The Cuban embargo is a bit outdated. Close to 20 years after the end of the cold war, Americans are still restricted from trading and visiting the island nation. These restrictions hamper the import of Cuba’s two most important resources into the USA, cigars and baseball players.
The Cuban embargo was put in place in 1961 in order to try and drive Fidel Castro from power by forcing economic hardship on the populace. The embargo has worked so poorly that Fidel Castro did not lose power until 2008 when he voluntarily stepped down from the presidency because of health issues. In fact Fidel Castro’s reign in Cuba was so unobstructed by the embargo that it lasted through the terms of 9 American presidents.
Although it has failed to cause political change, the embargo against Cuba has succeeded in placing hardship on the majority Cubans. Financially these hardships can be seen when comparing the minuscule GDP per capita in Cuba of only $9,500 (2008 est.), to the United States’ $47,000 (2008 est.). The hardships that many Cubans suffer are also apparent when the 2,656 Cubans who tried to sail into the USA from Cuba in boat, tires, and bathtubs are considered. Obviously Cuban is not a very great place if people are so desperate to get away.
Cuba still has a dismal record in the area human rights and that should not be forgotten when dictating foreign policy against them. The United States government should consider alternatives that place the burden of the sanctions or the government not the people. It is time for the ineffective US embargo against Cuba to come to an end.
Sources: CIA World Factbook, Whitehouse.gov
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
1 comment:
Slowly but surely it seems things are changing. It was just announced a few weeks ago that Americans could travel to Cuba to visit family as well as being able to send them money. I think with the happenings at the Summit of the Americas, and the headway that Obama is making with foreign policy, alot of things in world are going to change. Hugo Chavez just gave the U.S. back Petty Island. I mean that's saying something right there. You'll have those cigars soon Kev. You'll have them soon...
Post a Comment