Private Property in Cuba - Case Study Example

The United States Embargo on Cuba Regardless of 50 years of US restrictions, Cuba somehow has managed to last as one of the few communist states. The survival of Cuba as a state questions whether these restrictions are still worth the implementation. The sanctions implemented on Cuba by the United States will be initially discussed and further analyzed according to the views of various countries regarding this issue. It was the year 1492, when Christopher Columbus had sailed out to the ocean blue. He came across an island which was enriched with beauty so fascinating that he had never seen it before. As years went by, the Island of Cuba gradually developed into one of the most booming and substantial Latin American nation with specialties like lush plantations, coffee and its all time favorite tobacco. However, on the other hand, for almost a period of 50 years, the Caribbean nation has continuously been engaged in this courageous battle that involves its super power neighbor, the United States of America.1 In an ongoing effort towards the so called nationalization of private property in Cuba, America has performed one of the longest travel and as well as economic blockades against any specific nation. Finally after passing away of a 50 year’s milestone, global community seems to be almost united with a belief that these sanctions against Cuba have actually failed drastically. A step further, the world is now wondering as to why these American policies continue to this day. To gain a full understanding to the conflict between the United States and Cuba, we must talk about the situation that prevailed well beyond this recent 50-year deadlock and analyze aspects that emerged after the Spanish-American War. In 1898, Cuba emerged as a territory of the US, along with Philippines, Guam and Puerto Rico. Not much time had passed that in the year 1902, Theodore Roosevelt who was then the US President permitted Cuba to declare its independence as a free state. However certain terms and conditions were applied. He made an agreement with the new formed government, securing two of the major advantages. One, America holds the right to oversee Cuba’s financial and international affairs. Two, he also asked for leasing of a naval base located at Guantanamo Bay.2 As we further look into the provisions and focus on the enlarged scope of the embargo, it is noticed that the United States had placed its initial sanction and restriction on the country, Cuba in the year 1960. This was done via restrictions placed on the importations of sugar cane from Cuba. This first sanction was imposed as an answer to the step taken by the Cuban government of nationalization of foreign assets as well as other organizations. This angered the United States as most of these businesses belonged to the citizens of the United States. Since then, the US government authorities have extended such sanctions against Cuba. As a result, today it can be observed that the trade embargo has eventually broadened into an entire comprehensive set of financial, economical and commercial sanctions which are documented within regulations such as Act of 1917: Trading with the Enemy, Act of 1961: Foreign Assistance, Assets Control Regulations of Cuba (1963), Cuban Democracy Act (Torricelli Act 1992), The Trade Sanctions Reform (2000), and the 2000 Act of Export Enhancement.34 Several other sanctions and restrictions were further imposed due to which this Cuban embargo is known as a “comprehensive set of US sanctions” imposed on a nation. The restrictions that were imposed in the embargo had major impacts on the social and basic rights of people. This set of so called laws helped towards deprivation of Cuba from availing technological developments, medicines, substances for purifying water, food as well as electrical power. Not only this, economic rights were also neglected and added to the negative impact of the embargo. It extensively affected the environmental and socioeconomic aspects of the population of Cuba and has thus proved to be a hindrance in all areas of human growth and development in Cuba.5 It has been almost half a century that US officials have implemented a commercial, economic and financial embargo in Cuba. The intensity and scope of the sanction varies from time to time, depending upon the developing political situations in the USA, Cuba and nations around the globe. However, the ongoing implementation of the embargo has raged intense and frequent discussions throughout international forums. The United Nations General Assembly has denounced the US embargo time after time in contrast to the international law and Charter of United Nations. The UN General Assembly approved a resolution on 29th Oct 2008 repeating for the seventeenth time, urging USA to put an end to restrictions imposed on Cuba. 185 countries voted in approval of the UN stand whereas three nations voted in contradiction and two countries did not cast their vote. On the other hand, the Inter-American Commission has also clarified its motive by declaring that the effect of these restrictions disapproves the rights of human beings in Cuba and thus the restrictions should be removed. Owing to the unfavorable outcomes, many nations around the globe have boycotted the US restrictions since it disrupts and misuses the international law on not only social-economic and ethical grounds but also on the political stage. Since January 2009 when Barack Obama took charge of the office as President of the US, there have been intense debates and several calls at both national and international level to lift the US embargo against Cuba.6 Talking of issues other than the political and economical outcomes, the US embargo against Cuba also denies social rights of the Cuban population. It further needs to be noticed that this act affects the trade and financial sectors and is a hindrance towards provision of basic health care in Cuba. The restriction imposed on financing and trade sectors seriously limit Cuba’s ability to import medicines, related equipment and even the latest technologies, some of which are essentially required for treatment of life-threatening ailments. Due to this sanction, Cuba’s public health management is unable to deliver in the best possible ways.7 8 9 Due to awareness of the overall situation and after observing the outcomes of the US embargo against Cuba, initiatives have been taken to ease and/or lift the embargo. Over the period of past few years, Republican and Democrat members of Congress have put forward a number of bills to the House of Representatives and US Senate aimed in this direction. However, no action was taken in the Congress and some of these bills were not able to get clearance by various committees at the House or the Senate. Therefore, it is noticed that opposition has largely grown to the US embargo and it continues to enlarge as many nations analyze better financial opportunities and outcomes for trading with Cuba. The agro-industry successfully persuaded the US Congress to ease these restrictions on export of their items to Cuba. During the 1st session of the 111th Congress, dated, 6th January 2009, a total number of five bills were communicated that promoted positive commercial and trade opportunities towards Cuba.10 Undoubtedly these 50 years of sanctions have not accomplished the exact results that Americans were looking for but still they have been successful in depriving the people of Cuba from adequate water resources, medical facilities and food. There are a thousand of refugees from Cuba who have been seeking asylum in America. They have always been turned down and are forced to return back by the US Coast Guard. Those who continue to criticize embargo claim that these restrictions are eventually helping towards strengthening the Castro power framework. Throughout the previous years the United Nations has passed a number of bills to lift the embargoes. President Obama has given a public statement that his administration is willing to seek an all new start with Cuba and with his statement there has been an ease in restrictions. Even Fidel Castro has also shown positive intentions for the idea to have an open dialogue with Americans. He stated that the damage caused should not be measured only on the economic scale. It eventually cost human lives and suffering of citizens. After fifty years of a failed American plan, Castro along with Obama seemed to be on the same page whereas the entire global community is continuously pushing towards a resolution. It seems the time has actually come to lift these restrictions and open a new chapter of Cuban-American relations.11 After years of these restrictions imposed on Cuba, Pope John Paul II also charged against the US embargo on Cuba, declaring it as unfortunate and deplorable. He composed a letter addressing Cuban youth stating that the embargo has intensely affected the most needy and dependent in society. He clarified that such sanctions actually hurt the needy in the society. In his message, the Pope urged all Cubans that suffered though this prolonged economic crisis to not give in to hopelessness adding that you need to resist every temptation. He advised the youth of Cuba that they should do all that needs to be done in order to build a prosperous future and to gain freedom and dignity.12 As a matter of fact, it has happened for the 20th consecutive time that the UN General Assembly has actually voted against the 50 year old economic embargo imposed on Cuba. Statistics from last year reveal that there were a total of 187 votes in favor of putting an end to the U.S. sanctions on Cuba whereas two were against this removal. The two countries were Israel and the U.S. This is a clear indication that the rest of the world is against US for their policies towards Cuba and this was the exact statement derived from the year’s 2011 UN General Assembly Vote on Cuban Embargo. Nations like Australia, Brazil, Colombo, China, Costa Rica, Japan and Mexico have stood against the US embargo on Cuba declaring it to be a an unfruitful set of policies that are hindering the success ratio, economic development and the social issues of the Cuban population.13 Ever since 1996, the Government officials of Australia have been consistent towards supporting General Assembly resolutions for putting an end to trade embargo against Cuba and according to the Australian law they have no economic or trade legislation which will restrict trade practice or investment chances from Cuba. Similarly, Brazilian authorities have also shown consistency towards opposing the commercial, economic and financial embargo implemented against Cuba. Brazil continues to pursue a healthy economic relationship with Cuba. China, on the other hand believes that this US policy is a violation of the United Nations principles and of other United Nations resolutions. China declared that this embargo is a source of extreme financial and economic loss for Cuba adding that it is halting efforts by the Cuban authorities to eliminate poverty, promoting economic development and towards achieving necessary development goals. China further hopes that the United States, in accordance to the principles of Charter of the United Nations will actually end this embargo against Cuba and it also projects improvement in the relationship between both these countries. This way more stable conditions will be provided to the Cuban population which will lead to the development in the Caribbean as well as Latin American region.14 The Colombian government is also firm when it comes to politically support Cuba. The Colombian officials have reaffirmed that their support for Cuba will never come to an end. Costa Rica also confirmed that they are against laws that are intended to enforce any sort of economic sanctions against Cuba, and that it complies with UN General Assembly resolution. Also, the European Union along with its member States has clearly expressed their opposition towards extension of the United States embargo. Japan holds the same concerns that if implicating such legislations can cause hardship towards growing economic activities the legislation is likely to be reviewed and amended accordingly. Mexico has also laid great emphasis that the embargo has serious consequences and adverse outcomes adding that dialogue and diplomacy can be appropriate tools for settling the disputes. Therefore, Government officials of Mexico have also condemned Cuba’s economic isolation. Mexico supports Cuba so that commercial and economic exchange programs can be developed.15 16 The USA embargo continues to limit trade which directly impacts the efficiency and capacity of Cuba’s logistics framework, food production and agricultural processing. This year’s effects are far more disastrous because of the factors that involve rising food item prices and persisting drought in Cuba. According to the World Health Organization, health sector has suffered through some serious consequences due to the embargo since prices of day to day health related products have multiplied. Not only this, it is hard to acquire health items since most of them are not available. All these issues have eventually affected the overall living status of the entire population. This embargo also prevents the country’s access to donations and loans from international banking institutions, such as World Bank.17 Bruno Rodriguez, who serves as Cuban foreign minister, stated that these sanctions have cost the island's economy billions of dollars during the period of 47 year duration and that it had actually prevented Cuban children from obtaining medical care. He defines this blockade to be an unethical act of arrogance. He also mentioned that this set of laws is considered to be ethically unacceptable. Regardless of continuous efforts being carried out on the global scale, Washington has stated that Cuba still needs to come up with a few political, economic and financial changes before lifting the embargo will be brought to consideration. Rodriguez further believes that President Obama holds a historical chance to actually lead this change of policy towards Cuba and lift the blockade.18 President Obama's earlier announcement that lifted travel restrictions for those who have their families in Cuba marked a slight yet significant change in the U.S.'s current position toward the island. However, the fate of the embargo eventually rests in the hands of politicians. President, Raúl Castro has also indicated that he would like to commence a dialogue with the U.S. authorities himself.19 Since the early 1960s, the US has actually maintained this embargo on Cuba. Trade, financial transactions and travel regulations have remained isolated since then. In September 2009, responding to the legislation that was passed in the month of March Treasury and Commerce had published a few regulatory changes that would further ease some sanctions and restrictions. But the question remains the same. Is it time for a Cuban revolution? Since children of Cuba are denied of basic medical care. Its economic zone has faced unbearable crises ever since these sanctions were implemented. The social sector has highly been affected and Cuban population has been deprived of basic human rights. After conducting a detailed study, I think that it is time for the US authorities to review their policy against Cuba and solve their problems by lifting up the embargo. The world is united to find a solution to this problem faced by Cuba and majority of the global community projects considerable economic boosts, flourishing businesses and improved social lives of Cuban population in case if these sanctions are lifted for good. US need to understand the urgency of this matter. This problem demands instant attention. If this situation lingers on like this, Cuba and its population will not only suffer disastrous fallbacks, but they will not be able to compete in the fast-paced world. Time has come when these sanctions should be lifted and people of Cuba should be given chances to become a part of the global community and contribute. This will prove to be highly beneficial for not only Cuba but for the entire world. President Obama should also understand the urgency of this matter and take instant actions to ease the embargo that was imposed on Cuba for almost 50 years and counting. Bibliography Al Jazeera English. “UN condemns US embargo on Cuba.” Al Jazeera. 29 Oct. 2009. Accessed 4 Dec. 2011. http://www.aljazeera.com/news/americas/2009/10/20091028192024534424.html Amnesty International."The US Embargo Against Cuba." Amnesty International Publications, 2009. Accessed 4 Dec. 2011. http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/asset/AMR25/007/2009/en/51469f8b-73f8-47a2-a5bd-f839adf50488/amr250072009eng.pdf. "BBC News | World | Pope Attacks American Embargo." BBC News. 23 Jan. 1998. Accessed 04 Dec. 2011. http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/50092.stm. Blasier, Cole, and Carmelo Mesa-Lago. Cuba in the World. Pittsburgh: University of Pittsburgh Press, 1979. Print. Garfield, R, and S Santana. "The Impact of the Economic Crisis and the Us Embargo on Health in Cuba." American Journal of Public Health. 87.1 (1997): 15-20. Print. Nova Scotia Cuba Association. "US General Assembly Condemn the US's Blockade of Cuba." NSCUBA.ORG. 26 Oct. 2011. Accessed 04 Dec. 2011. http://www.nscuba.org. Osieja, Helen. Economic Sanctions As an Instrument of U.s. Foreign Policy: The Case of the U.s. Embargo against Cuba. Boca Raton: Dissertation.com, 2006. Print. Sornarajah, M. The Pursuit of Nationalized Property. Dordrecht: M. Nijhoff, 1986. Print. Suddath, Claire."A Brief History Of U.S.-Cuba Relations - TIME." U.S.-Cuba Relations. 15 Apr. 2009. Web. 04 Dec. 2011. http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1891359,00.html Thomas, Sean. "50 Years of Sanctions: Time for a Cuban Healing — RT." RT. 20 Oct. 2010. Accessed 4 Dec. 2011. http://rt.com/politics/us-cuba-economic-embargo/. Read More