February 7, 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the
ongoing US embargo against Cuba, an island nation 90
miles off the coast of Florida. The embargo, known
among Cubans as "el bloqueo" or "the blockade,"
consists of economic sanctions against Cuba and
restrictions on Cuban travel and commerce for all
people and companies under US jurisdiction.
Proponents of the embargo argue that Cuba has not
met the US conditions for lifting the embargo, including
transitioning to democracy and improving human rights.
They say that backing down without getting
concessions from the Castro regime will make the
United States appear weak, and that only the Cuban
elite would benefit from open trade.
Opponents of the Cuba embargo argue that it should be
lifted because the failed policy is a Cold War relic and
has clearly not achieved its goals. They say the
sanctions harm the US economy and Cuban citizens,
and prevent opportunities to promote change and
democracy in Cuba. They say the embargo hurts
international opinion of the United States.
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