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Great Decisions to discuss 'Cuba and the U.S.' Thursday

The St. Charles Public Library's Great Decisions program continues with this month's discussion, "Cuba and the U.S.", at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19, in the library's Carnegie Community Room, 1 S. Sixth Ave. Great Decisions is America's largest discussion program on world affairs administered and produced by the Foreign Policy Association.

The U.S. announced in Dec. 17, 2014, that, after decades of isolation, it would being taking major steps to normalize relations with Cuba, its neighbor to the south. The announcement marked a dramatic shift away from a policy that has its roots in one of the darkest moments of the Cold War - the Cuban missile crisis. Although the U.S. trade embargo is unlikely to end any time soon, American and Cuban leaders today are trying to bring a relationship once defined by antithetical ideologies into the 21st century.

The annual series features a DVD on each topic, followed by a moderated discussion among the participants. Participants are asked to review the relevant chapter of the Great Decisions briefing book, which is available for purchase for $25 at the library's Reference Desk and also to check out. Registration is not required.

On Feb. 16, the topic will be "The Future of Europe." The outcome of the United Kingdom referendum on EU membership sent shock waves across the globe. It even caught British voters by surprise. The European Union has helped secure peace in Europe for the past 70 years. Now it faces an uncertain future. Amid a refugee crisis, lingering financial recession and the constant specter of terrorism, unity seems more imperative than ever. But the Brexit vote underscores the complexities of integrating an extremely diverse continent. What will post-Brexit Europe look like, and how can U.S. foreign policy adapt?

Other upcoming topics include: "Trade and Politics," "Conflict in the South China Sea," "Saudi Arabia in Transition," "U.S. Foreign Policy and Petroleum," "Latin America's Political Pendulum" and "Prospects for Afghanistan and Pakistan."

The Foreign Policy Association is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to broadening public involvement with the most important foreign policy issues facing the United States. Each year, thousands take part in the Great Decisions discussion groups around the country to increase their awareness and understanding of U.S. foreign policy concerns. For information, call (630) 584-0076 or visit www.stcharleslibrary.org.

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