Daily Times

United States President Barack Obama was successful in making history once again in the arena of US foreign policy and world politics. Obama has consistently proved to be not just an exceptional president but also a skillful diplomat of his time. After the success of the ice-breaking nuclear deal with Iran, the Obama administration has moved forward taking another historical step towards Cuba after almost two generations of hostile relations between the two countries. After 90 years of silence both countries decided to keep the differences aside and talk about things that mattered to both. The visit to Cuba essentially comprised of bilateral talks between Obama and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro. Obama termed the talks as productive and essential for both countries.

Historically, US-Cuba relations have been that of discomfort and incompatibilities. A series of events that took place after the rise of the leftist revolutionary Communist leader Fidel Castro only resulted in mistrust and agnosticism on both sides, leading to economic embargoes on Cuba, assassination attempts on Castro and the failed annexation of the Bay of Pigs. The cold war rivalry also added up to tensions between the two states that were later fuelled by the Cuban Missile Crisis. Sharing a history of grievances against each other, it almost seemed impossible for both states to restore friendly ties. The hostility, however, ended when the Obama administration made the first diplomatic move towards cordial relations with Cuba.

What is Obama hoping to achieve in Cuba?

Obama is hoping to achieve the obvious – restoration of friendly relations with almost century-old foe. His aim is to bring peace in the region and an uninterrupted period of détente through inculcation of diplomatic tools. His administration is reportedly working to channelise the economic relations between the two countries, including the ease of economic embargos on Cuba, and to move Cuba out of its isolationist policy that it has followed for decades.

However, the Obama administration is not satisfied with the Human Rights situation in the country and is hoping that the restoration of ties will encourage the Cuban government to provide more freedom to its people as for the US, the principles of liberty, freedom and equal opportunities for all have always been the basis of American ideology.

In his address at the Havana Grand Theatre, Obama stressed the significance of freedom of speech and emphasised the need for change within the Cuban society, which is deemed as closed. Obama’s critics, mainly from the Republicans, blasted his administration for recognising an authoritarian regime by officially visiting the country. The US president, however, in his address to Cuban people recognised the distinct nature of political, economic and cultural systems of both the countries and also emphasised the significance of cooperation irrespective of the differences that exist.

The Obama administration remains hopeful in achieving its long-term and short term-goals and has shown faith in the population of Cuba. It is without a doubt another success story of the 21^st century where two foes have put the differences aside and have openly conceived the restoration of ties. The critics, including the Republicans and Fidel Castro, might have their reservations but history has been made – yet again.

The blogger is currently persuing her MPhil in International Relations from Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad. She is passionate about world politics and photography. Also a staunch advocate for women’s rights, she believes in equality for all.