U.S. President Barack Obama
In a largely symbolic act, on Sept. 11, President Barack Obama signed a one-year extension of the law used to impose the embargo on Cuba in the 1960s. The Act was due to expire on Sept. 15, which was when the signing was announced. The Miami Herald reported that no reason was given for the delay.
Many were disappointed that Obama did not allow the Act to expire, which might have sent a strong message to the Cuban government that his Administration was serious about entering into real dialogue. Sarah Stephens, executive director of the Washington-based Center for Democracy in the Americas, said:
“I am disappointed that President Obama has missed several opportunities to do things that may not get any attention here in the United States, but that would send a signal to the region.”
However, the decision to extend the Trading with the Enemy Act for one more year falls directly in line with Obama’s announced intentions for dealing with the communist island. In an August 2007 op-ed piece for the Miami Herald, Obama said he would set the goal of promoting democracy, allow unlimited travel for Cuban-Americans, remove limits on remittances, maintain—then gradually ease—the embargo as the Cuban government takes steps towards democracy, and open up bilateral discussions with the Cuban government.
While his actions may disappoint some and satisfy others, they should come as no surprise, as Obama has thus far followed through on his planned Cuba policy.
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