The diplomatic ties that the United States severed with Cuba back in 1961 are finally in the works to be renewed. It is refreshing to finally erase the memories of the past from the once Cold War enemies.
The renewal was triggered from the prisoner negotiation that took place between U.S. President Barack Obama, Cuba’s President Paul Castro and Pope Francis. The last 10 U.S. presidents were too timid to venture off into the affairs of the past, and it is about time that somebody did something.
Only the United States Congress can lift the 54-year-old trade embargo between the two countries. This will open up the communist island of Cuba to expanded American trade, travel and financial activities – all good things. The package of new regulations issued by the Treasury and Commerce Departments has already taken effect and allows U.S. exports of telecommunications, agricultural and construction equipment, permission to expand travel by Americans to the island and open banking relations. Now Americans can to travel to Cuba without first obtaining a special license from the U.S. government as was previously the case even though general tourism is still banned.
This is the start of a new beginning between the two countries and will serve as an example of how other disagreeing countries can mend fences.