Introduction In the year 1960, Cuba decided to nationalize all US business in Cuba without compensating them. The United States quickly started imposing sanctions against Cuba, but the embargo did not become official until 1962. Capitalist United States wanted to change communist Cuba, but the sanctions, after more than 50 years, have not forced Cuba to transition away from communism. There has been many complications and changes over the years, and it has led to today with current United States President Obama wanting to lift the embargo. In this paper I will discuss the pro and con arguments supporting the embargo, and give my opinion on whether it is better to keep or lift the embargo.
History of the Embargo In April of 1959, Fidel Castro …show more content…
In 1996, the Clinton administration strengthened the embargo with the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, which asks for legalization of political activity, release of all political prisoners, commitment to free and fair elections, grant freedom of the press, state basic human rights, and allow labor unions. However, these conditions have not been met and giving up now will make the United States look weak in the face of the world leaders. Other arguments claim that lifting the embargo will only help the Cuban government, because Cuba owns 90% of the economy. This will not be productive since Obama’s main argument for lifting the embargo is to help the people. Another argument against, compares lifting the embargo with the 1980 decision of easing relations with Cuba who acted aggressive, suggesting the same will happen …show more content…
People who are for lifting the embargo argue opening trade will actually help the spread of democracy. People who opposed lifting the embargo do not want to open trade, claiming the country will not improve. There is some evidence in favor of those who oppose the lift of the embargo, which is that Cuba has had relations with other countries, and they are still a communist country. These arguments brings the fact that other countries exist, and it won’t matter if the United States has sanctions, because other countries have still trade with them. Also, other countries favor the lift of the embargo.
Conclusion/Opinion
Obama’s goal of lifting the embargo has brought attention to this controversial issue. There have been many arguments made for, and against the lift of the embargo. The United States, will benefit economically from the lift of the embargo, adding extra export sales, and new jobs. The image of the United States might get damaged, but in the long run other countries will forget about it, because after all, many of those countries want the embargo lifted. In my opinion the embargo is long overdue. It has existed for more than 50 years, and if it has not worked by now, it will not work in the future. This is also due to other countries trading with Cuba. Cuba is not South Africa who got sanctions from many countries and had to change their ways. If the United States wanted to get rid of communism in Cuba,
History of the Embargo In April of 1959, Fidel Castro …show more content…
In 1996, the Clinton administration strengthened the embargo with the Cuban Liberty and Democratic Solidarity Act of 1996, which asks for legalization of political activity, release of all political prisoners, commitment to free and fair elections, grant freedom of the press, state basic human rights, and allow labor unions. However, these conditions have not been met and giving up now will make the United States look weak in the face of the world leaders. Other arguments claim that lifting the embargo will only help the Cuban government, because Cuba owns 90% of the economy. This will not be productive since Obama’s main argument for lifting the embargo is to help the people. Another argument against, compares lifting the embargo with the 1980 decision of easing relations with Cuba who acted aggressive, suggesting the same will happen …show more content…
People who are for lifting the embargo argue opening trade will actually help the spread of democracy. People who opposed lifting the embargo do not want to open trade, claiming the country will not improve. There is some evidence in favor of those who oppose the lift of the embargo, which is that Cuba has had relations with other countries, and they are still a communist country. These arguments brings the fact that other countries exist, and it won’t matter if the United States has sanctions, because other countries have still trade with them. Also, other countries favor the lift of the embargo.
Conclusion/Opinion
Obama’s goal of lifting the embargo has brought attention to this controversial issue. There have been many arguments made for, and against the lift of the embargo. The United States, will benefit economically from the lift of the embargo, adding extra export sales, and new jobs. The image of the United States might get damaged, but in the long run other countries will forget about it, because after all, many of those countries want the embargo lifted. In my opinion the embargo is long overdue. It has existed for more than 50 years, and if it has not worked by now, it will not work in the future. This is also due to other countries trading with Cuba. Cuba is not South Africa who got sanctions from many countries and had to change their ways. If the United States wanted to get rid of communism in Cuba,