With Raul Castro Retiring, Cuba is Preparing for New Leadership

Although it is unlikely with Donald Trump as President, America should reach out to Cuba's new leader, Miguel Diaz-Canel, to encourage meaningful change on the island. As he takes office, Diaz will have a small window of opportunity to implement reforms and US engagement [with some suggestion of financial assistance down the road] could encourage Diaz to modernize the Cuban economy. Its a long-shot admittedly, but the majority of Americans support closer ties with our neighbor and few, except Marco Rubio perhaps, even remember why we instituted the Cuban embargo more than 50 years ago. There really is no down-side to reaching out to Diaz and potentially much to gain.

The Miami Herald has an excellent piece here concerning the hopes and aspirations of the Cuban people as the transition approaches.