Cuba releases 53 political prisoners by, Harrison Epstein

http://www.cnn.com/2015/01/12/americas/cuba-prisoners-release/index.html


The country of Cuba has officially released 53 prisoners of the US and returned them, the US has as well. This is part of the movement to gain better relationships with Cuba after the many years of separation from one another. Marie Harf (a spokeswoman) has said that while the release of these prisoners might not address the civil rights concerns in Cuba, it is nice to that "they followed through on this commitment." She also expresses her hopes that Cuba will become more accommodating for its people.

This is an interesting thing to happen, and quite honestly I'm not sure many were expecting it to happen at all. We have all practically been raised to see Cuba as an enemy and the sudden act of good will is obviously contradictory to that belief, especially after the Cuban Missile Crisis. While no one can say what will be the outcome of this new treaty-esq thing we have going on with Cuba, I would hope it continues to stay positive as the two countries have very conflicting ideas. But if these ideas can be set aside it might set the stage for many more unexpected treaties and possibly friendships (optimistic I know). I think this may be a first time in US history, such an act of good will has been made without a war to forcibly change the other side's government. It is kinda nice to see after quite a while, perhaps, not for certain, but perhaps there is hope for a brighter future.