Thursday, June 2, 2016
GDBB 8 - Cuba & the US
Use one of the current events sources linked at http://svhs-hwc-fall2016.blogspot.com/2016/06/approved-sources-for-hwc-current-events.html to find at least 2 recent news article that relate to, support, or refute Shifter and Raderstorf's assertion about the evolving relationship between the United States & Cuba. Your comment should include the titles of and links to the news article. Then, briefly summarize these articles with an explanation of how these sources relate to the arguments presented in the briefing book. Don't forget to check your rubric for evaluation criteria!
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The first article gives an analysis of Obama’s current actions for gaining peace with Cuba. After years of dispute and war, Obama has come to the conclusion that it is time for them to forget the past of U.S. and Cuban relations and strive to become peaceful. Obama states that he hopes to build a “journey as friends and as neighbors and as family, together” with Cuba. In addition, Obama calls to remove the U.S. trade embargo against Cuba after 54 years. Finally, the U.S. appreciates the free speech of not only its citizens but the citizens of Cuba too. In essence, the U.S. and Cuban relations are moving towards a peaceful relationship. (“Obama invokes 'future of hope' for Cuban people” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35874559)
ReplyDeleteThe second article describes the difficult past between the U.S. and Cuba. After the war, when the U.S. and Cuba tried to reach an agreement, Cuba insisted on the embargo being lifted without exception. In addition, Cuba refused to change its communist government into a democracy. On the other hand, the U.S. is now able to enjoy visiting Cuba and benefiting from its production industry. Overall, the U.S. and Cuba faced hard times in the past but now work to become at peace with each other. (“US-Cuba relations in the spotlight” http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/593643.stm)
Both of the articles in addition to Michael Shifter and Ben Raderstorf’s “Cuba and the U.S.” support the fact that the U.S. and Cuba are trying to repair their destructive relationship. Although opposed by some, President Obama continues to try to remove the embargo in order to strengthen relations. In addition, the U.S. tries to encourage the Cubans in their movement towards a better government system and leadership. All things considered, the U.S. and Cuba strive to become peaceful neighbors.
The US and Cuba have a long history starting at the Cold War. Over the past year the two countries have started to allow citizens to travel between them and have given some US commercial airlines the privilege of flying between the US and Cuba. It was believed that if relations were better then Cuba's government would recognize human right and start to become a democracy, but instead helped the Cuban government: "If anything, they add, stepped-up diplomacy with Cuba's communist government has only legitimized a regime that denies its people basic democratic and human rights." However, the new normalization policy can not be reversed now, and the next president will have adapt Obama's policy to their views. Overall, the new US-Cuba relationship has yet to affect the lives of civilians. ("US-Cuba relations: On first anniversary, still on the path to normal?" http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Foreign-Policy/2016/0721/US-Cuba-relations-On-first-anniversary-still-on-the-path-to-normal-video)
ReplyDeleteThe first part of the new US-Cuba deal is coming into action this fall. Americans and Cubans will soon have the ability to travel between the countries, but there is a limit of 20 round-trip flights per day. In the end, American citizens will soon be able to travel to a new destination. ("Cuba, here they come: US approves six air carriers" http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2016/0610/Cuba-here-they-come-US-approves-six-air-carriers)
The article “US-Cuba relations: On first anniversary still on the path to normal?” examines what has happened over the past year since the US and Cuba have established a new relationship. “Cuba, here they come: US approves six air carriers” is an article about how the US and Cuba starting to put their plan of normalizing relations into affect.
Cuba, a Country Frozen in Time
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/16/opinion/cuba-a-country-frozen-in-time.html
Cuba’s Havana was recently chosen for as a historic city because while it was so isolated it remained in the old era with outdated cars, washing machines and dolls. It also appears that the city will stay that way for a while even though US relations have gotten better. Many celebrities have come to Cuba to view the old era as it was lived and how it still is being lived in Cuba. This has made the Cubans something of an exotic species to visitors and they do not like it. Cubans have also recently gained wifi so they can talk to relatives outside the country for the first time. The final thing was Castro’s announcement to step down, yet even in this announcement he still proposed where he thought the country should go.
Pope Francis encourages the U.S. and Cuba to keep improving relations
http://theweek.com/speedreads/578326/pope-francis-encourages-cuba-keep-improving-relations
The Pope helped the US and Cuba to fix its relations. In a recent tour he has also pushed the US and Cuba to continue to improve their relations. He want the US to repeal the trade embargo. The pope has already visited Havana and is going to continue on to visit the US too.
The first article talks about something Michael Shifter and Ben Raderstorf never fully addressed in their article: the state Cuba’s people were living in when the US gained better relations with them. The article states how Cubans were living in an unmodernized era and also talked about how Cubans reacted to some of the new inventions like wifi. This was a good continuation on the information already presented by Shifter and Raderstorf. The second article goes into detail on the Pope’s opinions and advice for the US and Cuba in their relations. The article by Shifter and Raderstorf mentioned the Pope had been part of the improved relations and the second article talks about his continued involvement. The two articles have expanded upon ideas that were only mentioned in the article “Cuba and the U.S.”.
The first article discusses the recent move of 15 Guantanamo Bay prisoners. Recently, the US released 15 Guantanamo Bay prisoners, and handed them over to the United Arab Emirates. Since the 15 prisoners have been released, Guantanamo Bay only has 61 prisoners left. President Obama is trying to close the prison before the end of his presidency, in hopes of mending the relationship with Cuba. After the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Guantanamo Bay became notorious and has held 780 prisoners. Obama has turned over 15 prisoners, which is the largest amount he has turned over at one time during his presidency, and he is continuing efforts. After leaving Guantanamo, the prisoners will most likely be placed in a program in the UAE that will help them readjust to life. Another 19 prisoners have already been cleared to be moved to other nations, since the 15 left. The U.S. and other nations are working endlessly to shut the prison down for good. (Washington Transfers 15 Guantanamo Prisoners to UAE http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/08/transfers-15-guantanamo-prisoners-uae-160816051309562.html)
ReplyDeleteThe second article discusses a trial for one of the leaders of the Taliban in Indonesia. During the trial a man known as Hambali asked for his release. There are release hearings in Guantanamo Bay that are held by US National Security members that allow prisoners to explain why they should be released. Hambali, who is accused of being behind a nightclub bombing that, killed 200 people in Bali, Indonesia. While Hambali’s representative has said he is ready to return to society and live a peaceful life, Indonesia does not want him to leave US custody. There are only 61 prisoners remaining in Guantanamo Bay, however for prisoners like Hambali, it will be difficult to move them or reinstate them into society due to the public’s safety. Hambali’s future is uncertain, as are the futures of many of the remaining prisoners, as Obama rushes to shut down Guantanamo Bay. (“High-profile Guantanamo prisoner makes his first appearance before a review board” https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/high-profile-guantanamo-prisoner-makes-his-first-appearance-before-a-review-board/2016/08/18/7f7448bc-655a-11e6-96c0-37533479f3f5_story.html)
The articles both support statements from “Cuba & The US” by Michael Shifter and Ben Raderstorf. In “Cuba & The US”, Shifter and Raderstorf discuss Guantanamo Bay and the relationship between Cuba and the US. The first article supports the idea of the US trying to close Guantanamo Bay. The article explains how recently the US released 15 prisoners to the UAE. The second article also supports the idea of the US trying to close Guantanamo Bay, and the difficulty the US faces. The article explains how high-risk prisoners are now asking for their releases, but the release of these prisoners will be difficulty because societies do not want them. The future of Guantanamo Bay is uncertain, as the US looks to close the prison down forever.
In the first article, it discusses the current relationship between the United States and Cuba, and how the relations between these two is becoming much better. In recent months, president Obama has been able to ease the travel restrictions placed on Cuba, and because of this, many citizens of Cuba have called for the U.S to help ease the economic restriction that have been placed on Cuba, which has been probably the hardest to cope with for Cuba because of the lack of any technological or economic growth, making Cuba one of the least advanced. Although the cubans are happy and proud of what is happening between the U.S and Cuba, many are worried that the next U.S president might not cope with Cuba and might not help ease the economic restrictions for Cuba, still keeping tension between the U.S and Cuba.
ReplyDelete"What next for US-Cuba relations?"
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37059700
In the second article, it further analyzes Obama's visit to Cuba, showing that this visit can cement a positive relationship between the United States and Cuba, helping many Cubans have hope in the economic future for Cuba because of how much of an important issue it has been the past 50 years. Obama has also expressed that he wants to help ease the economic restrictions and raise awareness for the human abuse rights in Cuba.
"President Obama Touches Down In Cuba, Commencing A Historic Visit"
http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/03/20/471190812/president-obama-touches-down-in-cuba-commencing-a-historic-visit
I picked these two articles because they both support what the two authors, Michael Shifter and Ben Raederstrof, discussed. The first article helped support what they said by explaining the advantages that this historic visit can have on both of these countries, and how the many restrictions put on Cuba can possibly be lifted. The second article also analyzes the visit and talks about how what Obama went to do there, and that is to ease the tension between the two countries. This fully supports what Shifter and Raderstorf said and shows that this visit might be the single most important event for Cuba in the past 50 years.
The first article adds on to what Marco Rubio stated about the United States and Cuba's relationship. In addition to what Shifter and Raderstorf said, this article also includes that if elected, Marco Rubio would have returned Cuba to the State Sponsor of Terror List. The article also adds that Rubio has given Castro the choice to change his ways of leading and receive a restored relationship with the United States or to continue his way of leading and not bother with trying to restore their relationship. ("Marco Rubio tells it like it is on Iran and Cuba" https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/right-turn/wp/2015/08/14/marco-rubio-tells-it-like-it-is-on-iran-and-cuba/?utm_term=.ccf4597b17fb )
ReplyDeleteThe second article states that The United States and Cuba are continuing to better their relationship after President Obama visits the country. The article states: "Mr. Obama’s engagement policy and Mr. Castro’s minor opening to free-market ideas and careful criticism have together created a new dynamic for Cuba that is just beginning to reveal what it could become" therefore stating that their relationship in continuing to become less frugal. The article also says that since the deal, tourism in Cuba has increased greatly and the divide between the countries has diminished. ("With Obama Visit To Cuba, Old Battle Lines Fade" http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/27/world/americas/with-obama-visit-to-cuba-old-battle-lines-fade.html )
I chose these two article because they both add to what Shifter and Raderstorf stated in their article. Article two includes that The United States and Cuba are bettering their relationship and doing what it takes to get rid of the past divides between the two counties. The first article elaborates more on what Marco Rubio had in his plans to do if he were to be elected as president, something Shifter and Raderstorf did not continue to talk about.
The first article discusses how the U.S. and Cuba are working to increase their standings with each other. They are trying to become friendly nations with each other and make it so imports can go between the two nations. Many Cubans are worried with the new president that will be taking office soon. They would prefer Obama to remain in office for another term because the next president could have a negative impact on the new relations. Many Cubans do not support Hillary Clinton because she was a supporter in tightening restrictions on imports ("What next for US-Cuba relations?" http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37059700).
ReplyDeleteThe second article discusses how the U.S. and Cuba are working to start the commercial airline service between the two nations. Before now there was no direct flight from one country to the other. There are still restrictions on flights to the Caribbean Islands. There are several Criteria that need to be met before they can fly there ("US and Cuba agree to resume commercial airline service" http://www.pri.org/stories/2015-12-17/us-and-cuba-agree-resume-commercial-airline-service).
The first and second article both discuss ways that Cuba and the U.S. are working to increase their relation. Both articles discuss the future of such events and what is planned to happen. The first article is about what is to come with the increased standings. The second article is how there will soon be flights between the two countries.
The first article describes the memorable meeting of President Obama and Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez. Obama wants to turn a new leaf when it comes to Cuba-U.S. relations. Obama wishes to make amends with Cuba even though they are a communist country and Cuba is more than happy to be taken off of a list of countries that the United States accused of being for terrorism worldwide. If Cuba is omitted from the list, there is a possibility that it may ease their financial struggle, which would be a huge step in the right direction. ("US and Cuba Hold Highest-level Meeting in over 50 Years." BBC News, BBC, 10 Apr. 2015, www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-32245580.)
ReplyDeleteThe second article states that since March 15th, America’s government has lightened the limitations which include Cubans acquiring United States salaries and letting people travel to Cuba for their own learning purposes. Fidel Castro, Cuba’s current president, has been taking strides of his own and because of his advances, and with the help of President Obama, Cuba is beginning to see new changes. ("Cuban Thaw: A History of US-Cuban Relations." The Economist, www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2016/03/daily-chart-7. Accessed 18 Mar. 2016.)
Both of these articles describe the strides that Cuba and the United States are taking in order to mend their relationship. Michael Shifter and Ben Raderstorf, the co-authors of this section in the Great Decisions Briefing Book, describe the timeline of events that have happened in the past when it comes to US-Cuban relations. They also describe the importance of stability between the two countries which will be beneficial in the long run. The first article also describes the past important meetings that Cuban leaders and past American presidents have had. Additionally, the second article confirms what the book says about the steps Cuba is taking to better itself.
The first article I looked at reads on Obama's visit to Cuba earlier this year, and how U.S.-Cuban relations have been drastically improving. It talks about discussions between leaders on how Cuba's political system will change in the immediate future, and how the generational divide in Cuba could ultimately tear apart their current government system. It also brings up points on how, despite public opinion in the U.S. and Cuba, Cuba is not the disaster it is believed to be (Obama begins historic visit to Cuba, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/as-cubans-wait-for-obama-tension-and-excitement-on-havanas-streets/2016/03/20/78726756-eed1-11e5-89c3-a647fcce95e0_story.html).
ReplyDeleteThe second article, although brief, brings up a controversial visit of an Iranian Foreign Minister visiting Cuba. He believes that Cuba and Iran are similar in that they have both been set back significantly by the U.S., and that the countries have shown incredible strength when dealing with foreign issues (Iranian Foreign Minister Starts Latin American Tour in Cuba, http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/08/22/world/americas/ap-iran-latin-america.html).
These articles are united in supporting Shifter and Raderstorf's points in that they show both the positive growth that Cuba needs to experience in reintegrating, and also the dangerous ideas that could potentially poison them in the coming shift of power in their government. Cuba will have to be careful in who they choose to be their friends, or they could remain a confused and alienated communist society.
The first article from The New York Times is about the ever changing relationship the U.S. has with Cuba. To start, the article explains how Washington and the capitol of Cuba, Havana, have started to cooperate on subjects such as health care, climate change, and agriculture. In the article by Michael Shifter and Ben Raderstorf they explain how in recent years Cuba and the U.S. have begun to rebuild their formally poisonous relationship. Both articles mention the embargo set by both countries, but both also mention the efforts to lift the embargo. The New York Times article goes into more detail, however, on Cuba’s worsening economics. Both articles mention Cuba’s dependence on Venezuela. Article one and the article found in Great Decisions are very similar in what they inform the reader of.
ReplyDeleteThe second article if from BBC News and is different from the article in Great Decisions because it focuses primarily on the future of U.S. and Cuba relations. In the second article the embargo is mentioned and President Obama stated that if the U.S. wants to further relations with Cuba, then we must lift the embargo. The second article also mentions that travel restrictions between both countries have been removed. This is mentioned in Great Decisions as well. The article also focuses on the upcoming election in the United States. Great Decisions does not mention anything about this. Overall, the second article was similar to the Great Decisions articles in that they both talk about future relations among both countries.
First Article Title: America’s Conflicted Cuba Policy
First Article Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/24/opinion/sunday/americas-conflicted-cuba-policy.html
Second Article Title: What Next for U.S.-Cuba Relations?
Second Article Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37059700
In the first article, travel restrictions have been eased, and much more is happening. Obama visited Cuba, and the next phase to normalization is lifting economic embargo. Clinton thinks that the embargo should be lifted, but Cubans don't trust her entirely. Trump is in the middle of all of this, he doesn't have a direct statement. Clinton’s and Trump’ opinions on Cuba are given in the article. (“What next for US-Cuba relations?” http://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-37059700)
ReplyDeleteIn the second article, flights have just began from America to Cuba. This shows that Cuban and American relations are very good, since they are trusting each other again with flight. Cuba is very beautiful no many houses and hotels are getting spruced up to look nice for the many American tourists. Due to Obama’s decision many tourists will come, but not everyone is overjoyed. There are many amenities in Cuba near hotels for people to use. The torpor it's will help Cuban businesses, and help them make more money. ("Cuba Prepares For Onslaught Of American Tourists As Commercial Flights Open Up" http://www.npr.org/2016/08/14/489964170/cuba-prepares-for-onslaught-of-american-tourists-as-commercial-flights-open-up)
Both of these articles agree with Shifter and Raderstorf’s statement that relations between Cuba and the United States are getting stronger. The first article shows that Clinton and Obama are for Cuba, but Trump is not against Cuba. The second article shows that they are easing up on the flights to Cuba, which means that they are becoming more trusted. Overall, Cuba is becoming a very close partner to America because of Obama, but he is leaving soon.