U.S.-Latin American Relations: New Day?

Yesterday President Obama concluded the Summit of the Americas with a cautious optimism acknowledging some of Latin America's criticisms of the US. Many are wondering what will happen next especially in regards to relations with Cuba and Venezuela.

During the Summit, President Obama signaled that certain steps need to move forward before lifting the embargo against Cuba. Obama suggested that Cuba should free its political prisoners, reduce taxes on remittances sent back to the island and open up new freedoms for its residents.

With regard to Venezuela, President Obama greeted President Chavez politely and was given a book about the exploitive history of Latin America by foreigners. This gesture was considered much more positive than previous interactions with President Chavez, who in the past has given scathing speeches about President Bush. President Chavez is even considering returning a Venezuelan ambassador to Washington, D.C. as a signal toward improving relations.

Obama has a unique opportunity with Latin America to go where previous administrations haven't by normalizing relations with Cuba and Venezuela. He already has the support of the establishment, Council on Foreign Relations in normalizing ties with these two countries. But many conservatives have already expressed outrage that Obama even exchanged polite gestures with President Chavez, as indicated in the picture in this blog.

Time will tell how quickly things change with U.S.-Latin American relations if much at all. There are multiple interests at play and American corporate dominance in much of the region. Tom Hayden suggests that Obama should create a Latin American working group to engage with leaders in the region where no issues are off the table. I think that this would be a good first step to follow up with what was discussed at the Summit.