Thanks to Obama, the History of the Americas Is Changing

Obama was in top form as he declared to Americans, Cubans and the whole world that he would be completely changing United States policy toward Cuba, and explained why he is offering his hand to Fidel Castro’s regime.

Freed from the stress of the midterm elections, which the Democrats lost heavily, the American president decided to make his mark on history by re-establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba. The U.S. embargo, enforced 50 years ago at the height of the Cold War, prevents trade with the island situated at just 170 kilometers — approximately 106 miles — from Florida’s coast. An overwhelming majority of United Nations member states condemn this embargo, which conveniently allows the Cuban regime to justify the country’s current economic difficulties to its populace.

During the past 50 years, this policy which was designed to isolate Cuba has proven ineffective, given that Castro is still in control in Havana. While relations between Washington and Moscow seem to reek more and more of the Cold War, the American president has decided to move past this other tiresome throwback to the 1960s, which is a little closer to home. By opening the doors to Cuba, he will encourage responsible policies, citizens, and above all, ideas. This is a breath of fresh air, which has already led to the release of some political prisoners.

Once again, it is clear that the U.S. Congress, which is now dominated by Republicans, must follow Obama’s lead, and lifting the embargo depends on him. Obama is taking a gamble. Obama believes that allowing Americans — notably those of Cuban extraction — to travel freely to Cuba and invest money there can only promote the exchange of ideas and values. While the situation in Iraq or Afghanistan can hardly be labeled as brilliant for the Americans, and given that China has just overtaken the United States on an economic level, Obama is working hard on what can be considered his “home front,” the Americas. Furthermore, he is doing so in an open, positive manner. Has he not just launched an ambitious program aimed at legalizing Latino immigrants? Cuba has also changed and become more open economically. By sending doctors to Africa to fight the Ebola virus, while Washington contented itself with words, Cuba has shown the world that it can contribute. Obama has seized the opportunity.

It’s about time.