The main feature of Obama´s foreign policy during the Administration’s ‘lame-duck’ period is the endeavour to resolve old problems, re-establish diplomatic relations, and improve the image of the U.S. in the world. Indicative of this new approach is the deal with Iran reached in early April as well as the rapprochement with Cuba.
The meeting that President Obama had with Cuban President Raul Castro, on the 4th of April, on the sidelines of the Summit of the Americas that took place in Panama City was hailed as a historic one. Indeed, it constitutes the first face-to-face meeting between the two countries´ leaders in more than half a century. The last highest-level engagement with the Cuban government was in 1959 when President Nixon met with Fidel Castro.
It´s been 25 years since the end of the Cold War, but its conclusion was not enough for the enmity and the total freeze of diplomatic ties between the countries to cease; or for the trade embargo to be lifted. But why the U.S. overture to Cuba, and why now?
For Obama, the reasons are simple: first, the attempt to isolate Cuba both commercially and diplomatically has been an utter failure; second, it would improve America´s standing across Latin America; and, third, it could help the Administration recuperate its lost influence. Most significantly, Obama needs to resolve old issues and free up his hands to deal with China´s rise.
di Eva Sali
