Recently, the USA State Department resurfaced in news after designating Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism. This official designation came as a result of Cuba’s repeated acts of international terrorism and providing safe harbor to terrorists.
The USA has categorized sanctions into four categories for countries identified as supporters of terrorism. The measures include restrictions on foreign assistance by the USA, a ban on defense exports and sales, controls over exports of dual-use items, and sanctions on countries and persons that trade with designated countries.
Currently, Syria, Iran, North Korea, and Cuba are on the list. Cuba was delisted in 2015 but has been blacklisted again due to recent activities.
The Accusations Against Cuba
The U.S. government has leveled several accusations against the Castro regime. These include interfering in Venezuela’s politics, oppressing the Cuban people, supporting international terrorism, and subversion of the USA justice system.
USA-Cuba Relationship: A History of Strain
The United States and Cuba have had a tense relationship for more than six decades, tracing back to Fidel Castro’s overthrow of a USA-backed government in 1959. The two countries attempted to normalize relations under Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro, including restoring diplomatic ties and expanding travel and trade. However, these efforts were largely reversed under the Trump administration, which reimposed restrictions on tourism and other commerce.
The Havana Syndrome
Another point of contention originated from what’s known as the Havana Syndrome. In late 2016, U.S. diplomats and other employees stationed in Havana reported feeling ill after hearing strange sounds and experiencing odd physical sensations – symptoms that include nausea, severe headaches, fatigue, dizziness, sleep problems, and hearing loss. The U.S. accused Cuba of carrying out “attacks,” a claim Cuba has denied.
Roots of the Conflict: The Cuban Revolution and Beyond
The strained U.S.-Cuba relationship has its roots in the Cold War. In 1959, Fidel Castro and fellow revolutionaries seized power in Havana, overthrowing the USA-backed government of Fulgencio Batista. This was followed by the infamous Cuban Missile Crisis and then the trade embargo by the Kennedy Government in 1962.
India’s Stand on the USA-Cuba Relations
India supports lifting the economic blockade against Cuba. In fact, when the U.S. opposed Cuba’s membership in the UNHRC in 2019, India joined many countries from all continents to demand an end to the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. India also criticized the U.S. embargo at the UN General Assembly.
The United Nations Stance
Every year since 1992, the UN General Assembly has approved a resolution acknowledging the necessity of ending the economic, commercial, and financial blockade imposed by the United States against Cuba.
Potential Steps to Improve Relations
Bilateral talks could help alleviate the tension between the USA and Cuba. This unjust and prolonged system of unilateral sanctions seems to undermine multilateralism and the credibility of international bodies. For the sake of democracy and internationalism, both nations need to make efforts toward reconciliation. This is especially crucial considering a significant population of Cuban immigrants and people with Cuban roots reside in the USA.
Furthermore, given India’s friendly ties with both the USA and Cuba, it is necessary for India to maintain balanced relationships should tensions escalate between the two countries.
