For once, the word “historic” is not hyperbole. Barack Obama’s visit to Havana, which began on Sunday, is the first trip by a sitting US president to Cuba in more than 88 years. More significantly, it aims to cement his 15-month-old policy of rapprochement and engagement with the island. By reversing more than half a century of bullyboy tactics, this also buttresses US standing in the region.
Through executive order, Mr Obama has punched several holes in the embargo, although it can only be fully lifted by Congress. The US has removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terror. Commercial flights have been agreed; up to 110 a day are allowed. Travel restrictions on US visitors have been lifted.
This week, among other measures, the use of the dollar was decriminalised, obviating Cuba’s need for complex third-currency operations and so facilitating business. To the extent this also helps ordinary Cubans make their livelihood in ways that do not depend on the state, it is to be welcomed.