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TEL AVIV – While outspoken critics view President Obama’s announcement of renewed diplomatic ties with Havana as rewarding a dictatorship, the White House move may have more to do with checking Russia’s growing influence in Cuba, located just 90 miles from the U.S. coast.

On Wednesday, Obama announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with Cuba, including the goal of reopening a U.S. Embassy in Havana that had been closed for 50 years.

The U.S. will ease travel restrictions on Cuba and will make it easier for Americans doing business in the country.

The State Department has been ordered to review Cuba’s status as a state sponsor of terrorism.

Russia responded to the U.S. move with public praise. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov called Obama’s decision a “step in the right direction.”

However, the Russians must be concerned Obama is responding to Moscow’s recent muscle-flexing in Cuba.