One-Quarter of Americans Now Believe Cuba is an Enemy of the U.S.

Almost fifty years ago the eyes of the world were on the interplay between the United States and Cuba during the Bay of Pigs and then the Cuban Missile Crisis. Luckily, those thirteen days passed with no major escalation, but the stage was set for ice-cold relations between the two countries for most of the next five decades.

Now, almost one-quarter of Americans (23%) still say that the government of Cuba is unfriendly and an enemy of the United States while almost two-thirds (63%) say Cuba's government is not friendly, but not an enemy. Just one in ten (12%) say Cuba is a friend but not a close ally while 2% believe Cuba is a close ally. There is an age difference in attitude towards Cuba. Over one-third (35%) of those 55 and older say that Cuba is unfriendly and an enemy while just one in ten (10%) of those 18-34 say the same.

These are some of the results of BBC World News America/Harris Poll of 2,050 adults surveyed online between January 13 and 15, 2010 by Harris Interactive.

While Cuba may no longer be considered an enemy by a majority of Americans, it does not mean people are ready to embrace the government completely. More than two in five U.S. adults (44%) believe it is too soon for normal relations to be restored with Cuba while 38% disagree with that idea. One issue that is also splitting Americans is the embargo as two in five (40%) say the embargo towards Cuba should remain in effect and 36% say it should not remain in effect any longer. With Fidel Castro no longer in power, two in five U.S. adults (39%) agree that Cuba has changed for the better while 29% disagree and one-third (32%) are not at all sure.

Looking at who would like to visit Cuba confirms that most people are not ready to embrace the country yet. While two in five (38%) say they would like to visit Cuba if possible almost half of Americans (49%) say they would not. And, again, there is an age difference here as three in ten of those 55 and older (30%) say they would want to visit Cuba if possible compared to 43% of those 18-34 and 46% of those 35-44. There is also a gender difference on visiting Cuba. Almost half of men (47%) would like to visit Cuba if possible compared to just 30% of women.

Relationship with Cuba

Three-quarters of Americans (75%) say the relationship with Cuba is important while 25% say it is not important. And one reason for this importance could be the possible business possibilities. Some have argued that there is a large business potential for American corporations in Cuba that is lacking because of the trade embargo. Over half of U.S. adults (57%) say there are missed opportunities for U.S. businesses and 17% say there are not. One quarter of Americans (25%) are not at all sure.

When he took office, President Obama said he was going to make overtures to Cuba and attempt to better relations between the two countries. So far he has lifted some travel restrictions for Cuban Americans to visit the island. Three in ten Americans (29%) say this is not enough of an overture while 35% believe it is enough of one and 10% say it is too much.

While almost half of Americans do not want to visit Cuba, the same number (49%) believe President Obama should visit Cuba at some point during his presidency while one-quarter (25%) say maybe he should visit when Fidel Castro dies and 26% say no, he should not ever visit Cuba. Again, age matters as 35% of those 55 and older say President Obama should not visit Cuba while 54% of those 18-34 say he should visit Cuba during his presidency.

So what?

Fifty years is a long time but these findings suggest that, at least for older people, memories of the Cuban Missile Crisis last. Attitudes on many issues on Cuba are very different depending on if one is over or under 55 years old. And, even though he isn't in power any longer, Fidel Castro is still a presence. Once he is no longer there, attitudes may change further.

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.

Note: Percentages may not add up exactly to 100% due to rounding.