iChef wrote:Do you think other Communist states will have as much influence on Cuba as they once did. It seems they are already fairly isolated from much of the world and I see the US opening relations with them as welcoming Cuba to our side even if it is only a little at first. Vietnam isn't a stellar example but the lives of the average people in Vietnam has improved since the US opened relations with them. They have opened a stock market, joined the WTO in 2007 and while the rural areas are still poor the urban middle class is growing. The first step in change in any country is letting the citizen know a better alternative is out there and the embargo only hindered that.
No, you misunderstand me, this isn't a capitalism vs communism concern of mine. It's a anticorruption & human rights vs crony capitalism and rights abuses. Autocratic leaders have shown that they can buy their way into and past any abuses of power. It's a concern that everyone should keep on their minds as they bring relations with any country. For example, I am unhappy with Egypt's abuses of power despite the benefits of normalizing relations with them. (Israel's security and maybe some benefits on the Suez canal). The US grudgingly accepts the authoritarian government there because the US prefers stability/reliability over the chaos that democracy usually brings.
That said, Cuba is a small country in almost every respect, so it shouldn't be a big deal. But don't expect the government to magically transform. A bunch of poor saps down there are gonna get reamed by the authorities protesting something, and it'll be a while before they give in inch by inch.