So, the United States and Cuba have finally opened up relations.
Obviously this is a step in the right direction with respect to achieving
a state of normalcy between the two neighboring countries. But what is
bad about this and what is good about this? Let us discuss.
The Bad and the Good: Well for one, by opening up
relations with Cuba which has trained terrorists including the PLO, we
essentially endorse their past behavior. Also, political prisoners are
still going to be imprisoned due to their speaking out against the regime.
However, exposure to the United States businesses, and citizens who may
now go into Cuba can result in a change in the way of thinking for the Cuban
government due to the United States becoming a trading partner. This also
puts the U.S. in a better position to get those political prisoners freed via
economic and even political pressure due to the new state of affairs.
Additionally, while Cuba was essentially isolated from most countries
that sided with the United States during the cold war, that did not stop them
from doing medical, and environmental research. As such, Cuba has
unveiled a cure for lung cancer which may be used as the basis for a vaccine
against a multitude of cancers. Environmentally, Cuba's laws are much
stricter and this has resulted in pristine environments for scientists to do
research into earth's ocean life.
Cuba benefits also because American
businesses can now potentially set up shop there which boosts their economy.
Also, Cuba will now benefit from American tourists who wish to see the
classic cars and old style buildings that have not changed due to communist
rule and its restrictions on economic progress (not to mention the beaches and
other touristy spots that Caribbean islands have to offer). This also
means that the United States benefits from Cubans coming to the United States
as well. Many families that have not seen each other in years finally
met. People who could not leave Cuba in general can now leave and say
whatever they want politically on its government without fear of arrest.
Businesses in America benefit from the cheap labor in Cuba to make goods
and the new customers. Overall, very good situation all around.
Conclusion: Cuba and the United States is
probably the most significant positive thing to happen in the Obama
administration. This positive turn benefits both parties’ people and
economies which was needed on both sides for economic growth and prosperity.
As such, despite the human rights issues and Cuba's past with respect to
being a terrorist training ground, this turn can allow Cuba to eliminate that
from its current resume and use the new relations with the U.S. as a rebirth if
Raul Castro, Cuba's current dictator/president, allows for it.
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