Op-Ed: US Should Recognize the Role Its Played in Cuba's Troubles

Statement

Since Christopher Columbus first disembarked on the island of Cuba in the 15th century and brought infectious disease on an unsuspecting population -- rendering indigenous people feverish and lifeless -- foreigners have dictated Cuba's destiny. The cornerstone of their approach has been remarkably consistent. Irrespective of which great power was at play, all have pursued a similar course of action: Might is right.

Little has changed in the intervening centuries.

Nowadays, U.S. foreign policy toward Cuba remains zero-sum. American leaders are expected to unilaterally criticize Cuba's totalitarian government -- or they're depicted as concessionaries. American leaders are expected to apply maximum pressure by way of sanctions -- or they're labeled weak. Unsurprisingly, this rhetoric has ramped up in recent days, given the rare occurrence of protests on the island. What's true is that repressive rule in Cuba is reprehensible -- and the U.S. embargo has failed.

America needs a paradigm shift.

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