It has been some time that President Obama announced an initial relaxing the this country's closed door foreign policy with respect to Cuba. More recently, it was announced some elements of travel restrictions and the Cuban Embargo have been lifted, opening the door to an ever more open relationship with one of our Caribbean neighbors.
There has been, however, a fair amount of opposition to these moves, despite the great potential in normalizing relationships with a country that we have had very limited dealings with since the revolution that brought the Castros into power. Marco Rubio and Rand Paul have exchanged barbs over the change in policy, notable not only because these are two potential opponents for the Republican nomination for President in 2016, but also because Paul is a Republican who agrees with Obama that beginning to normalize relations with Cuba is a good idea.
While it may not seem like sound to some (especially Rubio) that engaging diplomatically with Cuba is a good idea, increasing ties with Cuba marks a shift in policy that could bring actual change to Cuban society. The main purpose of the Cuban embargo and out shut door policy is regime change. In the short term, the United States wanted the embargo to weaken the Cuban regime with the long term goal of eliminating the Castros from power.
For 50 years, this policy has failed. The Castros are no closer to relinquishing power and it appears as if they will hold control of Cuba until they die. Since the previous strategies towards dealing with Cuba have been unsuccessful, it just might be the right time to try something else.
It is the right time to open relations with Cuba, especially considering the age of both Castro brothers. Setting up diplomatic relations and pressing for societal and governmental change in Cuba before a new regime takes form is in the best interests of the United States. Getting our foot in the diplomatic door could ensure that when the Castros do go, we can still work with the chosen successor. It could allow internet to come to Cuba, which can be a profound force for change in Cuban society.
Cuba and the Untied States are well suited both by geography and by economic resources to become powerful partners in the world economy. One day, trade and travel between the two countries can make us both more prosperous and better places to live.
