The Deadly Dangerous U.S.-Cuba Deal
In December, U.S. President Barack Obama surprised the world by announcing
that America would restore diplomatic ties with Cuba after 53 years of hostility.
The terms of the deal completely favor Cuba. Cuba did not have to abandon communism
or reform its dictatorial governance. The U.S. got nothing out of this deal.
The president bypassing Congress and using yet another executive action to make this deal.
The dangers of America appeasing yet another regime that hates it. But the factor that is more
significant than any of these issues is this: The deal was largely the handiwork of the Vatican.
Pope Francis played a vital role in the president’s decision. “Pope Francis issued a personal
appeal to me, and to Cuba’s President Raúl Castro,” President Obama said as part of his
landmark announcement about it.
In early summer of 2014, the pope appealed to both leaders by letter, urging them to
exchange prisoners and improve relations. The Vatican later hosted a clandestine
meeting between the two sides in Rome.
However, it was actually Francis’s predecessor who put the plan into motion.
In 2012, Pope Benedict xvi began pressuring the United States to normalize
relations with Cuba. Francis carried on Benedict’s efforts. After months of
working behind the scenes, the momentous deal was sealed.
Its announcement surprised the world.
In December, U.S. President Barack Obama surprised the world by announcing
that America would restore diplomatic ties with Cuba after 53 years of hostility.
The terms of the deal completely favor Cuba. Cuba did not have to abandon communism
or reform its dictatorial governance. The U.S. got nothing out of this deal.
The president bypassing Congress and using yet another executive action to make this deal.
The dangers of America appeasing yet another regime that hates it. But the factor that is more
significant than any of these issues is this: The deal was largely the handiwork of the Vatican.
Pope Francis played a vital role in the president’s decision. “Pope Francis issued a personal
appeal to me, and to Cuba’s President Raúl Castro,” President Obama said as part of his
landmark announcement about it.
In early summer of 2014, the pope appealed to both leaders by letter, urging them to
exchange prisoners and improve relations. The Vatican later hosted a clandestine
meeting between the two sides in Rome.
However, it was actually Francis’s predecessor who put the plan into motion.
In 2012, Pope Benedict xvi began pressuring the United States to normalize
relations with Cuba. Francis carried on Benedict’s efforts. After months of
working behind the scenes, the momentous deal was sealed.
Its announcement surprised the world.
