2014 Top Stories – U.S., Cuba Agree to Establish Diplomatic Relations

This is something very few people saw coming.  As someone who was around when President Kennedy enacted the blockade, Obama's move took me by surprise.  His explanation however made perfect sense.  Obama said,"If something hasn't worked for 50 years, its time to try a different approach."  Normalizing relationships with Cuba will  have major political and business implications for years to come.  -  Jim Phillips

(AP) President Barack Obama says the U.S. will end its outdated approach to Cuba that has failed to advance U.S. interests.

Obama is announcing that the U.S. and Cuba have agreed to re-establish diplomatic relations and open economic and travel ties.

Obama says the U.S. is changing its relationship with Cuba. He says it’s the most significant change in U.S. policy toward Cuba in more than 50 years.

Obama says the U.S. will now begin to normalize its relations with Cuba and begin a new chapter. He says the U.S. intends to create more opportunities for Americans and Cubans to work together.