Hillary Clinton: Obama’s Cuba Deal Might Help Ex-First Lady With 2016 Bid

Hillary Clinton praised the Obama administration for concluding a landmark deal re-establishing economic relations between the United States and Cuba, saying that the normalization of relations between the two countries is beneficial for the Cuban people. Clinton, Obama’s Secretary of State during the president’s first term, urged other countries in the Americas to join the U.S. in its efforts to reintegrate Cuba into the world stage.

According to Business Insider, Clinton expressed her approval over the recent lift of several restrictions between the U.S.-Cuba relations, describing it as a major step towards improving human rights under the Castro regime.

“Despite good intentions, our decades-long policy of isolation has only strengthened the Castro regime’s grip on power. As I have said, the best way to bring change to Cuba is to expose its people to the values, information, and material comforts of the outside world,” Hillary Clinton said.

“The goal of increased U.S. engagement in the days and years ahead should be to encourage real and lasting reforms for the Cuban people. And the other nations of the Americas should join us in this effort,” Clinton added.

The United States relationship with the communist country has been sour for more than five decades already, ever since Fidel Castro rose to power after a bloody revolution that toppled the country’s former strongman Fulgencio Batista. Hillary Clinton has long criticized the economic penalties, and has been a huge supporter of the prospect of opening diplomatic avenues between the two neighboring countries. It will be the first time in many years that the United States will allow frozen relations with Cuba to thaw, effectively opening the isolated country to more economic advantages.

Many observers, including Reuters, believe Obama’s recent diplomatic decisions will be good for Clinton if she pursues plans to run for presidency in 2016. During her term as U.S. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton pushed for the release of Alan Gross, an American aide worker who was arrested in Cuba after being accused of working for the CIA. Gross’ release from Cuban prisons prompted succeeding talks that led to recent events in U.S.-Cuba diplomacy.

Americans who have been clamoring for a relaxed treatment of the United States towards the communist state might see Clinton’s official efforts as Secretary of State in the release of Gross as a diplomatic achievement worthy of a vote.

Hillary Clinton stated, “I am deeply relieved by Alan Gross’s safe return to the United States and I support President Obama’s decision to change course on Cuba policy, while keeping the focus on our principal objective — supporting the aspirations of the Cuban people for freedom. It is great news that Alan is finally home with his family, where he belongs.”

Although it is still currently unclear if Hillary Clinton will actually pursue a 2016 bid, Obama’s recent Cuba decision will definitely be of great political help if she does decide to campaign for higher office.

[Image from Steve Rhodes/Flickr]