Cuba Frees Political Prisoners
Another big step in the process of normalization between Cuba and United States has been completed. The Cuban government has freed the last of the 53 political prisoners, as was promised last month in the agreement made by the Obama administration to lift the 54-year long trade embargo with Cuba.
The release was confirmed by President Obama on December 17th, despite allegations that Cuba had released fewer than promised. The release announcement comes two weeks earlier than the expected visit by the assistant secretary of state for Western Hemisphere affairs to discuss the next steps of the reintegration process, putting migration issues on the table, as well as the return to normalcy for diplomatic relations.
The prisoners had committed the crime of speaking out against their government and expressing their rights to free speech, something that needs to be addressed still in Cuba. The irony is fairly potent in that regard, as the U.S. supports various leaders around the world, who also do not recognize a free press and routinely jail dissenters.
Also, despite this being a very big step towards achieving peace, the announcement is partially fanfare, as there were already a dozen or so of these prisoners who had been released and served their time. So, there is definitely a heavy padding of those numbers, which the media has not really touched upon.
While some criticize this action for not doing enough or being a long overdue embarrassing apology by the American government, there are of course a few members of congress spouting old tropes and talking points that are as comical as they are ignorant. One of the most absurd comments came from Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who makes the claim that this agreement offers nothing to the United States for restoring trade and business with the Cuban government. He points out that we are not being demanding enough with Cuba, calling for free elections, press, and speech. Because beating Cuba into submission has worked so well for us, we should try doing it again?
Essentially, he is okay with punishing the people of Cuba because that’s all the embargo accomplished in its lifespan. With trade, possibilities open for businesses in Cuba that never existed before, not to mention a way to update their culture to the new millennium. I’m sure the classic car culture will survive, but most people will be breathing a sigh of relief when more fuel-efficient cars are introduced for the very first time.
CES 2015: Shiny New Electronics
The Hypocrisy of the Charlie Hebdo March
-
The Philippines has strongly denounced what it described as “unprovoked acts of coercion and dangerous maneuvers” by China in...
-
The Biden Administration’s Request for a New Texas Immigration Law Blocked The Supreme Court has temporarily blocked the enforcement...
-
As Moscow Prepares to Bid Adieu, Navalny’s Funeral Raises Uncertainties and International Allegations The spokesperson for Alexei Navalny has...
-
On the two-year anniversary of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, there is much to reflect upon. Since...
-
Another Successful Moon Landing Intuitive Machines, a commercial space company, has achieved a remarkable feat by landing its Odysseus...
-
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) released official figures on Wednesday, revealing that the United Kingdom posted a record...
-
Has the State of USA Improved Since Trump’s Presidency or Gotten Worse? Given the current climate of the United...
-
Greece has become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country to legalize same-sex marriage, marking a significant step forward for LGBTQ+...
-
Massive Deflation in China as CPI Plummets by 0.8% China faces mounting challenges as its consumer prices spiral deeper...
-
In a surprise speech delivered from the White House, President Joe Biden addressed the recent special counsel’s report and...
-
3 Days of Consecutive Snowing Has Wreaked Havoc on Transportation As China prepares to celebrate the Lunar New Year,...
-
Rapid Growth in Electric Cars Propels China to The Forefront of Global Vehicle Exports China has surpassed Japan as...