Photo courtesy of theguardian.com
Critics of President Obama’s decision to restore diplomatic, and potentially trade relations, with Cuba claim that the small island country poses a threat to the United States’ national security.
For years, the U.S. Department of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism until the Obama Administration recently recommended Cuba’s removal from the list. Cuba complies with all requirements for rescission – it has not provided any support for international terrorism within the past six months and has assured the Administration that it will not support acts of international terrorism in the future. Cuba’s promises of compliance still have skeptics critical of the renewed relationship. Frank Calzon, the executive director for the Center for a Free Cuba, cites Cuba’s involvement in drug trafficking, its historic alliance with Russia and the state’s failed weapons shipment to North Korea in 2013 as chief concerns threatening U.S. security.
Criticisms of President Obama’s decision to reconcile with Cuba rest on the misconceptions of Cuba’s global and regional influence. Cuba’s geographic proximity to the United States has fostered a climate of fear, but the perceived Cuban threat is unlikely to adversely impact the U.S.
Myth 1. Cuba is a prominent narcotics trafficker in the Caribbean.
Ortelio Bacallao, a former employee for Cuba’s Ministry of the Interior, accused high-ranking Cuban officials of involvement in drug trafficking. Bacallao even admitted to participating in four drug trafficking operations under direct orders of his supervisors. It was his responsibility for overseeing logistical operations and maintenance of the boats used to transport the drugs. Bacallao’s allegations strongly imply that the Cuban government is an active participant in the Caribbean drug trade; Bacallao’s accusations have not yet been confirmed by the appropriate authorities. Regardless, the U.S. reports that Cuba is not a major consumer, producer or transit point for illegal drugs. Colombia, Honduras and Mexico run bigger drug trafficking operations and, therefore, pose greater threats to U.S. economic interests and citizens’ safety.
Myth 2. Cuba’s relationship with Russia is a threat to U.S. intelligence
The country’s proximity to the United States provides ample opportunities for anti-American states to gather intelligence on U.S. activities. Some Americans fear that Cuba may export U.S. state secrets to the highest bidder. As Cuba’s historic ally, critics claim, Russia may use Cuba as a resource to undermine U.S. operations as it did during the Cold War. Russia’s recent deployment of a spy ship raised eyebrows when it arrived in Havana days before the U.S. delegation prepared to begin negotiations with Cuba. Although this move seems politically charged, Russia’s entrance into the Western Hemisphere is more likely to be a calculated response to U.S. and NATO activities in Eastern Europe and the Ukraine than an aggressive act. Russia is still one of Cuba’s most important allies however the countries’ historic relationship has changed; it is based less on their shared Communist ideology and is a more pragmatic alliance. Russia is unlikely to try to destabilize the newly cultivated U.S.-Cuba relationship, as it would wound the economic and political interests of one of its longest allies.
Myth 3. The shipment of weapons to North Korea signals Cuba’s alliance with a radical regime
In 2013, the North Korean ship Cho Chong Gang travelling home from Cuba was stopped in Panama. Officials found warplanes, missiles and other Cuban weapons hidden underneath tons of brown sugar in the ship’s cargo hold; allegedly, Cuba sent the shipment of outdated technology to North Korea for repairs. Regardless of Cuba’s motivation, the shipment of these weapons violated international sanctions against North Korea. Cuba’s impoverished economy is the source for the country’s troubled business decisions. If the United States normalizes economic relations with Cuba, then the country will have less motivation to traffic weapons to radical regimes, like North Korea. Strict embargoes on the Cuban economy force the country’s government to export its goods to the highest bidder, regardless of political consequences. With the normalization of trade relations, Cuba’s government will be able to support its citizens with less questionable transactions.
The controversy surrounding the reestablishment of U.S.-Cuban relations is based on Americans’ fear of the unknown; the U.S. has not had a relationship with Cuba in over 54 years. As I illustrated in my analysis, critics’ fears are without factual or logical support. It is evident that normalizing relations with Cuba will benefit the national interests of both countries. It is time to end the era of Cold War politics and to cultivate a relationship with our geographic neighbor.