Analyst Laura Carlsen on the repercussions of US-Cuba agreement

Americas Now

The momentous announcement that the U.S. and Cuba are renewing ties was a surprise to almost everyone around the globe, except a few at the highest levels of power from each side, as well as delegates from Canada and the Vatican who helped brokered the deal.

The agreement has the potential to change the political dynamics within the region, where the U.S has long been viewed as an ‘absent neighbor’.

“Todos somos Americanos”, said U.S President Barack Obama during his televised announcement of the normalization of the U.S—Cuba relations.

The normalization of relations could have far-reaching implications throughout the continent, starting with the Summit of the Americas, to be held next April in Panama, where it is all but certain the leaders of both countries will attend.

Other areas that will likely be impacted by U.S.-Cuba relations include the Organization of American States, bilateral relationships between closed allies like Cuba and Venezuela, or even the peace process between the Colombian government and the FARC guerrillas.

America’s Now anchor Elaine Reyes interviewed political analyst Laura Carlsen from Mexico City about what this deal will mean for the region.

Analyst Laura Carlsen on the repercussions of US-Cuba agreement

The momentous announcement that the U.S. and Cuba are renewing ties was a surprise to almost everyone around the globe, except a few at the highest levels of power from each side, as well as delegates from Canada and the Vatican who helped brokered the deal. The agreement has the potential to change the political dynamics within the region, where the U.S has long been viewed as an 'absent neighbor'.