StrictConstruct

While the Presidential campaign continues to rage in the United States, a hugely symbolic, if not substantive, change has occured in Cuba with Fidel Castro deciding to not seek re-election due to his health conditions. His brother, Raul, has been effectively President of Cuba since 2005, so this official transfer of power is as unlikely to bring vast steps towards democratization in itself as the unofficial one. However, it does change a certain aspect of the situation in Cuba.

Fidel Castro was a constant presence in Cuba since the 1950’s to 2005 when he entered relative seclusion, and the fact he had outlasted so many U.S. Presidents and, indeed, attempts to oust him, made him a larger than life character. While it wouldn’t be unheard of, it was generally viewed as unlikely that the people of Cuba would ever turn against him even if they disagreed with his policies, or the current conditions in Cuba. But now that he has stepped aside, Raul and those who follow him will undoubtedly not have the same success in dodging the realities of Cuba. That is, of course, unless the United States sanctions on Cuba continue. They have long been held up by the Cuban government as an excuse for its own shortcomings, and there is no reason to believe that this or future Presidencies would not do the same.

The sanctions on Cuba have not worked to weaken the regime, and they will do no good if they remain in place. If they are removed, there will no longer be an excuse for the Cuban regime’s shortcomings, and without a larger than life figurehead to stunt the criticism, demand for change would undoubtedly grow amongst those who live there. While sanctions should not have been placed on Cuba to begin with, now is undoubtedly a time in which removing them could have a large effect. We must remove the cover of sanctions to allow the inherent flaws to be fully exposed, and in so doing allow the natural winds of change to bring democratic reform to Cuba.

(Photo credit to jorge6880.)