In the nation’s capital, a debate over Cuba’s future and how achievable political reform might be is being hosted by the Inter-American Dialogue, a Latin American think-tank.
Experts like Ricardo Torres, an economist and professor at American University specializing in Cuban economic reform, are cautioning how this political and economic transition is more difficult than people anticipate.
“Unlike other countries, most of the sanction on Cuba are court defying in U.S. law, so even if the two governments get a deal, there is more work to be done on the U.S. side to make sure that the U.S. law corresponds – and thats far from certain,” explains Ricardo Torres. “If we want to have a smooth path forward, the U.S. Congress must be part of the conversation from the beginning.”
On June 5, Raul Castro celebrated his 95th birthday. It was his first public appearance since his indictment with Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel who delivered a speech reenforcing that “there will be decisive and resolute battle” should the U.S. act on their threats of invading the island.
As the Trump administration continues to put stress on the island, experts are looking forward to seeing whether the U.S. will give Cuba the long-term commitment and patience needed to reform the island.
