The two are shown here in the historic handshake that symbolizes a thaw in the 50+ year era of mutual animosity, during which there was no diplomatic relationship, trade and most travel were forbidden, and the U.S. listed Cuba as a sponsor of terrorism.
The two presidents met in a private meeting on Saturday afternoon, after each had addressed the summit assembly earlier in the day. President Obama said that, despite our continuing differences in how society should be organized, "The U. S. will not be imprisoned by the past" but will look to the future. He vividly illustrated how long it has been by saying that he wasn't interested "in having battles that began before I was born."
President Castro recounted many of the grievances that his country had toward the U.S.; but then, in an abrupt shift in tone and direction, he said: "I have told President Obama that I get very emotional talking about the revolution. . . . I apologize to him because President Obama had no responsibility for this."
This is the beginning of a long and complicated process. Lifting the more onerous sanctions will require congressional action, reopening long-closed embassies will take time, and trade and travel agreements will have to be worked out. The U.S. also wants to continue using some leverage to pressure Cuba on human rights.
But it is another important foreign policy accomplishment for Obama's legacy, along with a major climate change agreement with China and, if it succeeds, the Iran nuclear settlement by negotiations rather than war. The Nobel Peace Prize judges gave the award to President Obama early in his tenure -- at the time, more as a challenge and a recognition of potential than for accomplishments.
Perhaps we are now seeing the wisdom of those judges in giving him this challenge.
Ralph
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