U.S. should approach Cuban embargo with caution

U.S. should approach Cuban embargo with caution

Published: Wednesday, November 21, 2012



It has been more than 50 years since President John F. Kennedy signed a

trade embargo against Cuba, mainly because of Cuba's relationship with

Russia during the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. The embargo

restricts American companies from forming business relationships

with Cuban interests.



Since the embargo took effect in 1962, debate over its ramifications on

the Cuban government and the potential good that lifting the sanctions

could do for Cuban citizens has been a major ethical issue in American

foreign affairs. Speculation arises that Cuba may be less tentative to

allow American business interests in the country, as it would allow

Cuban citizens and businesses to prosper and take control and capital

away from the government.



The U.S. should move cautiously toward lifting the embargo and engaging

in this type of economic partnership with Cuba, as it runs the risk of

benefitting only the Cuban government's agenda, rather than for the good

of the people.



Currently, only a small amount of humanitarian aid, such as medical

supplies and food, can cross the Cuban border and reach the Cuban

population. Beyond that, Fidel and Raul Castro have shown little to no

signs of giving in on their stance to remain self-sustaining. Cuba has

proven that there is little wisdom in this philosophy, as much of the

country lives in poverty.



The dilemma revolves around whether American engagement in Cuba would

actually go to help its economy or just be pilfered by Castro's regime.

Rep. Ileana Ros-Lethinen (R-Fla.), chairwoman of the House Foreign

Affairs Committee, told the New York Times that "we should not buy into

the facade the dictatorship is trying to create by announcing 'reforms'

while, in reality, it's tightening its grip on its people," suggesting

that the embargo should not only be left in place but also that its

restrictions should be magnified.



Lifting the embargo, in theory, seems like it would open up a new era of

investment in Cuba, allowing U.S. and Cuban businesses to work together

and create economic capital for the state — and this is the ideal goal.

Yet the risk of government corruption is too great, and the U.S. should

work slowly to make changes to its policies, lest its actions end up

supporting a regime it has fought so hard to suppress.



Despite how relentless American political discourse can get, the

oppression that Cubans face from their government is daunting enough.

While the Cuban embargo is unlikely to let up until their government is

willing to lessen the totalitarian control over its people, America

should be working proactively to end the embargo in a manner that pushes

Cuba toward democracy and a free-market.



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