US-Cuban Relations under Obama

[derspiess]

The changing back & forth rhetoric between the US and Cuba has been interesting so far in the Obama era.  Not long ago, it sounded as if the Barack-Raul lovefest might indeed spawn normalized relations-- some 'analysts' were even anticipating a deal of sorts at the recent Summit of the Americas.  The resumption of some travel/remittances to Cuba seemed to generate some serious momentum.

Hell, I thought Obama might very well be able to get some concessions out of Cuba in exchange for ending the embargo (this is my preferred scenario, btw.)

Well since the summit, it seems that Fidel has reeled in his little brother a bit, first "clarifying" Raul's statement that expressed willingness to put human rights on the table for potential US-Cuba talks, and now by accusing the US of wanting to "enslave" Cuba. 

I know this idiotic bullshit is typical for his May Day speeches/statements, but Fidel seems to be upping the rhetoric to prevent any improvement in US-Cuba relations. 

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090501/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/cb_cuba;_ylt=AnEDqBeiOtbLAj1fk5CctJm3IxIF


Thoughts?  What will/should Obama do?  Should the US demand concessions of some sort from Cuba?  Would Obama be willing to expend political capital to cancel the embargo without preconditions?

[PDH]

I think the CIA should arm the Cubans in America with vintage World War 2 weapons and allow them to try and take back the island.

[Grey Fox]

The Cuban in Florida hate Castro, to win the Presindency you need Florida.

[saskganesh]

just drop the embargo and let the Floridians buy the island. problem solved.

[Grallon]

...



Thoughts?  What will/should Obama do?  Should the US demand concessions of some sort from Cuba?  Would Obama be willing to expend political capital to cancel the embargo without preconditions?

Remember, the US under Obama are trying to improve their image on the world stage.  In that light, the they should not make 'demands' of anyone.  Besides if a 50 year embargo hasn't cowed Cuba, maintaining it for another 50 won't make a difference.  So how exactly would asking for concessions work ?  A third war perhaps ?  And what would such concessions be anyway ?




G.

[Berkut]

Indeed, grallon is right.

Obama should go ask raul what the US can do in return for the US for dropping the embargo. We should make some concessions to Cuba, and maybe then they will allow us to reset the relationship.

[DGuller]

I think Obama should lift the embargo regardless.  If he manages to get something out of Cuba, good.  If not, then the embargo is still stupid, and should go.  History shows that open relations with free market democracies are the biggest danger to communist regimes, so we can put a dent in Cuba's communism that way even without getting any concessions.

[Ancient Demon]

Wait for Fidel Castro to die, then lift the embargo. I don't think any improvement in relations is possible as long as he lives.

[KRonn]

I think the CIA should arm the Cubans in America with vintage World War 2 weapons and allow them to try and take back the island.

This sounds like the best plan.

Hmm... I wonder if it's been tried before....

[garbon]

What's the point of the embargo again?

[Richard Hakluyt]

It's purpose is to prop up the Communist regime in Cuba by giving them a believable external threat.

[Martinus]

I think US should take a hardline approach towards Cuba until all those guilty of human rights abuse and torture in the Cuban military base of Guantanamo are brought to justice.

[Berkut]

I think US should take a hardline approach towards Cuba until all those guilty of human rights abuse and torture in the Cuban military base of Guantanamo are brought to justice.

Done.

[Berkut]

It's purpose is to prop up the Communist regime in Cuba by giving them a believable external threat.

Meh, I am no fan of the embargo, but the idea that it is what is keeping the Castros in charge is a bit of a stretch.

[Razgovory]

I think the CIA should arm the Cubans in America with vintage World War 2 weapons and allow them to try and take back the island.

But this time we should shoot any that try to get back.