Relations between the United States and Cuba have been stuck since the United States imposed a full economic embargo in 1962, and during the election season neither President Obama nor Mitt Romney signaled much desire to change the status quo. Yet while Americans have been looking elsewhere, significant change has come to Cuba. The communist government of the ruling Castro brothers, Fidel and Raul, is in the midst of a slow experiment to promote economic entrepreneurship. Late last year, Cuba instituted reforms to its immigration policies that allow Cubans to travel abroad freely and allow those who have emigrated or fled to return home.
These changes, and the beginning of Obama’s second term, create an unusual opportunity to acknowledge Cuba’s gestures and respond in a substantive way. Rather than simply extend policies that, in five decades, have failed to dislodge the Castros, the Obama administration has a chance to drag US policy into the 21st century.
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If you believe that the Castro brothers will ever give up their monopoly of political power, then I have a bridge over the Merrimack River that I would like to sell to you.
No, Ozark, no one believes that the Castro brothers are going any where soon, but they will "retire" relatively soon. They are both well over 80. There is no successor who can continue their autocratic rule. When they are gone the US could have some influence over the development of the next form of government, but we need to start slowly now. Our cuban-american community could be helpful to them if they have communication and community links already in place. If they become dependent on us for trade, etc., we could have a very healthy influence in the future. The status quo is going no where.
"There is no successor who can continue their autocratic rule." That remains to be seen. After 1959, the Castro brothers created a one-party totalitarian state in Cuba and exported "population control" techniques to other developing nations. Yes, both Castros will be gone soon but the party and state apparatus that they imposed on the Cuban people will not evaporate without a struggle. Too many Cubans earn their daily bread and privileges by being part of that apparatus.
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In 1962 the russians were our enemy. Travel to Russia is allowed. In 1965 we fought the Vietnamese. Travel to North Vietnam is allowed. Oh and we also can travel freely to Germany and Japan and we all now that they were the evil axis. So whats up with Cuba? Seems to me we have some sour grape cubans living in florida that are trapped in the past and refuse to move on. Enough with this ridiculous policy.
The difference, my friend, is that the countries you name have moved away from communism and fascism, at least to some degree. Cuba is still proudly a one-party totalitarian communist nation.
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Hail Castro! Hail Chavez! Anyone yet wonder why the Boston Globe is now being sold for Pennies on the Dollar?
When the Government of Cuba releases all Political prisoners and allows its citizens to freely leave the Country - THEN we'll talk.