After reading articles "ProCons of US Embargo on Cuba" and "How Wild were the Secret Negotiations..." a somewhat clear idea of the political climate between these two countries emerges. One of pride, politics, and the need to feel safe. It has been many years since the dangerously-heightened events of the 'Cuban Missile Crisis' of the late 60's, and it's been even longer since American troops took over Cuban soil in the Span-Am war at the turn of the 20th century. But, to forget that these events or even atrocities happen would defeat an entire nation's efforts at becoming whole again. Cuba has mainly been the subject of political debate for over a century, which was thrust upon it repeatedly because of its resources and location. We live in a world where many people were not able to experience the worst of Cuba-US relations, so it's really easy to say 'let's just set aside our differences and move on'. For the island nation of Cuba, it occurs to me that the pain felt by their ancestors mirrors the pain they feel today. The average Cuban is more of a political chess piece than an individual, being weighed against the countries' needs for basic resources and the United States' determination for the country to fit the mandated accommodations in order for the embargo to be lifted.
Clearly, there are lots of pressures at play here, and it's impossible for me to come up with one right answer. Looking at how Obama faced the issue, it's reasonable to think that the first steps in tackling such an awkward history are by facing it head-on. Having to listen to 'hours' of Cuban history being thrown in the faces of American politician is unpleasant, but somewhat necessary in reassuring both parties' get what they desire. What started as a hopeful ideal for President Obama became a hinging point for Raul Castro to latch onto and discuss diplomatic business. It took some US allies (Canada woo) and even the Pope to ease the tensions between two men who wanted to see things through, but it eventually gave enough political force behind Obama to come to an agreement. Through years of negotiations, Obama's administration was able to free some people from prison and take baby steps in the establishment of positive US-Cuba communication.
My personal opinion is that lifting the embargo would prove to be a great move long-term. Cuba would get the chance to develop into the 21st century in a way that it currently is blocked to, while the rest of the world would see how the United States has the potential to make change- even in the face of controversy.
Until then, I might ask questions like:
-How can the US be a positive leader in future negotiations?
-Why do people fear the US getting a 'weak' image? Are we not already well established in the international community as the strongest arm?
-When entering into political shadiness (like Obama's administration did with Cuba negotiations), does the result of an event outweigh the strategies? Checks and balance...
-As Americans, it's imperative for us to stay informed in the international community so we can confront these debates and problems. Where does the pressure to instigate conversation lay? The abuser or the abused? When does an issue become more about human rights than political power?
Citation
“Cuba Embargo - ProCon.Org.” ProConorg Headlines, cuba-embargo.procon.org/.
“HOW WILD WERE THE SECRET NEGOTIATIONS THAT LED TO A REVOLUTION IN OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CUBA? LET’S JUST SAY THEY INVOLVED THE POPE AND ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION.” Wixstatic.com, docs.wixstatic.com/ugd/87d3d4_f0becf5ab2ba4fd6824f5c8b7bafb008.pdf.
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