Washington File

It is very easy to explain why Bush made the policy pronouncements he made even though he knows they have no basis whatsoever in reality.

He was telling a very powerful bloc of voters what they wanted to hear. That Cuba's Communist Government will fall once Castro is dead. The Reality it will stay on just fine without Castro.

The Cuban exile community don't want to hear that US trade embargo has been completely ineffectual in getting the Cuban people to dump Castro or his Communist government.

They don't want to hear that politically it actuality *helps* Castro and his Communist Government *Stay In Power* in Cuba because it allows his government to *blame* US Government and all the Rich Cuban exiles that support the policy for all the hardships endured by the Cuban people.

Don't wish for an American embargo to be lifted. The reason so many non Americans visit Cuba is because there are no Americans!
Are the Americans blind? Vietnam, Iraq and now Cuba? Freedom whose freedom? Remember your freedom ends where mine begins. The bully named America will make sure they are free at the expense of anyone in their way. They are most upset for so long Castro has managed to thumb his nose at them. Like others writing above it would be so nice if Castro lived to 100 just to spite America, or at least Bush's presidency.

Cuba is not perfect nor probably that free or rich. Is the US of A an example with their racial strife, wide economic disparities, high murder rate (1500 per month, in 50 states which are supposed to be enjoying pea cetime!)most inequitable health care for its wealth anywear, rigged elections (remember 2000)and numerous other shortcomings.

Cuba shows hope for the downtrodden!

Totally agree with the American embargo policy. This is the only way to show what communist system is all about: it is not able to provide people with anything; it is not able to survive without a foreign help.
So, if the system needs foreigners to survive, it should not be too proud to admit that it is going in the wrong direction.

Aside from the fact that Castro spent a few of the billions he used to get every year from the USSR on health care and education for his people--instead of usual palaces and military hardware--he was a pretty run of the mill dictator. Most of his other economic and social projects were dismal failures, befitting his misguided ideology.

His was the good fortune to take power at the precise point in history when his country's geopolitical importance was vastly out of proportion to its size and actual strength. But it was unsustainable. Even the tourism boom of the last decade or so has failed to compensate for the loss of the island's patron superpower and nowadays the vaunted health care and education systems are suffering like everything else.

Henry is right that Castro's lengthy illness (and the gradual handover of power to Raul) has delayed the day of reckoning, but it is probably hoping for too much to expect the US and the Cuban exile community to let the country find its own way after Fidel.

Between God Father 3 and Havana, these two movies used real-life evidence of the way the US respected Cuban life. Today, ABC runs the Cane drama series on Global, trying to show how dissident Cubans can be powerful and wealthy in the US and commiserate for their estranged families in suffering Cuba. The hype has begun. Puerto Rico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Honduras are still broke after American Aid and bombing. Mexicans in the US are a blight, treated like old rags, paid less, and whipped in the media like an old dog. Spain, France and Germany should ask themselves what they gave to Latin America besides rats and syphyllis, because they broke a keen Spirit of community. The only civilization to operate without war, poverty, full employment and no rebellions for over 1,100 years was in Latin America, run by women, with men taking their part equally seriously. No other civilization in the last 15,000 years can make that claim. Instead we have a polished Feudal System of politics that maintains the Same Old, and looks like democracy, when in fact, we still need Labour Unions to have the wealth shared equitably. Cuba has proven to survive even isolated. There's some real pearls of social organization in Cuba that the US doesn't want to learn from. Imagine a world of independent survivors.

I strongly believe that Castro was a great leader and will be remembered as such.

The poverty and deplorable conditions in some parts of the country are more then certainly tied with the American embargo that as been in place for numerous years now. Also when the U.S.S.R was dismantled they ( Cuba ) lost most of it's trade partners, which certainly did not help them....

Why doesnt the international community stand up and demand that such a barbaric measure be stopped.

Cuba is not a threat to the US in any way,shape or form. I agree with the comments made that maybe they are simply afraid of letting people realize that socialism is not the evil it was made to be....

I really appreciate the tone of these comments! Nice to see that not everyone is blinded by the completely irrational bias against Cuba.
The western media is never balanced in its approach to Cuba (even the BBC!), so it's nice to read an article that doesn't automatically condemn Cuba.
Thank you for this wonderful article!

The US trades with Communist governments like Vietnam and China, but hates Cuba - why? This has nothing much to do with capitalism versus communism - the issue is control. In 1959, the Cubans got sick and tired of being kept as the US's plantation and brothel, and threw them and their cronies out. And just like an abusive boyfriend that turns stalker after being rejected, the US has never forgiven Cuba for escaping from US control. In fact, you can see the same obsessive, deranged behaviour in the US when it comes to Iran - Iran rid themselves of US-backed dictatorship 20 years after Cuba, and there too, the US has never forgiven them for it and continually seeks to do that nation harm.
Believe me, Cubans have had ample opportunity to get rid of Castro and Communism, and if they can can have one revolution, another is possible - but even after 1989 when so many other Soviet-allied regimes fell (including the USSR in the end), the Cubans stick by it. It's not because they love Castro or socialism, but because they hate the idea of a foreign power coming back to dominate Cuba and once more force them to serve US interests instead of their own.

The comments of our American friends display a generosity of spirit and awareness of the real world alien to their governement's stated Cuba Policy. I applaud all of you for your willingness to see Cuba from a different perspective.
It is not that I think Cuban socialism has brought paradise to the people, there are serious societal and political issues particularly relating to free speach and political diversity; on the other hand compared to others in the region the Cuban people are blessed with a benevolent government.

Cuba is a place that most americans cannot imagine. People work hard for what might seem little but everyone has the basics. The average american is now seeing their perceived reality of the good life disappear. Too many are seeing their life's work taken from them, if they get sick their health coverage might not cover it or be voided at a moments notice. Retirees who owned their own homes may have to move into their kids' basement because their tried to improve on their equity only to find the bank can now take their house from them. This is hardly something cubans need be worried about.

you would think with all the trouble that the U.S has caused in the world with their interferance in other peoples rights to a government that they can live with.They could butt out and fix the mess they call the land of the free.

The U.S. paranoid reaction is typical of a failed policy stretching over the past forty years.
Bush would love to invade Cuba in the name of "freedom", a word he uses to justify his aggressive foreign policy. The "Empire" cannot abide socialism in any form, particularly on it's doorstep. America exists for the benefit of the top 5% of its population.
Let's hope a regime resembling Hugo Chavez's government takes power. Cuba's people deserve to keep the best of what they have. No doubt any aid will come with the same strings attached that the WTO uses to destroy local business autonomy. Cubans need to make the right decisions, and not become yet another economic satellite of the U.S.

I just wanted to balance my comment from earlier with another observation, having read some more recent comments. I don't think Castro is a "great man" (fascinating, perhaps, but not great) nor do I believe that Cuba is some kind of "paradise" (unless you are just visiting some resort there). It is a place of great beauty & wonderful people, yes, but those people are trapped in a country with no real freedoms, widespread poverty & hardship - if it was truly so wonderful, why would so many of them have been risking (and many losing) their lives trying to escape it? I firmly believe Cuba would be better off if the yoke of Castro & communism was thrown off, however, I also firmly believe that the US' policy that has tried to accomplish just that goal has been seriously flawed & must change - and I hope that when the day of real change in Cuba finally comes, the US will keep its nose out of the whole affair, except for joining the world community in providing the aid that Cuba will need at that time.

As Les from Toronto wrote “The U.S. government has been keeping track of the former property of exiled American businesses and citizens who fled Cuba at the time of the revolution.” Yes you are absolutely correct, they are doing this and they have imposed sanctions against those who have been purchasing Cuban property considered to be American. They clearly believe the revolution didn’t matter, and all will be returned as it was pre-1959 under the Baptista regime (also a ruthless dictatorship, but a US-backed one at least).

Well if this is the case and popular revolutions don’t matter, then the United States of America must oblige and return all property it seized from the 13-colonies in their little revolution from 1776. If not the property, then the cash value, taking into account 231 years worth of interest. As heirs to the property of British North America, this amount is rightfully due to Canada. Please pay in Canadian dollars too, not those ‘greenbacks’ of yours please.

Is this argument silly? Of course it is… exactly my point.

Having lived and worked in Cuba in the 1960s' and visiting family frequently, the White House has a distorted view of Cuba and the support given Fidel by them. In fact, this is the same as what the americans spewed out as propaganda with respect to all socialist governments since 1945.

The U.S. government has been keeping track of the former property of exiled American businesses and citizens who fled Cuba at the time of the revolution. A few years back you may remember that the U.S. instituted sanctions against people or businesses who tried to acquire property in Cuba that was considered American. What this means is that if the Castro regime falls, the Americans expect to step in and continue exactly where they left off in 1959. The U.S. will hold back IMF loans until all nationalized property is returned to the former American owners. I can’t see Canada participating in a “freedom fund”, which will be used to compensate private businesses and citizens for losses and will throw Cubans out of their homes and their jobs. There will be a new form of misery for the Cuban people thanks to a different ideology.

Be careful what you wish for is all I can say to the exiled Cubans in the U.S. and Canada (mostly in Quebec) and President Bush. Remember the U.S. sponsored "White Revolution" in Iran under Palhavi which brought repression and misery to the masses under the guise of Western values from the late 1940's until Nov 4/1979. The CIA-assisted coup (always denied) of Peron in Argentina in 1955 brought 40 yrs of poverty and instability. El Salvador; Vietnam; Cambodia are other examples of failed premature jubilation on the part of the U.S. and the respective countries' exiles.Most of the populations in these countries still enjoy a lack of prosperity and fear their government. Cuba is ripe with power hungry military officers who will cling to power at any cost. Good luck.

Cuban Americans are idiots if they think that they will be welcomed or even allowed to return to Cuba. They have caused the 50 years of grief for Cuba and Cubans know it.

It should come as no surprise that Fidel is vastly more popular in South America than Bush. I do hope that Fidel out lives the Bush presidency and that the new president will leave Cuba alone. US credibility with Latin Americans is at an historic low and fear is substantial as the US is trounced in the middle east that it will turn its interest toward our resources including Cuban and Venezuelan oil. As for billion dollar democracy funds these will, as always be found to be an illusion.

Perhaps when the US itself returns to democracy, things will change in Cuba and else where.

The hate of US obscures the reality of Cuba in the opinions posted earlier.
Castro in power for 48 years ,that is 1,2,3.........................48 YEARS with the same rhetoric,the same misery,the same speeches,the same face over and over for 48 YEARS.You are all invited to live in Cuba as a Cuban,to listen to Castro,to adore him,to march for the revolution and to stay in very long lines for food,clothes and hope.
Welcome to paradise,please leave your passport at home!!

With Fidal's luck, he will survive G.W. on the political scene. Viva Cuba!
I love Henry's commentary and the balanced view he brings to us from Washington.
Viva Henry and CBC
GD

Cuba is now into it's second generation under Fidel's leadership, and Cubans are unlikely to roll over and play capitalist consumer in exchange for giving up free education, free health care, and a system that freed them of the Batista/Mafia yoke of the pre-revolution decades. America's knee jerk reaction against socialist systems that pay more attention to the welfare of all than to the enrichment of a few has failed to sink the cuban ship of state. When the sad day comes when Fidel dies, don't look for Cuban's seeking to join the free enterprise march to armegedon, but rather a genuine outpouring of grief for the passing of a truly great man.

After nearly 50 years the US still will not leave Cuba alone. Shameful. While condemning Cuba as a brutal regime, the US quietly lets Luis Posada Carriles live in the USA....a man responsible for blowing up a Cubana plane killing 73 people as well as numerous hotel bombings that killed more...including a Canadian.

Who knows where Cuba would be in terms of social programs and health care were it not for the ongoing illegal blockade carried out by successive US governments. I guess the US fears Cuba.....fear that people will see that socialism can work.

Free the Five!
Hasta la Victoria Siempre.

Good comments,folks. There are some decent people in Canada. My daugher went to Cuba on a trip last year and by her account there are decent people in Cuba who deserve to be left alone to live their lives in peace.
Venceremos!

It is astounding that in American politics, such a very, very, small percentage of the 300 million plus people of America can have so much influence with regard to American foreign policy!

The Cuban American voting-block and the lobbyists using their name to whatever extent in vain are not the only such example.

American foreign policy with regard to countries other than Cuba is very much, or even entirely geared to pleasing just a very, very few Americans.

And the Americans expected the Iraqis to welcome them with smiles and flowers when they arrived. What a surprise!
It is long past the time to recognize Cuba.This is a sovereign country and they have their own agenda.
It is time for the Bush Administration, if it is not too late, to consider a more enlightened policy.
Thank you to Henry Champ for keeping us so well informed as usual.

When Castro does pass, will we soon see MacDonald's and Burger King and Starbucks on every corner in Havana, or will the Cuban government keep them out? I certainly hope so: part of Havana's charm is that there are no American style fast food joints at all

Perhaps America's anti Castro / anti communist approach to Cuba is because they fear some socialist ideas will prove attractive to americans. If they ever found out that Cuba's health care system was the best in the world, with the best doctors, facilities, nurses, and so on, might not ordinary americans demand the same for their own country? Canadians ought to as well!

Long live la revolucion!

Very good comment, Henry. You're always right on point. Watch out, though, the Bushies might declare you persona non grata or what is that other word they are so fond of.

My only hope is that the US (and other countries) will not try to intervene in whatever happens in Cuba. If, as it is rumoured, Raul Castro is primed to take control, then let the peaceful transition of power happen and adopt the flexibility in foreign policy that seems to be brewing. It should have been adopted long ago - a "carrot & stick" approach works far better than a stick or a carrot alone. If the Cuban people do surprise us and a clear majority does rise up when Fidel (or Raul) dies, then the world community (NOT the US unilaterally) may make a case for intervention... but not before. Iraq should be lesson enough.

Having lived in Havana,Cuba in 1986-88, I thank you for this intelligent and non-biased article. I would hope that the US allows it's citizens to visit Cuba,in order that they may see and appreciate the beauty and energy of it's people. I would love to see the embargo lifted.

I think it is very sad that the United States is terrified of Cuba and the system in which they live in. I also find it frustrating that a group of countries would come together to discuss the fate of another country. Do they not think that the Cuban government and the Cuban people have their own plans for their own country and that they are capable of deciding what is best for themselves? It is the most horrible form of development I have ever seen. How has it come to be that one country has the right to decide what is best for another?

Castro has been a pain in the U.S.'s ass as long as I can remember[1 am 44]

He has been in power for more years then how many presidents now?

I think Castro will live to be a 100 just to spite the U.S.

I always enjoy reading Henry Champs's direct and well-written articles. He is right up there with Heather Mallick as an exceptional columnist. Great for the CBC. Thanks.

Henry Champ's reporting is keen and perceptive and clearly draws on his years of experience in covering world affairs. Cuba, as most Canadians understand, is not the boogie man that Americans accept it to be. When the current regime falls powerful interests will sweep in to exploit an untapped market and all will be forgiven. And something unique will be lost.

Thank goodness for people like Henry Champ...he tells it like it is....diplomatically. I witnessed the Cuba blockade in 1962, passing close by on a Swedish ship... The american ship signaled us by aldis lamp to declare our cargo, destination, origin, etc. If we had tried to make port in Cuba they told us we would be subject to fire. As an able seaman, I was painting near the top of the foremast, looking up, I saw a young man smiling and waving to me , from his seat in a u.s. jet fighter plane....maybe 20 meters from my head....and then I heard the sound of the engine....nearly dropped the paint can!
My buddy's father was a wing commander in Florida at that time. Years later, when I asked him what would happen if Castro managed to assemble a rocket....he told me his orders were to "wipe Cuba off the face of the earth". And they were equipped with nuclear weapons then...
Cubans are beautiful folks, same as all of us on this spaceship earth.
I love CBC...Radio 1 and 2...and the documentarys....Thanks, keep up the good work, you all make me proud to be a Canadian.
With Peace and Love...Bernard