Obama's diplomacy

I think that it is OK now to approach Cuba and talk to Chavez of Venezuela. The U.S. Cuban policy has run its course and the Castros will soon be gone from the scene. We could influence the transition if we are engaged. I never was comfortable with this country being in bed with Batista. The Bay of Pigs was a ill conceived fiasco. Chavez is a rabblerouser, but I hardly think Obama shaking his hand confers any new status to him. Hopefully, the days of "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" foreign policy is drawing to a close. The Republicans would do well not to cling to failed policies.