The Big Change
The U.S. Shocked the world on December 17, 2014 that it was going to try and restore normal relations with Cuba after 53 years of isolating the country since the time of the Cold War in 1961. All the ineffectual political policy of the U.S. has really done is bring sadness to both people in Cuba and the U.S. The Argentine pope Francisco played a huge role in bringing Barack Obama and Raúl Castro to see eye to eye. In a personal coup for the pope, it emerged that the Vatican had played a central role in bringing together the global capitalist superpower and the tiny communist island
Diplomatic relations were restored between the two countries. The Obama praised the pope who demonstrated whose desire is to make the world a better place. The pope's influence of the world's leaders was the key factor in brining the two parties together. Obama had stated that the improvement of U.S.-Cuban relations was one of the goals and priorities of his second presidential term.
Soon after Obama took steps to improve communication with the Cuban government contingent upon the release of Alan Gross, an American contractor being held as a political prisoner in Cuba. The first step was a meeting between representatives of the two countries that took place in Ottawa, Canada in 2013. Seven other meetings took place at the same location with the key meeting between the respective delegations with the pope, really was the key step in the negotiations.
Obama stated, “I believe that we can do more to support the Cuban people and promote our values through engagement,” Obama said in remarks delivered from the Cabinet Room. “After all, these 50 years have shown that isolation has not worked. It’s time for a new approach.”
Here are the key terms of the initial agreement:
1. Establishment of diplomatic relations between both countries.
2. Embassies will be re-open in Washington and Havana.
3. More flexible travel restrictions
4. An increase of remittences to Cuba from $500 to $2000 quarterly
5. An increase in commerce and services avail to Cuba
6. Vistors to Cuba can now import up to $400 in goods of which $100 may be tobacco and alcohol
7. Permission to import certain items from Cuba
8. An opening up of the telecommunications system including Internet
