politics
Cuba opened its economy on Washington's orders. Rubio's answer: more sanctions
The United States has demanded that Cuba open up to private investment, and Cuba has passed sweeping reforms to encourage just that. So Cuba’s U.N. ambassador says he wants to know why Washington keeps piling on sanctions that stymie the very economic opening it has sought for decades.
TL;DR
- Cuba has introduced sweeping reforms to encourage private investment, following U.S. demands.
- Cuba's U.N. ambassador questions why the U.S. continues to impose sanctions that hinder the desired economic opening.
- The U.S. State Department states that new sanctions will continue to be announced to close off "escape valves" for the Cuban government.
- Recent U.S. sanctions target Cuban state-owned mining, metal, and construction companies.
- These sanctions, along with an oil blockade, have exacerbated existing problems in Cuba, including blackouts and shortages of goods.
- Experts suggest the U.S. goal may be to overthrow the Cuban government, not just to open its economy.
- Cuba's economic reforms, announced in June, include more space for private businesses, direct imports/exports, authorization for private banks, and opportunities for foreign fast-food chains.
- U.S. officials like Marco Rubio express skepticism about Cuba's reforms, viewing the government as incompetent and a threat to U.S. national security.
- Talks are ongoing between the U.S. and Cuba, but the U.S. maintains its policy of "aggression."