Sweig and Bustamante’s article discusses the current state of Cuba, and the changes it has been undergoing since Obama’s inauguration, and the change of power from Fidel Castro to his brother Raul in Cuba. The authors discuss possible changes Cuba could make, such as immigration and emigration reform, as well as a change in how private businesses are regulated. Changes are being made quickly by Obama and Castro’s administrations to open up relations and encourage travel between the two countries, but whether or not the changes will stay in effect can’t be known yet.
Sweeney, John P. “Why the Cuban Trade Embargo Should Be Maintained.” Heritage.org. N.p. Web. 20 March 2016. <http://www.heritage.org/research/reports/1994/11/bg1010nbsp-why-the-cuban-trade>.
True Summary
Author John P Sweeney wrote an article on Heritage.org stating that the embargo should be kept. He brought up points about how the embargo is slowly causing the Castro Regime to die. He said that “Castro is trying to force the United States to lift the embargo in order to resuscitate his dying communist regime with billions of dollars in trade, investment, and international aid.” and also stated that Castro is not making any economic or political concessions in return. Cuba is in an economic crisis and its own currency is useless. This is affecting the amount of food allotted per person and also limits individuals access to a healthy lifestyle – women are turning to prostitution to get money. This article gave me a starting point for thinking about the side opposing ending the embargo.
Benjamin, Medea. “Dividing the Pie: Cuba’s Ration System After 50 Years.” Huffington Post. 9 May 2015. Web. 3 March 2016. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/medea-benjamin/dividing-the-pie-cubas-ration-system_b_6834640.html>.
True Summary
The author of this Huffington Post article describes first-hand experience in Cuba as well as interacting and discussing topics with individuals. Food imports to Cuba are very expensive and 60% of all food is imported to Cuba. Rations are being handed out for the past 50 years, which has only gotten smaller as the years have gone on. It is given out at 12% of its original cost, negatively affecting the economy. The Cuban economy is becoming more and more two-tiered, especially when it comes to obtaining food. There is a growing wealth gap between individuals who have access to hard currency (whether it from a high paying job or through family connections in the United States) and individuals who are on the basic meal plan because they are so poor. The highest quality food is served for tourists, who pay huge amounts of money to eat. Children are not allowed to bring homemade lunches to school as they won’t see that some kids have more opportunities than others do. This new change in relations between the United States and Cuba due to the opening of the embargo makes everyone wonder how this will affect Cuba’s economy and whether it will make the wealth gap better or worse.
Moftah, Lora. “US Cuba Relations: A Timeline of the Cuban Embargo.” IBT. 17 December 2014. Web. 20 March 2016. <http://www.ibtimes.com/us-cuba-relations-timeline-cuban-embargo-1761546>.
True Summary
This website provided me with a list of dates and events regarding Cuba and the United States. It gave me a starting point for the research I had to conduct about the embargo from 1960s to now. Basically after Fidel Castro became President of Cuba, relations with the United States declined. Eventually the US placed an embargo on Cuba banning all trade and travel to and from Cuba. Cuba made a plea to the UN to end the embargo, they met 23 times with the same verdict, only 24 years later it was finally decided to end the embargo.
This article from Time magazine discusses the current state of the Cuban economy and what may happen to it in the coming years, as well as their plans on how to shape these changes. Despite the fact that much of the old guard is still resistant to the capitalization of the Cuban economy, the driving force of money continues to push Cuba in that direction. With the construction of a new free port zone just a half an hour drive from Havana and the introduction of legal American not-tourists, as they technically have to come under the guise of seeking “cultural enrichment,” but the distinction means nothing in regards to what is actually done in the country. That said, none of the Cuban government, not even the most forward-thinking of its members, are looking to directly copy-paste the United States’ economic system. Instead, the Cuban government is aiming to craft their own semi-capitalist, semi-socialist system that reflects their national values while still allowing for international investment. With Raul in power now rather than his brother Fidel, the change may come much rapidly than it otherwise would. Although the brothers share similar values, Raul’s convictions seem much less intense, and he appears to be much more willing to accept influence from the outside world.
Vick, Karl. "Cuba on the Cusp." Academic Search Complete. EBSCOhost, 6 Apr. 2015. Web. 3 Mar. 2016.
Lendman, Stephen. "Cuba Under Fidel Castro." Global Research, 28 Aug. 2006. Web. 8 Mar. 2016. <http://www.globalresearch.ca/cuba-under-fidel-castro/3084>.
This article gave extensive information about the relationship between the U.S. and Cuba regarding the embargo, the involvement of the U.S. in Cuba, and the rule of Fidel Castro. With my end of the research focusing mainly on Fidel Castro and his rise to power, it gave me a very good idea of what to focus on. It mentions how he first established his political power in Cuba and how he maintained it. He becomes politically involved in the late 40’s, joining the Orthodox party in Cuba which campaigns against government corruption. He gains his power over Batista through a revolution led by him in the late 50’s. He has maintained the violent and aggressive strategy throughout his occupancy as the head of the Cuban government. Through more research that stemmed from this article, I have also found that his political and social philosophies have changed tremendously over the years. Overall, this article gives great insight as to what led Cuba to where it is now and how Castro has played a role in that.
History.com Staff. "Cuban Missile Crisis." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2016.
<http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cuban-missile-crisis>
This was a true summary. The author’s main objective was to educate people about the cold war and the Cuban missile crisis. This is a credible source, it’s from the history network and they specialize in historical events. Their staff include many historians and specialists in their fields. I feel confident that this is a reliable and useful source. It provided great information about the Cuban Missile crisis not just in textual form but with pictures and timelines as well. This source was extremely helpful for our forum because the Cuban Missile Crisis is arguably the most important and well known United States and Cuban interaction. This source doesn’t make many assumptions; all of the information is factual and they make sure that you understand the context. If there was any assumptions made it would be that you knew something about the Cold War and the Iron Curtain.
History.com Staff. "Bay of Pigs Invasion." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 17 Mar. 2016 <http://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/bay-of-pigs-invasionhttp://www.history.com/topics/cold-war/cold-war-history>
This is also a true summary. Similar to other article I read from the History network. Once again the History network is a credible source that has a plethora of specialists in their fields. This source was excellent because it tied right into the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Bay of Pigs was crucial to the Cold War and the Cuban Missile Crisis. Once again since our forum is about Cuba the Bay of Pigs is extremely significant to United States’ relations with Cuba. The only assumptions that are made are that you are once again familiar with the Cold War, the Iron Curtain and that you know who Nikita Khrushchev and John F. Kennedy are.
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