{"id":6095,"title":"Obama to Visit Cuba & Argentina","link":"https:\/\/bst-europe.eu\/de\/globalization\/obama-to-visit-cuba-argentina\/","date":"21. M\u00e4rz 2016","date_unix":1458583383,"date_modified_unix":1458583383,"date_iso":"2016-03-21T18:03:03+00:00","content":"
\"Alexander<\/a>
Alexander Schimmeck \/ flickr.com<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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In the coming days, US President Barack Obama will make his eighth foray into Latin America, with scheduled visits to Cuba (March 21-22) and Argentina (March 23-24).<\/em><\/p>\n

Whereas logic dictated his first seven trips \u2013 four to Mexico (a major trading partner and neighbor to the US), one to Brazil (the region\u2019s largest country in terms of population, economy and territory), and international conferences in Panama and Colombia \u2013 these upcoming trips could ultimately define Obama\u2019s legacy in the region, and could prove a turning point in US \u2013 Latin American relations.<\/em><\/p>\n

In this post, we take a closer look at Obama\u2019s trips and consider why they matter moving forward.<\/em><\/p>\n

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Obama in Cuba \u2013 A Game Changer <\/strong><\/p>\n

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With his scheduled trip to Havana, President Obama will advance US-Cuban relations to a point of no return. Sure, the trade embargo will remain in place as long as Congressional Republicans wish to continue to prosecute the Cold War, and a Republican President could certainly slow the process, but the moment President Obama sets foot in Havana, full normalization of relations with Cuba\u2014however long it takes\u2014becomes inevitable.<\/p>\n

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While the symbolic power of a US President in Cuba cannot be understated, the executive reforms announced in the run-up<\/a> to the visit should not be overlooked. Two key moves include significantly easing US travel restrictions to the island and the opening of US financial institutions to Cubans living in Cuba. Both reinforce the momentum towards normalization.<\/p>\n

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Travel restrictions to Cuba have become increasingly lax since President Obama announced diplomatic normalization in late-2015. Now, however, traveling to Cuba under leisurely pretenses will be akin to driving 30 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone. The US Treasury Department allows US citizens to essentially issue themselves visas to Cuba under certain (often professional) circumstances.<\/p>\n

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