The U.S. embargo on Cuba is a complete comprehensive economic embargo which restricts trade between the U.S. and Cuba. This embargo was first used as means to stop the trade of arms on March 14, 1958. During this time period the Batista regime was still holding a position of power. Two years later, after the Batista regime was overthrown by the revolution, the U.S. placed another embargo on all exports to Cuba except food and medical supplies.
The embargo is currently being enforced by many different acts Trading with the Enemy Act of 1917 Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 Cuban Assets Control Regulations of 1963 Cuban Democracy Act of 1992 Helms–Burton Act of 1996 Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 The purpose for this block is to stare the government of resources until they choose to move toward a democratic system and a greater advancement of human rights. However, as the years continue with no signs of shifting to a democratic system, the Cuban people are the ones who are suffering. With shortages of nearly everything, they are forced to make due with what they have. Although, the U.S. doesn't restrict the trade between Cuba and other countries, the U.S. government does have the power to decide who they do business with. In a backwards way of power trips over the economy of many other places, the U.S. has managed to severely limit the number of places that openly do business with Cuba. In 2009, Barack Obama began to slowly remove restrictions on the travel ban allowing travel and ships carrying medical equipment, food and hygiene product directly from Miami to Cuba. On April 11, 2015, Barack Obama and Raul Castro met in Cuba. This had been the first time in over 50 years that leaders from these two countries have met, with progress and ideas of fixing relations with Cuba on the horizon we have seen the restrictions get stronger within the last year. U.S. Department of State "The United States maintains a comprehensive economic embargo on the Republic of Cuba. In February 1962, President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba, in response to certain actions taken by the Cuban Government, and directed the Departments of Commerce and the Treasury to implement the embargo, which remains in place today. On June 16, 2017, President Trump issued a National Security Presidential Memorandum (NSPM) on Strengthening the Policy of the United States Toward Cuba. On November 8, 2017, the Departments of State, Commerce, and the Treasury announced certain changes to implement President Trump’s June 2017 NSPM. For additional information, please visit the relevant links below and the Cuba Restricted List." https://www.state.gov/e/eb/tfs/spi/cuba/ There is a lot of debate about the effects of the embargo. The criticisms lie in the purpose of the embargo being a "fight for rights", however, the embargo has withheld food, medical equipment, energy and other basic necessities for life. On the other hand the debate also lies with the Cuban government not surrendering its power in order for the benefit of the Cuban people. As an estimated loss of $1.2-$3.6 billion in exports per year for the U.S. economy and an estimated $753.69 billion for the island of Cuba in total. Who is the real winner here? Is there one?
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