Cuba, however, has been a thorny constant over more than five decades — frozen in a Cold War policy that has made little sense other than as some kind of stubborn symbolism with little relevance to today’s world.
Thankfully, relations between the U.S. and Cuba are beginning to thaw.
President Barack Obama’s visit to the island nation this week represents a long-awaited change. Since a revolution led by Fidel Castro overthrew Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship in 1959, and the U.S-Soviet Cuban missile crisis in 1962, the two nations have budged little in their views of each other.
The U.S. has kept economic sanctions clamped tight, leaving much on the island frozen in time. And while Cuba’s top leaders haven’t had to endure the same suffering as their citizens, they have watched as many residents risked their lives to flee their birthplace.
At long last, leaders of both nations have concluded that it’s time for a different approach, and the accompanying loosening of trade and travel restrictions paved the way for Obama’s visit.
Those wanting better relations in the U.S. see trade and tourism as the best chance for influencing life in Cuba. On the Cuban side, tourism and improved trade relations are seen as key to improving economic life for all island residents.
But more will have to happen to see a true normalization of relations. Congress must relax policies toward Cuba. Raul Castro, Cuba’s president and Fidel’s brother, must loosen his government’s grip on dissent and welcome ideas from the outside world.
President Obama’s visit provides an important first step in better relations between the U.S. and Cuba, but others must follow his lead – including his successor in the Oval Office. A long time coming, this is a warming trend worth continuing.