Castro Would Benefit Most From Change in US Policy, Prof Says
UM Professor Jaime Suchlicki's response to ENCASA, which wants the embargo lifted:
"Their arguments are the same, worn out slogans espoused by the left for more than 40 years: if the embargo and the travel ban are lifted the Cuban people would benefit economically; American companies will penetrate and influence the Cuban market; the Communist regime would begin to crumble and a transition to a democratic society would be accelerated.
"Yet a change of U.S. policy, at the end of the Castro era and without meaningful changes in Cuba will have different and unintended results. It will:
"Guarantee the continuation of the current totalitarian structures and strengthen state enterprises, since U.S.dollars will flow into business owned by the Cuban government. Most businesses are owned in Cuba by the state, and, in all foreign investments, the Castro government retains a partnership interest.
"Allow Castro to borrow from international organizations. Since Cuba owes billions to the former Soviet Union, European and Latin American countries and to China and Japan, and is not paying these debts, new loans will be wasted by Castro inefficient and wasteful system and will be uncollectible.
"Negate the basic tenets of U.S. policy in Latin America which emphasize democracy, human rights, and market economies.
"Perpetuate the rather extensive control that the military holds over the economy.
"Send the wrong message to the enemies of the U.S. that a foreign leader can seize U.S. properties without compensation; allow the use of his territory for the introduction of nuclear missiles aimed at the U.S.; espouse terrorism and anti-U.S. causes throughout the world; and eventually the U.S. will "forget and forgive," and reward him with tourism, investments, and economic aid.
"Delay instead of accelerate a transition to democracy in Cuba."
Colaboración de Paul Echaniz
