Castro was the communist leader of Cuba since 1959 to 1976. As the first communist leader in the hemisphere, the new form of government came with opposition, and an influx of Cuban refugees and immigrants came to the States. These refugees were used as an asset in an attack known as the Bay of Pigs invasion. The invasion failed miserably, and further worsened relations with Cuba. Since 1960, there has been an embargo on Cuba, and very little-- if any-- political cooperation between the two nations.
The relations with the Soviet Union and Cuba greatly worsened, though poor relations in foreign affairs is far less detrimental than an all out war. All out war was imminent and definitely would occur in direct confrontation. In avoiding that looming threat, John F. Kennedy allowed these lesser issues to occur, if only to avoid the greater threat of World War III. A war between two powers as influential as the U.S. and the Soviet Union would bring forth many of the allies, resulting in a war on a global