In our
National Interest
The top ten reasons for changing U.S. policy toward Cuba
THE CENTER FOR DEMOCRACY IN THE AMERICAS
Freedom to Travel to Cuba Campaign
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On the cover: Havana’s neoclassical Capitolio was built between 1926 and
1929 as a smaller-scale version of the Capitol building in Washington, DC.
2
Introduction
T
he United States broke
The embargo discredits the United
diplomatic relations
States overseas, compromises our
with Cuba in 1961 and
values at home, and hurts the
imposed an economic embargo on the
American economy at the same time it
island the following year. In the con-
takes away Americans’ constitutional
text of its time – in the climate of the
rights to travel and do business as they
Cold War and with the Soviet Union
please. Compared to our relations
threatening the United States by ex-
with every other nation in the world,
panding its influence in Latin America
including the remaining communist
– this policy made sense.
systems in China and Vietnam, U.S.
policy toward Cuba simply isn’t
Since the embargo began, ten
rational, and it must be changed.
presidents, from both political parties,
have supported Cuba’s diplomatic
We need a new Cuba policy rooted in
and economic isolation and imposed
America’s national interest and our
increasingly severe restrictions on
common sense.
travel and trade strictly for the
purpose of overthrowing the Castro
The case is simple, direct, and clear.
government.1
It’s time to repeal restrictions on
travel and trade with Cuba and end
Years after the Soviet Union fell and
our country’s lonely and self-imposed
withdrew from the region it is time to
diplomatic estrangement from our
recognize the truth: This policy doesn’t
neighbor’s government, people, and
work, it can’t work, and it’s never
national life.
going to work.
There are a million reasons for
changing U.S. policy toward
Cuba. The Center for Democracy
in the Americas has produced an
extraordinarily convincing Top Ten.
—Jake Colvin, Director, U.S.A. Engage
USA*Engage (www.usaengage.org) is a coalition of small and large businesses, agriculture groups
and trade associations working to promote the benefits of U.S. engagement abroad. USA*Engage
leads a campaign to inform policy-makers, opinion-leaders, and the public about the importance
of exports and overseas investment for American competitiveness and jobs, the role of American
companies in promoting human rights and democracy world wide, and the counterproductive
nature of unilateral sanctions.
1
Compared to our relations
with every other nation in
the world, including the
remaining communist
systems in China and
Vietnam, U.S. policy
toward Cuba simply
isn’t rational.
©ISTOCKPHOTO.COM/ARTHUR KWIATKOWSKI
2
one
The policy has produced nothing in decades.
O
ur country’s goal in
Despite U.S. policy, the Cuban
imposing the embargo
economy is rebounding today, thanks
was to weaken and
to large-scale foreign investment.
economically starve the Communist
While Cuba continues to face serious
government of Fidel Castro. But this
self-imposed challenges to economic
policy has been ineffective and has
growth, new trade relations with
become increasingly counterproduc-
China and Venezuela are allowing it to
tive. Unilateral sanctions against an
“pull out of the grueling crisis” caused
island economy simply cannot work;
by the collapse of the Soviet Union
Cuba has been proving that day-in
in the 1990s. In 2004, for example,
and day-out for nearly fifty years. The
tourism was up 7%, high prices for
embargo is recognized globally as an
nickel, Cuba’s top export, appeared
ineffective and expensive farce. The
solid, and 40 years of investment
Cuban government uses our policy as
in human capital, such as medical
an all-purpose rationalization for its
personnel, were bringing in significant
own shortcomings. It blames every-
revenues.2 As Emily Morris of the
thing from food shortages to electrical
Economist Intelligence Unit writes:
outages on the embargo.
“Cuba’s performance since 1993 has
“Cuba’s performance
since 1993 has been better
than Latin America’s…”
—Emily Morris
Economist Intelligence Unit
been better than Latin America’s…
The continuation of this policy, long
and the forecast for Cuba in the
since frozen in the amber of its own
context of Latin America is at the top
ineffectiveness, owes its existence to
end, among the stronger performers
the demands and political strength
in the region.”3
of South Florida’s Cuban-American
community. Nevertheless, our govern-
After more than 40 years, the State
ment continues to pour millions of
Department still finds it necessary to
additional dollars into the failed policy.
spend enormous amounts of money
to “hasten change” in Cuba. Our
policy is to “use American tax dollars
to topple Castro’s government and
replace it with one that has been
conceived in the corridors of the
State Department and the parlors
of Miami’s Cuban-American exile
leaders.”4
3
two
Enforcing the policy drains resources from the war on terror.
E
nforcement of the economic embargo against
Cuba draws resources
away from vitally important efforts to
disrupt financing of terrorist operations overseas. Although the Treasury
Department’s Office of Foreign Assets
Control (OFAC) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are
charged with enforcing the economic
embargo against Cuba, their enforcement agenda is driven and controlled
by the State Department and the
White House. These agencies are
forced to spend millions of dollars
a year preventing U.S. citizens from
traveling back and forth to Cuba and
stopping harmless rum and cigar purchases from entering the United States.
The U.S. Treasury Department
money that has financed Saddam
Wasting these millions in execution of
admitted in 2004 that it had five times
Hussein and Osama bin Laden
a failed policy is bad enough, but the
as many agents working on embargo
must be a priority when it comes to
enforcement of the Cuba embargo has
violations than it did investigating
resources.”7
also drained precious resources from
sources of funding for Al-Qaeda. From
our efforts to stop the flow of financ-
1990 to 2003, just 93 cases related to
Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-ND) threatened
ing to Al-Qaeda and other terrorist
terrorist financing had been opened
to start a movement to slash funding
groups. In an age of international
by OFAC world wide. Over the same
for OFAC if more resources weren’t
terrorism, this failed policy is a luxury
period, OFAC agents pursued 10,683
allocated to the capture of Osama bin
we can ill-afford.
investigations of possible violations of
Laden. “This is really astounding,”
the Cuba trade embargo.
Dorgan said. “I hope somebody in
5
6
the administration will soon come to
Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA),
his or her senses and start directing
then-Chairman of the Senate Finance
our resources where they are needed.
Committee, said: “OFAC obviously
Politics is clearly diverting precious
needs to enforce the law with regard
time, money and manpower away
to U.S. policy on Cuba, but the United
from the war on terrorism here.”8
States is at war against terrorism, and
Al-Qaeda is the biggest threat to our
national security. Cutting off the blood
4
three
The policy hurts American companies and American workers.
S
anctions prohibit U.S.
In the aftermath of OFAC’s
“forever closing the door on those
businesses from selling any
maneuvers, Members of Congress
resources to the U.S. industry.”16
goods except food and
say “Rice sales have fallen by 43%
9
medicine to Cuba. Other regulations
by value and the value of dairy also
Bilateral trade between China and
prevent our farmers from fully enjoy-
fell 43%. Apple exports have fallen
Cuba reached $777 million in 2005,
ing opportunities for agriculture sales
by 64% by value, while the value of
$560 million of which were Chinese
to the island. American jobs are lost,
cotton sales declined 55%. The value
exports to Cuba.17 Chinese appliances
but the embargo has little real effect
of our poultry exports has fallen by
and transportation services are
on Cuba. Her doors are opened to our
more than 19%, while wheat sales
flooding into Cuba. The Financial
competitors and adversaries from all
have fallen nearly 14%. These lost
Times reports “Cuba’s ports are being
over the world. Ending the embargo
U.S. sales are being made up by our
revamped with Chinese equipment,
could gain upwards of a billion dollars
competitors.”
in part to handle the millions of
14
annually in U.S. sales of manufactured
Chinese domestic appliances that
goods and agriculture products and
As American agricultural sales fell, a
began arriving last year. Cuba is
create tens of thousands of U.S. jobs in
November 2005 agreement – worth
turning to Chinese rather than
the travel industry.
$20 million – lifted Canadian wheat
Western companies to modernize
sales to Cuba to their highest level
its crippled transportation system
During a 2003 hearing, Senator
since 1990. The sale of 100,000 tons
at a cost of more than $1 billion.”18
Max Baucus (D-MT) noted that
of Canada Western Red Spring was the
Cuba has purchased 100 locomotives
the embargo has damaged U.S.
largest single sale to Cuba since 1997.
from China for $130 million,19 1,000
10
11
interests and strengthened Castro’s
Chinese buses for urban and inter-
economic hold on the country. “The
The embargo bars oil exploration by
provincial transportation,20 and
International Trade Commission
American firms; this is especially
30,000 Chinese refrigerators.21
has estimated that, in the absence
harmful now, as Cuba is encouraging
of sanctions, U.S. exports to Cuba
exploration in off-shore blocks in
The Brattle Group reports that an end
would grow to more than $1 billion.
1,660 square miles of its waters in the
to travel restrictions to Cuba would
Meat exports from the U.S. could be
Gulf of Mexico. India’s largest state-
lead to increased demand for air and
as much as $76 million, while wheat
run petroleum exploration firm won
cruise travel to the region. Without
exports could be as much as
the rights to search for oil in these
restrictions, it is estimated that U.S.
$52 million.”
waters. Cuba’s state oil company
economic output would “expand
also signed an agreement with Spain’s
annually by $1.18 billion to $1.61
Yet, since 2005, new obstacles
Repsol YPF, Norway’s Hydro, and
billion. This expansion would create
imposed by the Office of Foreign
India’s OVL in May 2006 for the
from 16,888 to 23,020 new jobs.22
Assets Control (OFAC) have made
exploration of its six offshore blocks.
the flow of U.S. wheat, corn, soy,
Venezuela’s state-owned oil company
powdered milk, and poultry more
will also join in oil exploration in
unreliable, costing U.S. companies
Cuba’s north coast. According to
$100 million in deals that Cuba made
Senator Larry Craig (R-ID),
with firms in other countries.13
agreements like these could mean
12
15
5
four
The policy is an assault on family values.
When he introduced
that Cubans on the island already
the legislation in
suffer. These policies certainly don’t
2005, Senator
encourage mutual understanding or
Enzi said: “When
reconciliation.”25
we stop CubanAmericans from
The policy is cruel and indiscriminate.
bringing financial
In 2004, after serving seven months in
assistance to their
Iraq, U.S. Army Sergeant Carlos Lazo
families in Cuba
planned to spend part of his two-week
and end people-to-
furlough in Havana visiting his two
people exchanges
sons, one of them ill, but he was denied
and stop the sale
permission to go due to the restrictions.
of agricultural and
As he saw it, “the administration that
medicinal products
trusted me in battle in Iraq does not
between the United States
R
to Cuba, we are not hurting the
trust me to visit my children in Cuba.”
and Cuba fall especially
Cuban government, we are hurting the
He was soon shipped back to the
hard on Americans of Cuban descent
Cuban people. If you keep on doing
Middle East and straight to Falluja,
in the United States. The regulations
what you have always been doing,
where, in November 2004, he earned
on travel prohibit Cuban-Americans
you’re going to wind up getting what
the Bronze Star for “exceptionally
from visiting members of their im-
you already got.”
meritorious service.”26
once every three years. The limits have
The Chicago Tribune notes that, of
As the Miami Herald has written:
stopped children from attending funer-
all the sanctions, “few are as cruel,
“Dividing Cuban families is a hallmark
als of their own parents. Sgt. Carlos
vindictive, and un-American as those
of the Castro dictatorship. The U.S.
Lazo, a Cuban-American combat
that sharply limit Cuban-Americans
government shouldn’t pile on.”27
medic and war hero, was prevented
from visiting their relatives in the
from visiting his kids while on leave
island.”24
estrictions on travel
23
mediate family in Cuba more than
“We find it particularly ironic that
in the name of freedom for Cuba ...
from Iraq.
Thousands of people have been
freedom of Cuban Americans to
Congressman Jeff Flake (with
denied permission to visit sick or
travel and maintain normal family
cosponsors in the U.S. House) and
dying relatives in Cuba and have
relations are being trampled,” stated
Senator Mike Enzi (with Senate
been separated from their loved ones,
Silvia Wilhelm, Executive Director of
colleagues) have both introduced
forcing them to choose between
the Cuban American Commission for
legislation to repeal the ban on legal
caring for their ill family members
Family Rights.28
travel by Americans to Cuba.
and obeying the law. The Miami
Herald reported in 2006, “Sanctions
punish Cuban families, weaken
communication and add to the misery
6
five
The policy infringes on the rights and
liberties of all U.S. citizens.
U
.S. citizens have the right
According to the Universal Declaration
agencies “takes away any flexibility …
to travel, to associate
of Human Rights, the sanctions against
to respond should there be a crisis, a
freely, to express reli-
Cuba “run counter to the human
hurricane or any kind of crisis in Cuba
gious beliefs, to study, and to conduct
rights principle that all people have a
that the Cuban church might ask …
legal business affairs. Restrictions on
right to return to their own country.”30
the national Presbyterian Church in
travel to and from Cuba infringe on
International law requires that all
the United States to respond to.”32
the rights of all U.S. citizens.
Cubans and Cuban-Americans be
Members of religious communities
allowed to return freely to their home
An open academic exchange with
country if they so choose.
other countries is fundamental for
promoting peace and democracy but
making unlicensed trips to Cuba
to distribute Bibles, baptize Cuban
The restrictions also curtail religious
the travel restrictions curtail academic
Christians, and provide humanitarian
liberties. Church-based organizations
freedom. In recent years, academic
relief to religious workers in Cuba
conducting authorized religious
exchange between the United States
have been prosecuted. Universities and
activities in Cuba are being pursued
and Cuba, historically very strong, has
colleges that sent students to Cuba
for alleged violations of the terms of
deteriorated rapidly. “Well-established
for academic exchanges have had
their licenses. The Birmingham News
and prestigious programs of U.S.
their programs shut down by the U.S.
reports U.S. Treasury officials fined
cultural and academic institutions
government. The Office of Foreign
the Alliance of Baptists $34,000 after
encountered new licensing procedures
Assets Control (OFAC) has diligently
citing Birmingham’s Baptist Church
… a precipitous decline occurred in
worked to shut down and punish
of the Covenant and other churches
State Department approvals of visas
service providers of Cuba travel.
for engaging in “prohibited tourist
for Cuban academics and intellectuals
activities” such as sightseeing and
invited to travel to the United States
The Supreme Court has ruled that
picture-taking, while in Cuba for
as part of ongoing exchange programs
“the right to travel is an inherent
religious purposes.
and activities.”33
denied to American citizens… [the
Numerous humanitarian and religious
300 U.S. universities have cancelled
government] may not condition the
organizations note that travel
their Cuba exchange programs since
fulfillment of such requirements with
restrictions curtail their ability to react
the Bush administration stepped up
the imposition of rules that abridge
in the event of a catastrophe. Rev.
restrictions on travel in 2004. The
basic constitutional notions of liberty,
Tricia Lloyd-Sidle, the Presbyterian
number of U.S. students in Cuba
assembly, association, and personal
Church’s regional liaison for the
dropped from 296 to 41, according
autonomy.”
Caribbean, says that the four-trip
to a report in the Cuba Trade and
annual limit on denominational
Investment News.34
31
element of ‘liberty’ that cannot be
29
7
six
The policy hurts America’s image abroad.
O
ur policy of isolating
Washington ordering the Cubans
plot the bombing of a Cuban airliner
Cuba economically puts
out and abruptly ejected all sixteen
in October 1976 that killed all 73
us at odds with U.S.
Cuban attendees. They were told that
persons aboard.36 He has publicly
allies. Canada, members of the Euro-
they could have nothing to eat or
claimed responsibility for a bombing
pean Union and our trading partners
drink on the way out, and they would
campaign in 1997 against hotels in
in Asia and Latin America all have
forfeit the money that they had paid
Havana that resulted in the death
normal trading relations with Cuba.
for the remaining nights at the hotel.
of an Italian businessman.37 Most
Laws that punish foreign companies
Mexican officials thought the U.S.
recently he was convicted and
for doing business in Cuba extend the
had overstepped its bounds by trying
imprisoned in Panama for attempting
reach of U.S. trade restrictions in con-
to block retail services to Cubans in
to assassinate Fidel Castro using C-4
troversial and, many believe, improper
a third country. The Miami Herald
explosives. Posada Carriles slipped
ways. The U.S. is being condemned
editorialized that “a friendly nation
into the United States in March,
internationally for violating global
has been insulted, U.S. businesses
2005, seeking asylum. Since detaining
trade agreements.
in Mexico are alarmed, and Cuba
him on illegal immigration charges,
can once again paint itself as the
the U.S. government has refused
For the last fifteen years, the United
aggrieved party in its dispute with the
to answer Venezuela’s extradition
Nations General Assembly has argued
Unites States.”
petition for Posada to face justice
35
the embargo violates the U.N. Charter
for the plane bombing, and has
and the Geneva Conventions and
Every year since 1992, the United
tried instead to deport him. At
passed resolutions 15 times urging an
Nations General Assembly has
least seven other nations, including
end to U.S. economic, commercial and
approved a resolution condemning the
Canada, Mexico, Panama, Costa
financial restrictions against Cuba.
U.S. embargo by lop-sided margins. In
Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and El
2006, for example, the vote in favor
Salvador, have refused to take him.38
Other U.S. actions, taken at the
of the Cuba-sponsored resolution was
The Justice Department has recently
insistence of the Cuban-American
183-4, with opposing votes cast by
brought perjury charges against
community in Miami, undermine the
the United States, Israel, Palau and
Posada Carriles related to statements
credibility of the U.S. war on terror.
the Marshall Islands. All members
on how he entered the U.S., but has so
of the European Union voted for the
far declined to prosecute him for
resolution against the United States.
terrorism.39 As a result, around the
Overzealous enforcement of the
embargo harms our standing as an
world we are viewed as harboring a
economic partner. During a 2006
The embargo, and overall U.S.
terrorist, undermining our campaign
public meeting and discussion held
hostility toward Cuba, damages
to counter terrorism. At the same
in Mexico City’s Sheraton Maria
our credibility as we fight the war
time, the White House maintains
Isabel hotel regarding opportunities
on terror. According to declassified
an official designation of Cuba as a
in Cuba’s energy sector, Sheraton
U.S. intelligence reports, Luis Posada
terrorist state,40 subjecting the United
managers received a message from
Carriles, a former CIA asset, helped
States to ridicule.41
8
seven
The Castro government uses our policy to advance its own ends.
T
he existence of the
than inciting the
embargo and our broken
Cuban people
diplomatic relationship
to overthrow
allows Cuban leaders to rally op-
Castro, it has
position to the United States, crack
“provided the
down on internal opposition, limit
government with
expression, and forge diplomatic and
a justification
economic relations with America’s
for its repressive
competitors and foreign adversaries.
policies.”43
When President Bush added additional
The embargo
sanctions to the embargo, Cuba’s
has also served
government responded by launching
to rally anti-
a new propaganda campaign against
U.S. opposition
the United States. The Cuban National
on the island. A typical example: On
Assembly scheduled a special session
October 4, 2006 over 10,000 people
to debate the sanctions and analyze
from San Miguel del Padron joined
their impact. The Cuban government
Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez
translated the Bush Commission report
Roque in launching a month-long
imposing new sanctions into Spanish
festival aptly named “Cuba against the
and distributed it across the island.
blockade and annexation” involving
Members of the government, including
all Cuba’s provinces, schools, factories
the Cuban foreign ministry, held town
and work places.
the objective is to make
Fidel Castro stronger.
44
meetings to discuss the report. There is
currently an active billboard campaign
Members of Cuba’s dissident
against what they call “el Plan Bush.”
community are outspoken against
U.S. policy. Oscar Espinosa Chepe, a
The embargo bolsters rather than
political dissident in Cuba, who was
weakens the Castro government.
arrested as part of the crackdown
The Gannett News Service reports
against alleged dissidents in March
“While squeezing the economic life
2003, said this about the Bush
out of Fidel Castro’s regime has been
admnistration’s crackdown on Cuba:
the goal of a succession of American
“It’s incredible. Maybe the objective
presidents, the embargo of Cuba
is to make Fidel Castro stronger. We
has succeeded only in rallying most
can’t understand it. If France did this
of this country’s 11 million people
to the United States, the American
behind their aging leader.” Rather
people wouldn’t like it.”
42
“It’s incredible. Maybe
We can’t understand it.”
—Oscar Espinosa Chepe,
Political Dissident in Cuba
9
eight
The policy puts political interests above the national interest.
M
ajorities in both
there are fewer volunteers traveling to
According to White House spokesman
Houses of Congress
Cuba.” Acosta spent about $120,000
Scott McClellan, “Our concerns were
have voted to repeal
on smugglers and other shipping costs
centered on making sure that no
the ban on travel, but certain legisla-
in 2004, records show. In 2006, the
money was going to the Castro regime
tors have acted in secret to kill that
Government Accountability Office
and that the World Baseball Classic
legislation and prevent it from being
found waste and abuse by grantees
would not be misused by the regime
signed into law. Cuba offers to send
under the USAID program that gives
for spying.”48 The OFAC decision
doctors to help victims of Hurricane
aid to Cuban dissidents and families.
was reversed after Cuba said that it
Katrina, but the White House insults
One NGO was cited for purchasing
would donate any profits it received to
their medical training and won’t allow
cashmere sweaters and Godiva
victims of Hurricane Katrina.
them to help. Cuba’s Catholic Cardi-
chocolates.46
45
We defame and outlaw artists. In 2002,
nal comes into the United States, and
is subject to humiliation and held at
We ban books. The Miami-Dade
six aging members of the legendary
our border. The list is seemingly end-
school board, heavily influenced by
Buena Vista Social Club, made famous
less and unquestionably embarrassing.
anti-Castro Cuban Americans, voted
in the U.S. by the 1999 Ry Cooder
in 2006 to ban a children’s book,
documentary, were denied visas to
For decades, presidents and legislators
“Vamos a Cuba,” on the grounds that
attend the 2003 Grammy Awards. 76
from both political parties have
it was inappropriate for its intended
year-old singer Ibrahim Ferrer, who had
fashioned Cuba policy to meet the
kindergarten-to-second-grade audience.
already won three Grammies and had
demands of hard liners within the
The board voted 6-3 to ban the book,
traveled numerous times to the United
Cuban-American community – often
overruling two review committees and
States, was dumb-founded to learn
in ways that are at odds with values of
the superintendent of schools. After
that the State Department had invoked
the rest of Americans.
a legal battle, a federal court ruled
a law that applies to terrorists, drug
against the ban, stating that it was
dealers and dangerous criminals to deny
What has been done to placate
unconstitutional to ban books because
him a visa. Said Ferrer (who died in
and please this community?
of their content.
2005), “I don’t understand because
47
U.S. taxpayers pay anti-Castro activists
I don’t feel I’m a terrorist. I am not, I
to break the law. According to an
We refuse to “play ball!” The Office
investigation by The Chicago Tribune,
of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC),
“One non-profit funded by USAID,
denied the Cuban national baseball
We investigate babies. The pregnant
Accion Democratica Cubana, spent
team’s application to take part in
wife of a Cuban Interests Section
only $88,059 on humanitarian aid
the World Baseball Classic on the
official went home to give birth,
out of $366,758 in total expenses,
grounds that Cuban spies might have
carrying a valid re-entry visa. The
according to its 2004 tax report.” Juan
infiltrated the team. In response, the
visa application for the newborn was
Carlos Acosta, the group’s executive
International Baseball Federation
delayed, U.S. officials explained, to
director, said “the group also is hiring
threatened to withdraw its consent
allow sufficient time for a background
more professional smugglers because
for the tournament and Puerto Rico
check on the baby.50 The new mother
tightened travel restrictions put in
threatened to withdraw as a host if the
was forced to remain in Havana for
place by the Bush administration mean
Cuban team was not allowed to play.
three extra weeks.
10
can’t be.”49
Nine
Important People oppose the policy and want to see it changed.
T
he U.S. embargo against
Then-UN Secretary-General Kofi
In an open letter to Congress, six
Cuba is opposed by
Annan told CNN “the [Cuba]
prominent Cuban dissidents noted
thoughtful and influential
embargo has proved ineffective and
that the tightening of the embargo
people from across the globe including
now its time to consider alternative
has created an image of human
such luminaries as: former President
means of bringing about positive
rights and dissident organizations
Jimmy Carter; former Secretary of
social change.”
in Cuba as “agents or protégés”
53
State Madeleine Albright; former U.N.
of the Bush administration, and
Secretary-General Kofi Annan; Costa
The late Pope John Paul II, in his
is counterproductive to openness
Rican President Oscar Arias; General
visit to Cuba, delivered stinging
and democracy. Washington’s
John Sheehan, USMC (Ret.), former
condemnations of the U.S. embargo,
proclamations of “increased assistance
Commander, Atlantic Command;
calling the policy “oppressive, unjust
to the dissidents in Cuba” are
political dissidents in Cuba such as
and ethically unacceptable.”
counterproductive and cast “doubt on
54
Oscar Chepe Espinosa, Miriam Leiva,
the legitimacy of other groups in Cuba
and Oswaldo Paya; Vicki Huddleston,
Former Secretary of State Madeleine
the former Chief of the U.S. Interests
Albright, who advocates the free
Section under Presidents Bill Clinton
exchange of information and
In May 2006, U.S. Senator Larry
and George W. Bush; Cardinal Jaime
scholarship throughout the developing
Craig (R-ID), along with twelve
Ortega, the Catholic Prelate of Cuba;
world, said at an American Library
Senators from both parties, introduced
scores of sitting Members of the U.S.
Association conference, “after 45
the Western Hemisphere Energy
Congress from both political parties;
years of embargo against Cuba it is
Security Act. This bill would allow
Human Rights Watch; Amnesty Inter-
time to get something new.”
U.S. companies to compete with other
55
national; William F. Buckley, Jr. and
that may accept such a role.”58
nations in exploring and extracting
Larry Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff
Nobel Laureate and president of Costa
oil from the waters of the North
to Secretary of State Colin Powell, who
Rica, Oscar Arias, stated in 2006
Cuban basin. Senator Craig asserts
described the embargo as the “dumbest
“The first and most urgent guarantee
that “we must re-evaluate our failed
policy on the face of the earth.”
for which we must struggle in every
policy of disengagement, which limits
international forum is the lifting of the
our ability to diversify our resources
In a televised address in Havana in
economic embargo to which [Cuba]
and compete with China, India, and
2002, former president Jimmy Carter
has been subject for decades.”
others. Disengagement also dooms
51
56
announced that the United States,
the governments of Latin America to
as the more powerful nation, should
Vicki Huddleston, former chief of
repeat their failed history, rather than
“take the first step” towards the
the U.S. Interests Section in Havana,
join the community of modern and
normalization of relations between the
notes that current U.S. policy isolates
progressive democracies.”59
two countries. He went on to say “The
American diplomats. The United
embargo freezes the existing impasse,
States, she says, is “absolutely without
induces anger and resentment, restricts
information about what’s going on in
the freedoms of U.S. citizens, and
the Cuban government .… the vacuum
makes it difficult for us to exchange
created by a lack of communication
ideas and respect.”52
can potentially lead to an armed
conflict, intended or not.”57
11
ten
The policy stops Americans from doing what they do best.
T
here is no better ad-
As William A.
vertisement for free-
Reinsch, President of
dom, democracy and
the National Foreign
the United States than the spread of
Trade Council,
American ideas, products and – espe-
has said, “This
cially – our people, to every corner of
moment presents
the world. Keeping Americans out of
an extraordinary
Cuba allows leaders who don’t like us
opportunity for
to portray Americans as malignant ste-
the United States
reotypes. If we cannot meet Cubans,
to reconsider its
they cannot discover our generosity,
policies toward
good humor, values and friendship.
Cuba and allow for
As some of Cuba’s most important
increased exchanges,
political dissidents and human rights
humanitarian aid
activists have put it, the more Ameri-
and commerce. If the
can citizens in the streets of Cuba’s
Cuban people are to believe that they
cities, the better it is for the cause of
have no better friend than the United
open society.60
States, and if we are to hold any hope
A policy based on
enlightened engage-
of spreading our values and ideas later,
A policy based on enlightened
then we must begin to engage now.
engagement with Cuba would expose
Until U.S. policy changes, American
both the Cuban people and the
businesses, educators, religious groups
American people to the best of their
and humanitarian organizations will
cultures, societies, and ideals; undercut
remain on the sidelines as a new era
the Castro government’s efforts to
dawns.”
…undercut the Castro
government’s efforts to
61
blame Cuba’s failings
blame Cuba’s failings on U.S. policy;
improve living standards for the
A better future is possible. Increased
people of Cuba; bring benefits to the
interaction between Cubans and
American economy; and allow families
Americans would go a long way
who have been cruelly separated to see
toward abating fears in Cuba that a
each other once again.
new economic relationship between
the two countries would threaten
A post-Castro transition is
Cuba’s sovereignty and threaten
taking place in Cuba without our
its social policies. As the National
constructive participation. Now
Academy of Public Administration
more than ever, it is time to change
put it, “We owe the people of our
the policy and replace it with one of
beleaguered island neighbor a far
engagement.
brighter future than either colonialism
or socialism ever provided.”62
12
ment with Cuba would
on U.S. policy
NOTES
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62
“Families Torn Apart: The High Cost of U.S. and Cuban Travel Restrictions,” Human Rights Watch Report, vol. 17, No.5, October 2005
“Alliances with China and Venezuela bolster Cuba,” Financial Times, 7 April 2005.
Reed, Gail. “Medicc at National Summit on Cuba: Embargo Harms U.S. People, Too” Retrieved October, 2004 from Medicc Review web site:
http://www.medicc.org/medicc_review/1104/pages/headlines_in_cuban_health.html#5
“Anti-Castro efforts in Washington fail to make a dent on Cuba,” Gannett News Service, 2 March 2006
What You Need to Know About the U.S. Embargo. Retrieved July, 2004 from U.S. Department of the Treasury web site: http://www.ustreas.
gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/programs/cuba/cuba.pdf
“US Embargo Walls Us In,” Special For Academe, a publication of the American Association of University Professors, 27 May 2004.
“More Agents Track Castro than Bin Laden,” John Solomon, the Associated Press, April 29, 2004.
Ibid
Cuba Democracy Act of 1992, Sect. 1705-1706. Retrieved from U.S. State Department web site: http://www.state.gov/www/regions/wha/cuba/
democ_act_1992.html
“ITC Releases Report on the Economic Impact of U.S. Sanctions with Respect to Cuba,” U.S. International Trade Commission News Release, 16
February 2001. http://www.usitc.gov/er/nl2001/ER0216Y1.HTM
“The Impact on the U.S. Economy of Lifting Restrictions on Travel to Cuba” a Brattle Group publication, 15 July 2002
“Senate Panel at Loggerheads Over Cuba Trade,” CNS News, 5 September 2003
“Alimport Buys Another 106M in U.S. Goods,” Cuba Trade and Investment News, Vol. VII, No. 1, January 2005.
Letter to Congress, 7 November 2005
Guillermo Parra-Bernal, 10 September 2006, from Bloomberg.com http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601086&sid=a9YPDIisCYTo&
refer=latin_america
“Cuba Seeks Oil Near Keys,” St. Petersburg Times, 8 May 2006.
“Trade with China helps Cuba move up a Gear,” Financial Times, 8 March 2006.
“Cuba Looks to China for Help Jump-Starting Transit,” Financial Times, 3 April 2006.
Fidel Castro Public Address, 1 May 2006.
“12 Chinese locomotives arrive in Cuba,” People’s Daily, 10 January 2006.
“Entrega empresa china primer lote de refrigeradores para Cuba,” Granma, 15 March 2006.
“The Impact on the U.S. Economy of Lifting Restrictions on Travel to Cuba” a Brattle Group publication, 15 July 2002
Press Release of Senator Michael Enzi, April 27, 2005
“Cruel Twist to a Failed Policy,” Chicago Tribune, 16 July 2005.
“Support a Family Friendly Cuba Policy,” Miami Herald, 20 July 2006
“Bronze Stars go to Guard medics,” Seattle Times, 21 August 2005.
“Reverse Harsh Limits on Family Travel to Cuba,” Miami Herald, 11 July 2005
Statement of Silvia Wilhelm, Executive Director of the Cuban American Commission for Family Rights, 30 June 2004
In the ruling of Kent vs. Dulles (1958)
“Families Torn Apart: The High Cost of U.S. and Cuban Travel Restrictions,” Human Rights Watch Report, vol. 17, No.5, October 2005
“Church Fined After Cuba Travel Canceled,” Birmingham News, 14 August 2006.
“Cuban Presbyterians hurt by US travel Restrictions,” Spero News, 19 April 2006
“Retreat from Reason: U.S.-Cuban Academic Relations and the Bush Administration,” a Latin America Working Group publication,
September 2006.
“Universities closing Cuba programs,” Cuba Trade and Investment News, Vol. VIII, No. 10. October, 2006.
“The Long Arm of the Law,” Lexington Institute Cuba Policy Report, 14 February 2006.
“Luis Posada Carriles – The Declassified Record,” The National Security Archive, National Security Archive Electronic Briefing Book No. 153,
George Washington University, 10 May 2005.
“A Note From Luis Posada,” The Atlantic Online, 25 September 2006. <http://www.theatlantic.com/doc/200610u/posada-notes>
“Posada and Bush’s ‘War on Terror’ Jam,” People’s Weekly World, 14 October 2006.
“Grand Jury Indicts Cuban Exile Militant Luis Posada Carriles and Two Associates,” Miami Herald, 11 January 2007. <http://www.miami.
com/mld/miamiherald/16438781.htm>
“Title III of Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act,” White House Press Release, 17 January 2002.
Jerry R. Hammond, Applying the US Standard—State Sponsors of Terrorism, a CounterPunch publication, 6 July 2005. <http://www.counterpunch.org/hammond07062005.html>
“Anti-Castro efforts in Washington fail to make a dent on Cuba,” Gannett News Service, 2 March 2006
“Families Torn Apart: The High Cost of U.S. and Cuban Travel Restrictions,” Human Rights Watch Report, vol. 17, No.5, October 2005
“Cuba Begins Anti-Blockade Events,” Prensa Latina, 4 October 2006.
“U.S. aid unproductive, some Castro foes say; Program flawed, wasteful and, in cases, is backfiring,” Chicago Tribune, 28 July 2006.
Foreign Assistance: U.S. Democracy Assistance for Cuba Needs Better Management and Oversight,” United States Government Accountability
Office, November 2006.
“Miami-Dade Schools Ban Book on Cuba,” Miami Herald, 15 June 2006.
“U.S. OKs Cuba for World Baseball Classic,” Associated Press, 20 January 2006.
“US Denies Travel Visas to Grammy-Nominated Cuban Musicians,” Agence France Presse, 6 February 2004.
Dagoberto Rodriguez interview, 27 September 2006.
“Powell Aides go Public on Rift With Bush,” The Guardian, 6 May 2004.
“Lift Cuba embargo, Carter tells U.S.,” BBC World News, 15 May 2002.
“UN Head Says U.S. Should End Cuba Embargo,” Catholic World News, 30 April 1997.
“Pope to U.S.: Lift Cuban Embargo,” the Final Call (Online Edition), 3 February 1998. http://www.finalcall.com/international/cuba2-3-98.html
Speech given at American Library Association conference, 24 June 2006.
“Cuba’s Dictatorship is Ripe for Transition,” Miami Herald, April 2006
“Vicki Huddleston: Current Cuba Policy a Big Mistake,” CubaNews, July 2005.
Oswaldo Paya et. all, letter to Congressmen William Delahunt and Jeff Flake and Senators Max Baucus and Michael Enzi.
“Off-coast drilling will happen; let’s get in the game,” Sun-Sentinel, 26 May 2006.
“End the Travel Ban to Cuba”, a Center for International Policy publication, November 2001. http://www.ciponline.org/cuba/ipr/TravelBan.htm
“Changing Course on Cuba,” Forbes magazine, 10 August 2006.
“Cuba After the Embargo: What Comes Then?” A National Academy of Public Administration publication, 6 January 2002. http://www.napawash.org/resources/peirce/Peirce_1_06_02.html
13
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The Center for Democracy in the Americas is devoted to changing U.S. policy toward the countries of the Americas by basing our
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