Obama's Cuban Move: Good or Bad

Good or bad regarding America's Cuban Move depends on whose interests are being served.  Here's the run down:

1. Obama -- For him this is a great move.  It's a feel good more.  It meets his twin criteria of "hope" and "change."  It's turning a charitable face to Cuba.  Who can be against that?

2. Fidel and Raoul Castro -- It's a brilliant move.  The Castros hated America, and probably still do.  Nevertheless, they're pragmatic.  Their first sponsor, Russia, went broke.  As luck would have it, Venezuela with it's bountiful supply of oil stepped in and and took over the support of the Castros and their island nation.  The Castros supplied the muscle Chavez needed to keep his people in line and Chaves supplied the oil.  (The Castros also threw in a few teachers and doctors to help out the Venezuelians.)

But, now with oil prices going down to the floor, it was clear that Venezuela's role in supporting the Cuban economy would be greatly diminished.  For Cuba it would be curtains.  But, wait!  The Americans had been panting to reestablish relations with them.  This was Obama's big chance to do a Nixon-in-China shtick and Cuba would magnanimously agree.  Ironically, the hated Americans would now pull Castro's chestnuts out of the fire.  (The Castros have no problem with irony.)

3. The Cuban people --  On one hand, their living conditions are bound to improve.  But, the rather more important question is how much?  Cuba will remain a dictatorship ruled by the Castros.  Their economy will remain stretched over the economic framework of Communism.  Yes, some of the money will trickle down to the people, but it would appear most will remain with the Castros who will use it to strengthen their control over the people.