EDHS Contemporary World Affairs

Members Login
Username 
 
Password 
    Remember Me  
 
EDHS Contemporary World Affairs -> Discussion Topics, Week C -> Cuba's President Castro Sends Positive Signals to the New Obama Administration
Post Info TOPIC: Cuba's President Castro Sends Positive Signals to the New Obama Administration
Kody Disbrow


Veteran Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 94
Date:
Cuba's President Castro Sends Positive Signals to the New Obama Administration
Permalink  

The Obama administration has taken note of remarks both by Cuban President Raul Castro and by his brother, former President Fidel Castro, expressing, in part, positive sentiments about Barack Obama and the significance of his presidency, according to a senior State Department official. Both Castros, using somewhat different language, have said they view Obama as intelligent and sincere in wanting to change U.S. foreign policy and see his presidency as historic.

The Castros' remarks have come since the U.S. election and have continued occasionally in interviews, comments to the media, and, in the case of Fidel Castro, his frequent articles in the Cuban press. "I think the statements are important. They've registered," said the State Department official.


U.S. policy toward Cuba, including the various restrictions that flow from a 47-year-old economic embargo, will be reviewed by Obama administration agencies. During the campaign, Obama said that he intended to remove restrictions on travel and remittances to Cuba by Cuban-Americans and that he favored well-prepared "direct diplomacy" with the island's communist government.


Outside analysts are watching closely for moves from either Washington or Havana to lessen tensions and begin a dialogue on some of the disputes dividing them.


The State Department official's comments also offer a sense of how Cuba's modest economic reformsin agriculture and consumer purchasingare being perceived in official Washington. "The steps have been very small. They've been very controlled," said the official. "They're looking for ways to signal they're capable of economic change."


On the internal scene in Cuba, the official spoke of a "significant desire, and even pressure, on them [Cuban officials] for social and economic reform." The official added, "The Cuban government has to respond in some fashion."

Do you think we should change our current policy towards Cuba or should we leave it as it is?



__________________
ich_binJason


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 278
Date:
Permalink  

I'm in favor of leaving it as it is. Cuba still locks up political prisoners with no end in sight, most of their population are living on $20 a month? Until they fundamentally change their communist regime, we shouldn't change our course with them. I'm down for direct diplomacy, but if Cuba isn't going to dish out any change, why should we change. What benefit does it give to us? A happier tone towards the USA from South America?

__________________
Go Magic! Beat La!
Bonemail-(Christophe K)


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 258
Date:
Permalink  

I believe there is no reason to continue relations with a country like cuba. A lot of people said some very nice things about Obama and it does not make them all his friends. He should understand that if he opens up relations with cuba he is only giving the cuban government more money to oppress it's people. Regretfully we do buisness with China but with near 2 billsion people in china and much mre economic power is a much bigger issue then a small island nation.

If anything I believe that we should help give insentives for cuban people to revolt and start there own government. A proper democracy is what we should seek not a oppressive dictatorship. No double standards no matter where in the world.  Just ask a cuban they will agree that the Castros have to go.

__________________
It does not require a majority to prevail, but rather an irate, tireless minority keen to set brush fires in people's minds. 
Samuel Adams 
Sandy


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 127
Date:
Permalink  

I think that it really isnt a top priority for the US to change their current polcy towards Cuba, therefore we dont really have to focus on it right now. We should give it time for Cuba to change. If they dont then we dont change our policy and if they do, then we can put it under consideration. The fact is that Obama has been President for less than a month so we dont know if the Castro's will change their mind.

__________________

"You never know how far you can fly until you spread your wings"
KW00D


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 268
Date:
Permalink  

Just because a political leader likes our new president doesn't mean we should be friends with their country. Many people just like him because he's still a 'fresh face' to the rest of the world.

As for changing ourselves to improve relations with cuba, I am not in favor of it. I think that it's good that cuba is making some changes, but I think that the changes must be more drastic before we consider anything else.

For a communist country to suddenly reach out and support a capitalist nation, especially a wold power like the US, seems slightly suspicious in my opinion. I think that if anything gets done, it should be done carefully. We're treading in some dangerous water by trusting that these changes in Cuba will be stable and that they'll continue to grow.


__________________
Karen Lozano :]
Snackycakes


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 252
Date:
Permalink  

Until Cuba shows a massive change in their government, and ample progress has been made toward a reformed economy, our policy should remain the same.

__________________

Jeremy
Vanessabug


Senior Member

Status: Offline
Posts: 248
Date:
Permalink  

I think we should leave it as it is! All they did was say nice things about our president. It could just be sweet talk. I dont think that we should change our policy just because the Castros are trying to butter up Obama.

__________________
Page 1 of 1  sorted by
 
Quick Reply

Please log in to post quick replies.
EDHS Contemporary World Affairs -> Discussion Topics, Week C -> Cuba's President Castro Sends Positive Signals to the New Obama Administration


Create your own FREE Forum
Report Abuse 		Powered by ActiveBoard