’s the opposition in the US Congress or the Cuban military elite, both countries still have many obstacles to overcome.