Cuba+Diplomacy+Pro+Con

__ Cuba ____ Facts: __ GDP: $46.22 billion POPULATION: 11.5 million 1.5 million Cuban exiles in US Government: Socialist Republic, ruled by one party Normalizing relations with Cuba would have to include ending the embargo we have had since 1962. US companies may not trade with Cuba. US citizens are prohibited from travelling to Cuba. Because we look stupid. We are interfering with the affairs of a separate country. It doesn't matter if we don't like Castro -- it is not up to us to choose the leaders of other countries. There are countries with far worse leaders, and we don't have embargos against them. If Cuban-Americans really want democracy restored to Cuba, then the last thing they should want is the US deciding who can or cannot be in charge there. Because it is illegal. The United Nations has condemned the US embargo against Cuba. The vote was every-country-in-the-world versus 2 (the US and Israel, and Israel was probably pressured by us). Because it isn't working. The effect of the embargo has been to make the Cuban people hate our government, not their government. In fact, it is pretty obvious that Fidel would be much less popular if he didn't have the US to blame for his country's problems. Because we are missing a business opportunity. Cuba is a prime market for US trade. Because we are the only country that doesn't trade with Cuba, we are missing this opportunity. Instead, Japan, Canada , and Mexico are doing lively business down there. Because we are wasting our tax dollars enforcing it On October 10, 2006 the United States announced the creation of a task force made up of officials from several US agencies that will pursue more aggressively violators of the US trade embargo against Cuba, with penalties as severe as 10 years of prison and thousands of dollars in fines for violators of the embargo. We shouldn’t be punishing people for going to visit their families. **Why keep the embargo?** Because they stole property The embargo began when the Cuban government took property from American companies and citizens, and it is a just embargo. Because the regime is stifling democracy and violating human rights The Cuban government has been accused of numerous [|human rights abuses], including [|torture], arbitrary imprisonment, unfair trials, and extra-judicial executions. The members of the underground opposition parties face constant scrutiny from the authorities for their anti-government views. However, at the same time as enforcing a crackdown on dissidents the government is also accused of preventing ordinary Cubans accessing information. Independent news agencies are banned, and journalists who report stories contrary to the official line reported in the state newspaper, Granma, are likely to be victimised. Because Cuban politics isn’t changing The Cuban government isn’t changing significantly. Raul Castro, Fidel Castro’s brother, is taking power. Raul has supported Fidel during and since the revolution, so it is unlikely Raul with have significantly different policies than Fidel. Raul may be more practical and rational than Fidel, but Fidel will still have a strong influence in the Cuban government. The embargo is relaxed enough: Clinton lifted the ban on selling food to Cuba in 2000. By now (2007) The US is the largest food supplier of Cuba[|[9]]and its 6th trading partner.
 * Trade With **** Cuba **** Pro’s and Cons **
 * Why end the embargo? **