Narayan AmmachchiThe Trump administration will shortly announce whether the United States will change its policy towards Cuba, with many analysts speculating over a restoration of the embargos lifted by Obama.
Some of Trump’s aides are reportedly recommending that he tighten trade and travel rules related to Cuba, with a few others suggesting that he completely overturn the deal.
For now, Trump is arguing that the lifting of the US embargo did not improve the human rights situation on the communist island.
“I think the president recognizes the need to combat drugs, but he also believes in human rights. It’s something that he’s worked on with several countries – it’s one of the reasons that he’s reviewing the Cuba policy,” Press Secretary Sean Spicer said in a statement recently.
“Human rights is something that’s very strong to him. It’s something that he’s discussed in private with several countries.”
Analysts say President Donald Trump’s aides still suspect that Cuba has close ties with Iran, although they have not revealed any proof to substantiate their claim.
Trump’s experience with Cuba has never been good. Before becoming the president, he was accused of secretly conducting business with the country in violation of US trade embargo.
Rolling back the policy decision of the former president will certainly disappoint the American business community. Analysts believe some US business leaders with close ties to Trump must have made the president aware of the potential growth and business opportunities associated with Cuba.
Moreover, the United States has come too far to go back. It has already opened an embassy in Havana and removed Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terror, besides resuming commercial air services with the island for the first time in more than 50 years.
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