Thursday 2 July 2015

CUBA

The announcement that Cuba and the United States will reopen embassies on each other's territory is a welcome development. One can discuss whether economic blockades or sanctions work (some think that international sanctions against South Africa helped end apartheid, some don't). But what is undoubtedly true is that the economic blockade against Cuba first announced in October 1960 has been a complete failure. The only effect has been to make Cubans poorer than they otherwise would have been, which is the exact opposite of what was intended.

That this has happened is due entirely to the fact that President Barack Obama is beginning to enter his "lame duck" phase, as candidates jostle to replace him in 18 months time. Any discussion of relaxing the embargo - let alone attempt to do so - has met with hostile resistance from the Cuban exile community, who are hugely influential in the key swing state of Florida. However, Mr. Obama no longer needs or cares about them, so sensible measures can finally take place.

What happens next is a bit uncertain. However, as more people visit Cuba and vice versa, so Cuba will slowly stop being an oddball place and more of a normal country.

Walter Blotscher

1 comment:

  1. Another dreadful post. I think to be arrogant, ignorant and patronising is part of your class, personality and DNA

    ReplyDelete