Diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States were restored ...

[fahad]

Diplomatic ties between Cuba and the United States were restored in 2015 . What factors led to the thaw between the two countries, particularly in relation to economic concerns?

Question 2

Atolls portray an idyllic island appearance, but pose many natural hazards to human habitation. List some of these.

[Mochi]

Answer to Question 1

 The failing health of Fidel Castro
 the discovery of significant oil reserves off Cuba's shores
 fear was that US businesses would lose important opportunities if the door remained closed
 economic pressures were imperiling the Cuban regime: Russia did not carry on the Soviet legacy of subsidizing Cuba as its strategic partner in the Western Hemisphere, and plummeting oil revenues made it impossible for Cuba's neighbor Venezuela to keep propping up Cuba.

Answer to Question 2

Lack of resources and small in size
Lack of fresh water
Low elevation above sea level
Lime rich and infertile soils
Atolls are in some state of subsidence

[fahad]

Wow, this really help

[epscape]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it