US foreign policy towards Cuba

The State Dept. quickly squashed any idea that Fidel Castro’s resignation would end the US’s embargo towards Cuba. Neither could the leading presidential candidates who each essentially said Castro’s exit was long overdue but that wouldn’t change the US’s policy towards the communist country. Obama did say the US should consider easing its embargo of Cuba but only if there’s real democratic change. Observers say that’s not going to happen. This analyst says Fidel announcing retirement doesn’t mean he won’t be heard from and Castro will remain somewhat involved in Cuban politics. The Cuban American community will continue to hold sway over American policy towards the country as well says this analyst. He notes that the US has been more willing to engage with countries like North Korea and Iran than Cuba. This Cuba expert says the best thing for the US to do now in order to encourage democratic change in Cuba is to leave it alone.