One of the most perplexing aspects of American foreign policy is the Cuban embargo, which is nearing its 70th year. It was Kennedy who instituted the embargo back in 1961. One American president after another predicted that the embargo would starve off Cuba’s economy and bring the demise of Fidel Castro’s communist regime. And one American president after another left office with Castro still in power.

Most politicians would agree that the embargo has been a failure. Fidel has remained in power [now his brother Raul runs the show] while the only people suffering from the embargo are the Cubans. The entire country, more or less, gets by on food rations provided, ironically, by the United States.

The reason the embargo stays put is due to one simple factor: Cuban-Americans. Centralized in Miami this community of more than 1 million is made up of heirs of the first band of Cuban refugees, mostly wealthy individuals close to the Baptista government, after the Fidel-Guevara revolution of 1958. They are fiercely anti-Castro and some have even par taken in terrorist attacks and hijackings in an effort to undermine his regime. The United States government has been noticeably lenient in prosecuting its own anti-Castro terrorists; no doubt due to their alignment with American foreign policy.

Although in recent years the third-generation of Cuban-Americans has embraced more of a dovish policy, the titans in the community are hardliners who oppose any softening of the U.S. embargo against Fidel; viewing any such move as an admission of defeat on their part to a tyrant they loath so much. More than the financial contributions they provide, Cuban-Americans are a crucial vote in Florida; so American presidents are not keen on alienating them.

But because they vote in higher numbers for Republicans, Democratic president figure they have little to lose by adopting a more open policy toward Cuba. Bill Clinton eased restrictions on money and traveling; but then Bush reinstated them.

Now President Obama has ended money and travel restrictions. Relatives can send unlimited money as opposed to under Bush where funds were limited, and can travel to Cuba as much they want as opposed to the previous one visit every three years limit. Of course, there are no direct flights to this island only 90 miles off the coast of Florida. And Obama has allowed for American telecoms providers and satellite companies to connect to Cuba for the first. Meaning direct calls [yes, the U.S. embargo even prevented that] can be made and Cubans can now watch American televisions just like Canadians.

This is news worthy, but not the great substantive people were waiting for. What is even more news worthy is that this may be the first step toward a U.S. open-door policy toward Cuba.

Obama may be testing the waters. Seeing if Raul will reciprocate with good will. Whether things will move forward from here is not unlikely. But I doubt Obama will undone the embargo in one sweep. He will probably start with, say, ending the embargo on select foods [rice, apples, ect...]. And then set the stage for the end of this pointless and cruel economic blockade. American farmers will very much like to trade with Cuba, and Cubans will only be helped by seeing what the free world has to offer.

After years of bitterness and shunning behavior, a spirit of reconciliation and trade at least deserve a chance.