A “Cuban JCPOA” to Ease the US Embargo
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/0ft4zc94Keywords:
Cuba, US, Sanctions, Embargo, JCPOAAbstract
To reform the US embargo on Cuba, it would be possible to follow insights from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), a 2015 agreement between the P5+1 (China, France, Russia, UK, US, Germany) and Iran. The restrictions imposed by the 1996 Helms-Burton Act are hampering the Cuban economy, without benefits for Washington. US Congress approved Helms-Burton to severe Cuba’s commercial capacities after the Cold War, hence attempting to finally overthrow Fidel Castro. This scenario did not occur, and at the same time, besides President Obama’s attempts, the US still perceives Cuba as a matter of domestic policy, without a new strategy. This policy perspective outlines that Cuba is transitioning to a market economy, out of necessity. Therefore, one of Helms-Burton’s requirements to ease the US embargo is already taking place. Relieving Havana from sanctions might not only better Cubans’ lives, but also improve US foreign policy for Latin America.
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