Cuba is softening. Raul has made huge inroads, most recently allowing property ownership, which is huge step forward. Once Fidel dies I think things will start to change. Once Raul dies even more so.

The US could rapidly turn Cuban relations around if they wanted something like say 'A Snowden'.

He is probably safer in Russia than anywhere else, until he pisses them off. The smart money says he isn't about to do that of his own volution.