Its been exactly five years since the US government contractor Alan Gross was arrested in Havana, dashing hopes amongst anti-embargo advocates that President Barack Obama would make a bold move on Cuba policy. But a forthcoming regional summit has focused attention on whether Mr Obama will use his remaining two years in office to normalise relations with Cuba, and a resolution of Mr Grosss case would be a key part of that. The American prisoner has himself raised the stakes. When he turned 65 in May he told his family he refused to spend another birthday in prison, suggesting he would kill himself if he isnt released. Alan Gross was jailed for 15 years for committing acts against the integrity of the state. Hed been working to build internet access for local communities that bypassed government censorship, bringing in satellite equipment that is illegal in Cuba. Washington maintains the project was aimed at promoting democracy and Mr Gross committed no crime. But the Cuban authorities saw his activities as a covert attempt at regime change. At that point Mr Obama had rolled back the hardline approach to Cuba taken by his predecessor, George W Bush. He had reinstated cultural and academic exchanges, allowed Cuban-Americans to travel to Cuba and send money to their relatives, and opened talks on issues of mutual interest. But he has taken no steps towards easing Americas trade and financial sanctions on the island. Its not clear if he would have done so, but Mr Grosss case ensured that he did not.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Dec 2014 20:10:56 +0000
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