On March 20, US President Barack Obama arrived in Cuba, making him the first sitting US president to do so in almost 100 years. With the removal of sanctions against Cuba progressing positively and the historic trip now underway, it seems that the last chapter of the Cold War is finally coming to an end.
Just days before the president’s plane landed in Havana, further concessions to sanctions were revealed, with the aim of promoting engagement and business between the two neighbouring countries. US citizens can now travel to the Caribbean island as individuals for ‘people-to-people educational travel’, as opposed to under the sponsorship of an organisation, as was previously permissible. Furthermore, Cuban citizens can now earn a salary in the US.
It seems that the last chapter of the Cold War is finally coming to an end
Numerous other amendments were also announced, including one that allows approved cargo to be transported from the US to Cuba. Additionally, Cuban-origin software can now be imported to the US, and “certain dealings in Cuban-origin merchandise” are now permitted.
Promisingly, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez responded to the US’ decision to ease currency restrictions with a reciprocal resolution: following a trial period of trading in USD, which will involve transfers to financial institutions in third-party countries, Cuba will then be allowed to remove the 10 percent levy it currently has on cash dollars.
Despite these major developments, Rodriguez insists that Obama can do more for US relations with Cuba without congressional approval – namely, he can remove the embargo altogether, a feat that many hope will be achieved during his presidential visit.
While Obama’s trip is of considerable symbolic importance in the thawing of dealings between the two states, a lot more still needs to be done in order for relations to be fully normalised. For example, while travel restrictions for US citizens have been reduced, a formal ban is still in place, and although the exportation of essential goods to Cuba has been approved, trade has not yet started.
Now is a crucial time in the chequered history of the US and Cuba: one false step or one unfulfilled promise could send it hurtling back decades. Issues such as the highly contentious Guantanamo Bay may prove to be the sticking point that causes such a breakdown.
Yet with all that can be achieved through this partnership – in terms of business, trade and, in particular, Cuba’s much-needed economic development – it is reasonable to assume that everything will be done by both sides to ensure the conclusion of this long-overdue transition.
