Lifting the Embargo: A Difficult Task
February 1, 2010
Last April, when Obama lifted travel restrictions for Cuban-Americans, it seemed that he was quickly making progress towards bilateral relations with Cuba. Since then, progress has not been made. In fact, the argument could be made that the situation between the United States and Cuba is getting worse.
According to a cnn.com article written in early January, US-Cuba relations “may be settling back into the same old relationship that has gripped the two Cold War foes for half a century.” Although Fidel Castro is longer head of the Cuban regime, he has been doing his part to criticize American leadership. Fidel Castro showed support for Obama when Obama first came into office, but now his views have changed. In a letter to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, Fidel Castro wrote, “The intentions of the empire are obvious. This time behind the friendly smile and African-American face of President Barack Obama.” Castro believes that the ”intentions” are violence and aggressive action by the United States.
There is some optimism amongst critics of the embargo that Barack Obama will be the one to make major progress with Cuba. There is also pressure from allies in the international community for the the United States to strengthen ties. However, it must be understood that it takes cooperation from both sides in order to make progress. As of now, it doesn’t seem that the Cuban regime is willing to cooperate. Along with Fidel’s harsh words, Raul Castro,the current leader of Cuba, has described the United States as the “enemy” in recent speeches.
If progress is going to be made between the two countries, then the outlook of the Cuban government on the United States will need to change drastically. It will be a difficult task.
What might the psychology of Cuban leadership be in seeing the United States as a threat? Is it self-preservation? Looking also at the history between the two nations over the past hundred years, might that be a reason why Cuba has trouble trusting the United States’ intentions? Could there be a link with American-Iranian relations over the past hundred years?
Is there a friendship between Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Raul Castro? Might there be too much noise from the Cuban ex-pats in the United States? Questions to consider as you continue your exploration.
The trust issue is important. I think I will highlight events in the timeline that caused the two countries to have trouble trusting each other.
It’s interesting that you bring up Iran because I came close to choosing US-Iran relations for my senior exit project topic. I think there are definite similarities between Cuba and Iran and their relations with America. I will research that.