Sunday, November 13, 2016
GDBB 8 - Cuba & the US
Use one of the current events sources linked at http://hwc-spring2017.blogspot.com/2016/11/approved-sources-for-hwc-current-events.htmlto 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!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Cuba profile - Timeline
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19576144
This article offers a timeline of all the major events that happened to Cuba since 1492. It includes events such as their war for independence, their revolution, Fidel's death, and more. It goes beyond just relations with the US as well, and explains relations with other groups such as the USSR. The article also has pictures and specific bullet points to break down the larger events. This article relates to the topic because it shows Cuba's history, and sorts the events thrown at the reader in Great Decisions so that they are chronological and easier to understand. This helps the reader when they want an overview of Cuba's history or a billeted summary of the events talked about in Great Decisions.
Trump threatens to terminate US-Cuba thaw
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-38135894
This article begins with explaining how President Barack Obama worked hard to reconcile relationships with Cuba. Then, the article explains how President-elect Trump might destroy that relationship. The article explains Trump's threat of "ending the thaw" unless Cuba offers the US "a better deal." Then the article explains what Trump's threat means to Cubans and how the White House opposed Trump's threat. If Trump follows through with his threat, it will be a severe blow to Cuba's economy. This article relates to the topic because it shows how relationships between the US and Cuba progressed from the state it was in when Great Decisions was written, before being potentially dashed to the ground. It shows how the relationship was taking strides until now, and the direction the relationship might turn in the next four years.
Cuba begins unifying currency: http://www.reuters.com/article/cuba-economy-idUSL1N0IC0DU20131022
ReplyDeleteImproving US relations has increased the number of Cuban immigrants: http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/10/24/498840762/why-improved-u-s-cuba-relations-are-creating-a-surge-of-cuban-migrants
As mentioned in the Great Decisions passage on Cuban and American relations, Cuba has recently been lifted of the burden of a full embargo from the US and it’s allies. This followed the resignation of Fidel Castro and Raul Castro taking over. Raul has proven to be more amiable to more Western ideals and has approved private businesses and have given the citizens more personal rights. The first step of a more fair economy is combining the two currencies, one is used for the locals and is the money used for wages while the other is almost exclusively used for tourists and generally appears in tourist spots. The government estimates the full combination of the two currencies should take around 18 months. Weirdly, the number of attempts to cross the Gulf of Mexico to Florida has also increased. It is thought that because the US held a special immigration status for Cubans which allowed them to stay in America if they can make to American soil, they are rushing to make it here now. They chose now because the law is planned to be lifted because of the new relationship the US has found with Cuba. In my opinion I believe the author of the article in the Great Decisions book was correct in many of his assumptions.
Cuba signs deal with Google for faster internet access
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/cuba-signs-deal-google-faster-internet-access-161213060258481.html
This article begins by stating that Cuba and Google, an American company, have reached an agreement for Google to install server in Cuba to improve the internet connection. The signals will have less distance to travel, making the connection faster. The US and Cuba began improving relations in 2015, and have moved on from there. Though the government made a wifi-based agreement with the US, many Cubans still don't have access to fully-functioning internet. Even with this aspect, the plan between Google and Cuba will progress relations even further that they've already come. This article connects to the topic because it is about relations with Google, a US based company, and how these relations and agreements affect Cuba.
Why the US-Cuba thaw should continue
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/Latin-America-Monitor/2016/1216/Why-the-US-Cuba-thaw-should-continue
The article starts by informing the reader that Cuba-US relations really began two years ago, and have continued it grow since. The Cuba Working Group was formed to improve relations as well. Many US companies began to provide their services in Cuba, which is another step towards a good relationship with Cuba. Presently, Cuba and America are working on more agreements that will help businesses, and many Americans want an end to travel restrictions in Cuba. Cuba is going through economic reform, and continued relations with the US will surely help it in the future. This article relates to the topic because it reflects on past Cuba-US relations and gives information about the possibility of future relations between the two countries.
Obama ends special immigration policy for Cubans
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/obama-ends-special-immigration-policy-cubans-170113042326472.html
US policy change leaves Cuban migrants stranded
http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/cuban-migrants-stranded-170114080717476.html
Both of these articles relate to the Great Decisions section about the United States and Cuba relationship. The articles both relate to the recent change in the "wet foot dry foot" that has been in place for awhile. This meant that cubans were coming over illegally and if they made it safely to the beaches of Florida without being caught they could become U.S. citizens. Now Obama has repealed that rule saying they must come in legally like other immigrants from other nations. The Cuban government was glad to hear about this and only bonded the United States and Cuba closer together.
Top diplomatic negotiator in Cuba warns Trump: 'aggression doesn't work'
ReplyDeletehttps://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/17/cuba-donald-trump-diplomatic-relations-obama
A foreign ministry department head told Trump that Cuba won't succumb to intimidation and aggression won't work. Recently, Cuba and the U.S. have been taking many steps forward in several ways under Obama's administration but Trump has threatened to undo all of this through aggression. While Cuba does not underestimate the truth in this statement coming from Trump, they will wait for actual action to really worry because of Trump's unpredictability and constantly changing opinions. To many, it is clear that peaceful relations with Cuba will be beneficial to both nations and potentially others, so there is still hope that Trump can be swayed by members of his cabinet who maintain these views. This article connects with the topic because they both involve a possibility of future relations with Cuba as well as challenges that come with change that could make this more difficult.
Obama ends 'wet foot, dry foot' policy for Cuban immigrants
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jan/12/obama-ends-cuba-immigration-policy-wet-foot-dry-foot
Obama removed the 'wet foot, dry foot' policy as well as several other policies that gave Cuban immigrants special privileges. This is another step forward between the two countries because it will help Cuba to stop losing so many of their workers and the U.S. will also stop receiving excessive amounts of immigrants from Cuba in addition to all of the immigrants they are receiving from other countries, like Mexico. This removal of the policy also stands a good chance of surviving with Trump because even though he is generally against diplomatic Cuban relations, he is a big advocate for limiting immigration. This article relates to the topic because it discusses how U.S. and Cuba relations are progressing and how both countries can benefit from this.
Cuba Country Profile
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-19583447
This article is mainly about, in past history, Cuba and the United States’ history was not positive, leading Fidel Castro to decide that Cuba was going to be independent. The author also states, that because of Cuba not trading and interacting with the United States, the economy today is not diverse. Now, since Raul Castro is in office, he is and did open up relationships between Cuba and the United States, and thing between the two countries are not as “tense” as they used to be with Fidel. This article goes along with what is stated in the article”Cuba and the U.S., because both articles explain how things are more lenient between the two countries, and travel is possible.
Explaining the Flight News and Rules on Travels to Cuba
https://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/21/travel/cuba-vacations.html?_r=0
This article is mainly about how basically anyone who wishes to visit or travel Cuba can go with the new rules regarding travel between the U.S. and Cuba. The author states that there are now scheduled flights from major cities that leave to go to Cuba. Although travel restrictions have “lightened up”, you have to have a specific purpose for traveling to and from Cuba. Without an approved reason, one would need to get a signed license approved by the state to schedule a flight to Cuba.
Obama Administration Ends Refugee Policy that Favored Cubans
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2017/01/12/509575935/obama-administration-ends-refugee-policy-that-favored-cubans
This article talks about the Obama administration ending the "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy that stated that Cubans who reached US soil could be granted citizenship without a visa. Obama ended this as a part of normalizing relations with Cuba; now Cuban immigrants will be treated like immigrants from any other country. He also ended the Cuban Medical Professional Parole Program, which allowed Cuban medical personnel to temporarily stay in the US. These policies had been hurting Cuba by encouraging people to leave, so this is a step in the right direction for stabilizing US-Cuban relations.
Obama Criticizes Congress for Refusing to Close Cuba Prison
https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/courts_law/obama-criticizes-congress-for-refusing-to-close-cuba-prison/2017/01/19/5357c44a-de8e-11e6-8902-610fe486791c_story.html
This article is about Obama's failed promise to close Guantanamo Bay Cuba, and his blaming Congress for it. In his early years as president, Obama tried to shut down Guantanamo Bay but was overridden by Congress. President Trump has stated that he plans to keep the prison open, so currently there is not much hope for it to be shut down, although there's little practical reason not to do so. Cuba and the US have been debating about Guantanamo Bay for years, as stated in the GDBB article, so this may have an impact on normalizing US-Cuban relations.
Can Donald Trump and Raúl Castro Make a Good Deal?
ReplyDeletehttps://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/10/opinion/can-donald-trump-and-raul-castro-make-a-good-deal.html
This article is about the increasingly flexible relations between the United States and Cuba. Cuba and the United States can now cooperate on hurricane tracking and biodiversity protection. Other agreements protect birds and fish. The US and Cuba can now also collaborate on cancer and infectious disease research. Cuba and the US have previously collaborated to stop drug trafficking and illegal immigration. The article also expands upon the differences between Fidel and Raul Castro, most notably how Raul Castro is willing to take Cuba into a state that it not communist. This relates to the chapter as it expands upon the chance of political reform in Cuba and the new relations between the US and Cuba.
Obama ends visa-free policy for Cubans who land on US soil
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Americas/2017/0113/Obama-ends-visa-free-policy-for-Cubans-who-land-on-US-soil
The “wet foot, dry foot” policy of Cuban immigration to the US was repealed earlier this month. This change was set after a series of negotiations between Cuba and the US about getting Cuba to agree to taking back people who arrived in the US. This policy treats Cuban immigration the same way that the US treats immigration from anywhere else. This creates a safer, more organized system of immigration from Cuba to the US. This relates to the chapter as it expands upon the relations between the US and Cuba.
“Cuba buries Castro, entering post-Fidel era” https://www.pri.org/stories/2016-12-04/cuba-buries-castro-entering-post-fidel-era
ReplyDeleteFidel Castro passed away on November 25, 2016, when he was ninety years old. His brother, Raul Castro led a rally in his brother’s honor. Fidel Castro’s dying wish was that nothing would be built or named in honor of him which will be followed. Many people were upset about Fidel Castro’s death and signed an oath of loyalty to respect him. People also have trust in Raul Castro now that his brother is gone. On another note, Raul Castro needs to continue working hard to allow for a smooth transition after he leaves office in 2018. It is obvious that this article relates because it talks about the death of Fidel Castro who played an important role in Cuba.
“Obama Administration Ends Policy To Let Cubans Enter U.S. Without Visa” http://www.npr.org/2017/01/13/509624476/obama-administration-ends-policy-to-let-cubans-enter-u-s-without-visa President Obama made a big decision for Cubans right before he left the White House. Obama and his administration are trying to improve governmental relationships with Cuba by changing their policy on immigration to follow the United States policy for all other immigrants. There have been mixed reactions based on this decision with some people being very happy and others very unhappy. Lastly, it is still unclear if Trump will continue with the Cuban change. This article relates because in the book it talked about all of the things Obama is doing to help improve the Cuban-U.S. relationship and this just adds one more thing Obama is doing to try and make the relationship better.
How Trump Could Easily Reverse Obama's Opening To Cuba
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/11/28/503594024/how-trump-could-easily-reverse-obamas-opening-to-cuba
This article explains how Trump could easily put back the embargo on Cuba, because Obama lifted it and changed relations without congressional approval. With this, Americans will no longer be able to do business with Cuban businesses and Cuba will not be able to get as many goods from America. Even with Americans supporting the decision, Cuba has not been as welcoming with not allowing American businesses to have offices in Cuba. Trump's stand on the matter is he has not made up his mind on keeping the current situation or not, but is aware that Cuba controls all of businesses in Cuba and is not a fan of Castro. This article relates to the book because it talks about the embargo being lifted from Cuba, as well as how it may be put in place.
Mexico returns 91 Cubans who had hoped to reach US
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/mexico-returns-91-cubans-who-had-hoped-to-reach-us/2017/01/20/13a5dbfc-df3d-11e6-8902-610fe486791c_story.html?utm_term=.19709d440ede
This article explains how Mexico had to deport 91 Cubans, 71 men and 20 women, because of the recent end of the American "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy. This policy makes Cubans who enter the U.S. illegally treated the same as other countries. With that, Cubans who were traveling through Mexico to seek entrance into the U.S. were not allowed and had to be sent back to Cuba because of the change. This article relates to the book because it explains the policy the U.S. once had and how that effects Cubans seeking a new life.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/01/13/opinion/ending-a-misguided-cuban-migration-policy.html
ReplyDeleteEnding a misguided Cuban migration policy
This article is about the policy put in place by the U.S. to allow Cubans who made it U.S. to be allowed to immigrate legally. The article starts by discussing why this policy is flawed due to the fact that it encouraged many Cubans to attempt crossing the Florida Straits by raft which often caused people to die or get sent back. It also gave Cubans an unjust treatment compared to other people in Latin American feeling much worse conditions. The policy was recently scrapped by Obama, so any Cuban who now makes it to U.S. soil will be an illegal immigrant. The article then goes on to say that this may be a beneficial thing for Cuba because it forces them to push for economic change and political freedoms as the Castro regime comes to an end. Along with the elimination Cuba decided to allow the U.S. to deport Cubans with criminal records back to Cuba which was not able to be done before. This article supports the claim made by Shifter and Raderstorf that Cubans have to push for change economically and politically with the resignation of Raul Castro.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/cuba-sees-explosion-in-internet-access-as-ties-with-us-grow/2017/01/14/5a816f54-dac5-11e6-a0e6-d502d6751bc8_story.html?utm_term=.4b4d1411e8e2
Cuba sees explosion in internet access as ties with US grow
This article discusses how the new relationship between U.S. and Cuba has lead to an improvement in life starting with internet. It starts by describing a Cuban man that was given a modem and how it allowed him to access the internet from his home. Many Cubans were not allowed to use the internet unless they purchased it for an hour at hotels or internet clubs for $6-$8 which for a Cuban is very expensive. Due to the new relationship with the U.S. a lot more Cubans are accessing the internet and the internet rates have dramatically dropped. This is allowing more Cubans to communicate with family that have made into to the U.S. instantaneously. The author then describes how internet pricing in Cuba is very expensive for extremely slow speeds, and that the price are a result of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. The new internet capabilities of Cuba allow for its citizens to have access to information under its communistic government. This relates to the chapter in the Great Decisions Book because it shows how Cuba’s new relationship with U.S. is improving the quality of life there.
Obama ends special immigration policy for Cubans
ReplyDeletehttp://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/01/obama-ends-special-immigration-policy-cubans-170113042326472.html
Eight days before leaving office, President Barack Obama ended the "wet-foot, dry-foot" policy which began in 1995 under Bill Clinton. The end of the policy meant that Cubans could immigrate to America as anyone else could, under law. Cuba encouraged this change and believed that it would benefit the whole region by discouraging dangerous journeys. Since 2014, Cubans have been highly anticipating the end of the policy which caused immigration to surge. This relates to the chapter by giving another example of how President Obama has helped to better the relations with Cuba.
Cuba sees explosion in internet access as ties with US grow
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/cuba-sees-explosion-in-internet-access-as-ties-with-us-grow/2017/01/14/5a816f54-dac5-11e6-a0e6-d502d6751bc8_story.html?utm_term=.efa4f713a594
This article relates discusses the improvements of Cuba's internet since relations with the U.S. have grown. The article first discusses the use of a very slow internet service only being available in hotels at the expensive price of $6-$8. Now a Cuban can pay $1.50 to use the internet. This shows how dramatically the prices dropped. The government also opened up many wi-fi spots across the country so Cubans can use the internet in a wider variety of places. The fastest internet speeds in Cuba, which are still slow in comparison to the rest of the world, is still very expensive because of the U.S. embargo on Cuba. This relates to the chapter because it shows how great strides are being made toward Cuba's improvement partially due to their new relationship with the United States.
How Trump Could Easily Reverse Obama's Opening To Cuba
ReplyDeletehttp://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/11/28/503594024/how-trump-could-easily-reverse-obamas-opening-to-cuba
Obama Meets With Cuban President Raul Castro In Havana
http://www.npr.org/2016/03/21/471316363/obama-meets-with-cuban-president-raul-castro-in-havana
In the Global Decisions book, I have discovered out how Obama began a small minor relationship with Cuba in 2013. This relates to the second article listed as President Barack Obama met with President Raúl Castro. There is even a picture of the two in the meeting shaking hands with each other. Anyways, Obama's goal in 2013 was to overlook a foreign policy team to oversee a positive relationship with Cuba. Specifically focusing on human rights as well. It in fact did succeed, it may not have been strong, but President Barack Obama made a start with a relationship between Cuba and the U.S. Furthermore, according to the article Obama actually had a positive welcome, the Cuban Military band saluted him, which is absolutely astounding due to the tense relationship between our countries. However, according to the other article, newly elect President Donald Trump may change this minor start of a relationship with the U.S. Following Fiedl Castro's death in 2016, Trump has proposed to terminate traveling terms to Cuba, ruining the relationship Obama started. According to the Global Decision book it expresses the opinion that the White House should just leave Cuba alone and not have any affiliation essentially whatsoever. Trump has the same mindset in this case. Even though they have a Communist government and America has a Capitalist government it still does not mean we should not form a relationship. Tourism has helped Cuba's economy recently and allowing travel to Cuba from the U.S. can further improve the relationship when it helps Cuba's economy. I would also like to add Cuba even "opened the doors wider" to foreigners looking for a piece of Cuba's economy. Towards the end of the first article it explains how if Trump reverses this relationship it could go back to the way it was. Meaning a tense relationship going as far back to the 1960s with the Cuban Missle Crisis.
Cuba and US to restore postal service after 52 years
ReplyDeletehttp://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-35077020
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-37237482
This article is about how the United States and Cuba now may recieve direct messages through mail because post offices are now open to each others country. This was possible because Presidents Obama and Castro tightened up loose ends and there is no longer an embargo act against the United States. The embargo was not mentioned in the article but was mentioned in the Great Decisions book. Also, a difference between the article and the book is that the article says 52 years apart and great decisions says 54 years apart but that might also be because the article was written at the end of 2015 and great decisions was created in 2016 but it still is confusing. The other article is similar and gives the same general information but it about the first regular direct flight from the US to Cuba instead of mail.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/cuba-sees-explosion-in-internet-access-as-ties-with-us-grow/2017/01/14/5a816f54-dac5-11e6-a0e6-d502d6751bc8_story.html?utm_term=.5baf27873e9f
ReplyDelete"Cuba sees explosion in internet access as ties with US grow"
This article explains how Cuba has finally given its residents a luxury that many take for granted- simple home internet. For a long time, home internet has not been available in Cuba, only state run hotel or public wifi services that cost a lot but were extremely slow. This addition of internet now allows people the privacy of surfing the web in their own home. This connects to the passage because it shows how much influence the United States has had on Cuba, and that slowly, through partnership, Cuba can continue to grow as a country.
http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/2017/01/170118031729610.html
From Obama to Trump: What's next for Cuba?
This article describes the change Obama made in regards to Cuba- he repealed the wet foot, dry foot policy which allowed Cubans temporary residency in the United States shortly after arriving there. Because of this repeal, many Cubans have been left stranded in Central America, unable to cross the border again. Despite this, Obama is gone, so many are unsure about what policy the new POTUS will bring. This connects to the text by highlighting the fact that there is still turmoil between the United States and Cuba, and though progress has been made, it will be a while before things are 100% settled between the two countries.
We Are on the First U.S. Cruise to Cuba in Decades
ReplyDeletehttp://news.nationalgeographic.com/2016/05/160502-cruise-florida-havana-cuba/
This article describes the reactions of passengers who took the first cruise from the US to Cuba. It was historic because people have been able to go back to the land they left multiple years ago and recollect what they had there and what it was like. This shows the relationship US and Cuba are beginning to form and start having connections. It relates to the Great Decisions book because a major section is where they discuss the relationship and connections the US and Cuba have and have lost.
Improved U.S.-Cuba Relations Are Creating A Surge Of Cuban Migrants
http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2016/10/24/498840762/why-improved-u-s-cuba-relations-are-creating-a-surge-of-cuban-migrants
The article describes the migrants that are coming from Cuba to the US. In contrast to what people believed they are still coming to the US even though Castro did die. They discuss the hardships of coming to the US and how people have gone crazy and wild trying to get into the country. They do have to leave behind family in some cases which can be hard for them but in the end they are coming to get a better life and hopefully soon their families will be able to follow. It relates to the passage of Cuba in Great Decisions and describes more on the life of Cubans now since Castro has left.