In the final months of his term, President Joe Biden has a new opportunity to make important decisions before the imminent arrival of Donald Trump to the White House.
One of the areas that Biden could focus on is the normalization of relations with Cuba, a process initiated by the Obama administration and largely reversed during the Trump presidency, notes an article in the British newspaper Independent.
Restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba would imply the reinstatement of bilateral agreements, the removal of the island from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, and the suspension of sanctions that affect the Cuban economy.
Additionally, it could include reopening channels for private sector investment, making it more difficult for the future administration to undo these advances.
“If Biden manages to advance normalization, it will be a crucial step to alleviate the economic difficulties that Cubans face,” say experts in international relations. The possibility of closing the Guantánamo naval base could also fall within normalization, the aforementioned text mentions.
Would Biden adopt new measures for Cuba before leaving the presidency to Trump?
However, despite measures such as the restoration of flights and remittances and certain incentives for the private sector, Biden’s recent policies have fallen short, for some analysts.
Two years ago, the State Department prohibited foreigners visiting Cuba from entering the United States without a visa. This affected poor tourism even more, since citizens of countries such as the United Kingdom, France and Spain preferred not to risk visa exemption for a trip to the island. As a consequence, European tourism in Cuba is only half of what it was before the pandemic, other media report.
Faced with the prospect of a new Trump administration, some Cubans wonder if the embassy in Havana will close again, if the “parole” program will be eliminated or if restrictions will be imposed on flights from Miami to airports such as Santa Clara, Varadero and Santiago de Cuba, measures that have already been taken in the past.
“The impact of these decisions would be deeply felt both on the island and in the Cuban community in the United States,” some experts conclude.
#Trump #arrives
**Interview with Dr. Maria Cruz, Foreign Policy Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Cruz. As we approach the end of President Biden’s term, there’s buzz around the potential normalization of relations with Cuba. Can you summarize what this involves and why it matters now?
**Dr. Cruz:** Absolutely. Normalizing relations with Cuba would mean reinstating the diplomatic ties that were partially restored during the Obama administration. This includes several critical steps, such as removing Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and suspending economic sanctions. These measures could significantly improve the Cuban economy and enhance bilateral cooperation.
**Editor:** How feasible is it for President Biden to make these changes in such a short period?
**Dr. Cruz:** While time is limited, diplomatic actions can often be implemented rapidly. The Biden administration has the ability to reinstate agreements and facilitate private sector investment in Cuba, which would lay a strong foundation for future relations. By taking these steps now, Biden could make it challenging for a future administration to completely roll them back.
**Editor:** Many are concerned about the political implications of this move. How do you see it impacting U.S. domestic politics, especially with Donald Trump potentially returning to office?
**Dr. Cruz:** That’s a crucial consideration. Normalizing relations with Cuba could create a division within the Republican Party and among voters. While some may view improved relations as a positive step, others might strongly oppose it. Biden’s actions could solidify a legacy on foreign policy while also forcing any future administration to confront the complexities of U.S.-Cuba relations.
**Editor:** Lastly, if these initiatives are put into place, what benefits might Cuba experience beyond just economic support?
**Dr. Cruz:** Normalization could lead to enhanced opportunities for education and cultural exchange, developing a more diversified economy, and fostering a climate of dialogue. Ultimately, it could empower the Cuban people by providing more access to resources and international partnerships which are pivotal for growth.
**Editor:** Thank you for your insights, Dr. Cruz. It’s going to be interesting to see how this situation develops in the coming months.
