A Useless and Anachronistic Measure

The embargo against Cuba should end.

Today, the General Assembly of the United Nations will discuss the half-century-old trade and economic embargo the United States has imposed on Cuba. Cuban authorities submitted a report estimating losses caused by Washington at $975 billion.

In 1962, during the Cold War, U.S. President John F. Kennedy, enacted a law that prevents U.S. companies from doing business with the island nation. The White House sought to pressure the Castro regime and force a political transition to democracy. Almost 50 years later, this measure has been a complete failure. Not only do the Castros remain in power in Cuba, but the embargo has fueled internal commercial support for the communist dictatorship and is blamed for the poor economic situation faced by islanders. In fact, Havana describes the embargo as “the main obstacle to development.”

The rejection of the Washington embargo against Cuba is widespread. This year marks the twentieth consecutive year that the U.N. has addressed the matter, and it will surely condemn the U.S. In 2010, 187 out of 193 U.N. members voted against the embargo, with three abstentions, and two votes to uphold it coming from the U.S. and Israel. Beyond reaffirming the overall indignation against such unnecessary isolation, these U.N. decisions do not carry serious consequences.

Barack Obama sent some signs of changing his policy toward Havana, like lifting flight restrictions and remittances. The heir to Fidel Castro, his brother Raul, has developed a series of economic liberalization initiatives, like permits for small businesses, the use of cell phones and car sales. However, neither does the U.S. appear willing to ease its stance towards the island, nor does Castro appear willing to open the door to democracy. Meanwhile, attacks on opposition groups, like the Ladies in White, and against independent bloggers have intensified. Because it is consistent with an anachronistic international framework and has failed miserably to push Cubans towards democracy, the embargo against Cuba should end.