\u201cYou want to consolidate our leadership and credibility in the hemisphere? Recognize that the Cold War is over. Lift the embargo,\u201d said President Barack Obama in reference to Cuba in his final address on the State of the Union.<\/p>\n
Obama also mentioned the island nation in his review of the accomplishments of the foreign policies of his Administration:<\/p>\n
\u201cFortunately, there\u2019s a smarter approach a patient and disciplined strategy that uses every element of our national power.\u00a0 It says America will always act, alone if necessary, to protect our people and our allies; but on issues of global concern, we will mobilize the world to work with us, and make sure other countries pull their own weight.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Once again, he pointed out that the policy toward Cuba had not only affected bilateral relations, but the image of the United States in the region.<\/p>\n
\u201cFifty years of isolating Cuba had failed to promote democracy, setting us back in Latin America.\u00a0 That\u2019s why we restored diplomatic relations, opened the door to travel and commerce, and positioned ourselves to improve the lives of the Cuban people.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
But it\u2019s not hard to imagine that his plea for the lift of the embargo won\u2019t be heard in Congress, as a recent vote taken at the House of Representatives to sabotage the economic rapprochement between the two countries showed.<\/p>\n
The businesspeople who have been visiting the island \u2013including the Governor of Viriginia, Terry McAliffe, who visited the country in early January- must have realized by now that the embargo is a major obstacle in the plans to expand trade between Cuba and the United States.<\/p>\n