For half a century now, Cuba has been facing an economic, financial, and commercial embargo imposed by the United States. When Cuba nationalized foreign property and businesses (nationalization of American-owned oil refineries in Cuba) in the 1960s, the Unites States government imposed an economic sanction against Cuba by stopping sugar cane imports from the country. Moreover, the scope of the sanction has widened over the years comprising of economic, financial, and commercial sanctions. In 1960, the US came up with a policy to isolate the island nation through a number of economic and financial sanctions such as the trade embargo and financial transactions, freezing of Cuba government assets in the US, and prohibition of financial transactions with Cuba. International forums including the UN General Assembly and the International Community have continuously condemned the ongoing embargo against Cuba because it violates international law such as the human rights.
The various US administrations have made attempts to correct the Cuba embargo, for instance the Clinton Administration (1998), to enhance direct flights to Cuba, streamlining of commercial sale of medicine, equipment, and medical supplies to Cuba and resumption of cash remittances by the US nationals in order to support their relatives in Cuba. In 1999, the Bush administration further implemented policies intended to help Cuba people. An example is the broadening of cash remittances to ensure that all the US residents can send cash to Cuba and loosening travel bans for a number of traveler categories such as sports activities, religious, and professional researchers.
The Bush administration, on the other hand, also tightened the sanctions by isolating Cuba through a number of economic sanctions.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Correction Policies and Improvements
- Clinton Administration
- Bush Administration
- Obama Administration
- Other Improvements towards US Embargo to Cuba
- Despite these efforts to end the US embargo
- The other problem to the solution is the increasing concerns on terrorism issues in Cuba
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This text examines the long-standing US embargo against Cuba, its historical evolution, and various attempts by different US administrations to modify or lift the sanctions. It analyzes the rationale behind the embargo, including concerns about human rights and the political system in Cuba. The text also explores the impacts of the embargo on the Cuban people and the broader international community.
- The history and evolution of the US embargo against Cuba
- The motivations behind the embargo and its intended effects
- The impacts of the embargo on Cuba and its people
- The role of international law and human rights in the debate
- Efforts by US administrations to modify or lift the embargo
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction provides a historical overview of the US embargo against Cuba, starting with its origins in the 1960s following the Cuban Revolution. It highlights the range of economic, financial, and commercial sanctions imposed by the US and the international condemnation they have received. The text then delves into correction policies and improvements made by different US administrations, analyzing the steps taken by the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations towards modifying the embargo. This includes measures like increasing direct flights, streamlining commercial sales of medical supplies, and loosening travel restrictions for certain categories of travelers. Despite these changes, the embargo has remained in place, often tightened during times of heightened political tensions.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The main keywords and topics of the text revolve around the US embargo against Cuba, its historical development, and the efforts to modify or lift it. These include: US embargo, Cuba, economic sanctions, financial sanctions, commercial sanctions, human rights, democracy, terrorism, political relations, US foreign policy, international law, and the impact of the embargo on Cuban citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the historical origins of the US embargo against Cuba?
The embargo began in the 1960s after Cuba nationalized American-owned oil refineries and other properties. In response, the US stopped sugar cane imports and later expanded sanctions to include financial and commercial restrictions.
How did the Clinton administration attempt to modify the Cuba embargo?
In 1998, the Clinton administration took steps to enhance direct flights to Cuba, streamlined the sale of medical supplies, and allowed US nationals to resume cash remittances to support relatives on the island.
What changes were made to the embargo policies during the Bush administration?
The Bush administration initially broadened cash remittances and loosened travel bans for specific groups like researchers and religious organizations, but later tightened economic sanctions to further isolate the nation.
Why has the international community condemned the US embargo?
International bodies like the UN General Assembly argue that the embargo violates international law and human rights, particularly concerning the economic well-being of the Cuban people.
What are the key themes regarding the US-Cuba relationship in this text?
The text focuses on the history and evolution of sanctions, the role of human rights and democracy, international law, and the specific policy shifts made by the Clinton, Bush, and Obama administrations.
- Quote paper
- Caroline Mutuku (Author), 2018, Attempts to Correct the US Embargo Against Cuba, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/430698
