Global Perspectives: U.S. should lift embargo against Cuba
Natalia Rivera
Issue date: 2/17/09 Section: Opinion
On January 30, The New York Times' Michael Schwirtz reported that Russia's president Dmitri Medvedev and Cuban leader Raúl Castro "signed a strategic partnership and several other documents…aimed at rekindling an alliance that collapsed after the cold war." The reestablishment of diplomatic affairs between the two countries ensures Russia's continued presence in Latin American affairs. Also, the political alliance indicates ongoing tension between Russia and the United States. Overall, the economic ties between Russia and Cuba are troubling to the United States, since both countries have exhibited anti-capitalist sentiments.
Cuba's cooperation with Russia stems from economic difficulties provoked by the current financial crisis along with an increase in oil prices. Cuba will attempt to reverse the effects of the economic downturn by expanding "cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, science and tourism" with Russia. In return, Russia has promised a $20 million loan to help develop Cuba's infrastructure along with its energy and agricultural sectors. Trade between the two countries has reportedly increased by 26 percent, indicating that these political ties seem to be economically beneficial for Cuba.
Undoubtedly, Russian involvement in Cuban affairs is driven by recent political disputes with the United States. In the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Georgia was promised an invitation to join NATO, a decision strongly opposed by Putin. Russian-American relations worsened during the Georgia-Russia Conflict when the United States openly supported Georgian anti-Russian policies, attempting to prevent a modern day Russian "sphere of influence." Historical tension continues to persist between Russia and the United States.
Russia's government is fully aware that Latin American affairs were neglected under the Bush administration due to the current war in Iraq. Cuba, as established in the Cold War, is a strategic ally during times of tense Russian-American relations. Russia was reportedly the first country to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba this past fall of 2008 after a series of devastating hurricanes. Russia reportedly provided medicines, construction supplies and a "delivery of 25,000 tons of grain" to the island. Russia's willingness to supply the humanitarian aid in such a crisis demonstrates its desire to strengthen its ties with Cuba.
Cuba's cooperation with Russia stems from economic difficulties provoked by the current financial crisis along with an increase in oil prices. Cuba will attempt to reverse the effects of the economic downturn by expanding "cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, science and tourism" with Russia. In return, Russia has promised a $20 million loan to help develop Cuba's infrastructure along with its energy and agricultural sectors. Trade between the two countries has reportedly increased by 26 percent, indicating that these political ties seem to be economically beneficial for Cuba.
Undoubtedly, Russian involvement in Cuban affairs is driven by recent political disputes with the United States. In the 2008 Bucharest Summit, Georgia was promised an invitation to join NATO, a decision strongly opposed by Putin. Russian-American relations worsened during the Georgia-Russia Conflict when the United States openly supported Georgian anti-Russian policies, attempting to prevent a modern day Russian "sphere of influence." Historical tension continues to persist between Russia and the United States.
Russia's government is fully aware that Latin American affairs were neglected under the Bush administration due to the current war in Iraq. Cuba, as established in the Cold War, is a strategic ally during times of tense Russian-American relations. Russia was reportedly the first country to provide humanitarian aid to Cuba this past fall of 2008 after a series of devastating hurricanes. Russia reportedly provided medicines, construction supplies and a "delivery of 25,000 tons of grain" to the island. Russia's willingness to supply the humanitarian aid in such a crisis demonstrates its desire to strengthen its ties with Cuba.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
J. Wright
posted 4/30/09 @ 8:52 PM EST
It is definately time to lift the Embargo against Cuba. Time for America's big bully tactics to be a thing of the past especially against this tiny country. (Continued…)
646-204
posted 6/04/09 @ 5:13 AM EST
We talked in broad terms, more about principles than about details, and what would make sense between two sovereign nations and how we would want to see those conversations proceed," Lee said of their meeting on Saturday with Foreign Minister Rodriguez. (Continued…)
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