It seems that the next step for Obama to take re Cuba will be to hand over the naval station at Guantanamo Bay to the Castros, thus hampering the US navy of its ability to patrol the Caribbeans. Lots of other considerations as well that will benefit anti American countries to the detriment of the US. Jimmy Carter gave the Panama Canal to Panama regardless of treaties, agreements or other legalities which should have stopped him. He did have Senate approval but it was a hard fought battle. Obama eschews such formalities and will simply declare it a done deal and unless we have a strong leadership in congress there will be no stopping him. His timing will of course be appropriate for whatever other pot he has boiling that needs distraction. Interesting year ahead.