A New Approach to Cuba
March 5, 2009 Leave a comment
From Matthew Yglesias:
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Senator Richard Lugar Calls for New Approach to CubaSenator Richard Lugar (R-Indiana) has long been a voice of reason on foreign policy issues. And now via Steve Clemons, I see an important new report titled “CHANGING CUBA POLICY – IN THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL INTEREST” (PDF) that his staff has prepared for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on which he serves as ranking minority member. The opening:
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Economic sanctions are a legitimate tool of U.S. foreign policy, and they have sometimes achieved their aims, as in the case of apartheid South Africa.
After 47 years, however, the unilateral embargo on Cuba has failed to achieve its stated purpose of “bringing democracy to the Cuban people,” while it may have been used as a foil by the regime to demand further sacrifices from Cuba’s impoverished population.
The current U.S. policy has many passionate defenders, and their criticism of the Castro regime is justified. Nevertheless, we must recognize the ineffectiveness of our current policy and deal with the Cuban regime in a way that enhances U.S. interests.
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For a very ling time I have been opposed to the policy we have regarding Cuba. For a million different reasons it is outdated and a relic of the past. I am optimistic that things will change in the next few years. In my opinion the best way to change Cuba is to flood their shores with American tourists. A normalized relationship would enable us to do that. it seems more than hypocritical to maintain our current policy given the improvements that China has realized since being exposed to western capitalism. Why not do the same for our neighbor? Cuba has miles of great beaches, great waters for diving and fishing and miles of trails that i am told are fantastic for mountain biking. On top of that they have a music culture that is legendary. It’s not hard to imagine U.S. cruise ships emptying thousands of passengers, flush with cash, on to Cuban port cities and also imagining the positive changes Cuba’s government will be forced to make if they want that business.
