CUBAN TALKS TOOK 18 MONTHS?

That it took 18 months of secret talks, between the U.S. and Cuba, to arrive at a prisoner exchange and renewal of diplomatic relations, strains credulity beyond belief.  More likely plans have been drawn up for an orderly detente and change in the existing system. Obama does not want a repetition of the Mariel boat lift with thousands coming into Florida or rioting in the streets of Havana. He needs a strong Cuban Central Government to effect gradual changes.  In this he will be opposed by interests, that believe that Governments only exist to further their property rights, and will push for the prompt return of their property,  regardless of the effect on  Cuba and/or the U.S.  Whatever transpires, it should make for most interesting times.