Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 17, 2014

U.S. President Barack Obama announces a shift in policy toward Cuba while delivering an address to the nation from the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, December 17, 2014. Credit: REUTERS/Doug Mills/Pool

Obama's Historic Opening To Cuba: A Hint Of Things To Come With Iran? -- Howard LaFranchi, CSM

By restoring diplomatic ties with Cuba, President Obama has acted in accord with one of his most deeply-held principles: America must engage its enemies.

Washington — President Obama’s decision to reestablish full diplomatic relations between Cuba and the United States for the first time since 1961 reflects the president’s conviction – laid out in his first inaugural address – that engagement with foreign adversaries is better than isolation.

Mr. Obama’s historic decision means that two longtime antagonists – who have what the president himself described Wednesday as a “unique history” – will establish embassies in each other’s capital and exchange ambassadors. While lifting the half-century-old US embargo on the Communist island would take an act of Congress, Mr. Obama will go as far as legally permissible to ease travel and trade restrictions between the two countries and get relations to “normal.”

Read more ....

Commentaries, Analysis, And Editorials -- December 17, 2014

Obama opens the door, but Cuba has to walk through it -- Globe and Mail editorial

John Kerry and Susan Rice: South Sudan’s leaders need to set aside their dispute -- Washington Post

Will Pakistan’s grief force it to cut ties with Islamic militants? -- Matthew Green, Reuters

Pakistan militants: Children's massacre was to avenge army strikes -- Faith Karimi, Greg Botelho and Sophia Saifi, CNN

After school massacre, Pakistan's media point accusing fingers -- Michael Holtz, CSM

A Happy Anniversary for Sony-Slayer Kim Jong Un -- Bruce Einhorn, Bloomberg Businessweek

Kim Jong-Un’s Kid Gloves Are Now Off -- Gordon G. Change, Daily Beast

Exclusive: Sony Emails Say State Department Blessed Kim Jong-Un Assassination in ‘The Interview’ -- William Boot, Daily Beast

Asia Isn't Ready for a China Crash -- William Pesek, Bloomberg

Mediterranean Gas Won't Fix Europe's Energy Woes -- Michael Leigh, RCW

Who loses if Russia implodes? -- Virginia Harrison, CNN

Vladimir Putin's woes are about to get worse -- Frida Ghitis, CNN

Economic Fears May Push Russia Into Ukraine Deal -- Alison Smale, NYT

How Crimea Crashed the Russian Economy -- Anna Nemtsova, Daily Beast