Why do so many people (including in news reports) want to go to Cuba. Is it because it is a rarity now? Cuba is repressive. If one has family ties, that's different. However, if one just wants a place that is not well traveled and has hot weather, there are many other places to go. I would prefer Namibia, Suriname, and Timor Leste over Cuba.
Before, US-Cuba relations were at a standstill because Castro seized American property when he took over and refused compensation. President Obama should have kept that demand. At the very least, he could have agreed upon discounted compensation but to lift the embargo for a few prisoners is bad negotiation, just as negotiating with Red China to get them to freeze carbon emissions at 2030 levels while the U.S. agrees to reduce them from current levels. I thought lawyers were more skilled at negotiation.?
The President is a lawyer. I want my lawyer to negotiate better!