Trump is ready to oust another communist dictator in Latin America

For the first time in 67 years, the Cuban dictatorship is on its knees. Bilateral talks have been announced, release of political prisoners, commercial opening to Cuban-American citizens and even the arrival of the FBI. The peace through strength policy could also oust the current communist leader without using a single bullet. 

Cuba has managed to outwit the international community for decades. Presidents Carter, Clinton and Obama tried to negotiate with the regime but always were deceived. With Trump there is no plan B. Real change is the only proposal on the table. 

In 1977, President Jimmy Carter sought dialogue with Fidel Castro, eliminated some travel restrictions and established Interest Sections between both countries. The Cuban regime continued to repress and send mercenaries to Africa and Central America to export its communist revolution. 

Castro mocked Carter’s goodwill. The dictatorship opened the prisons, sending some political prisoners to the United States, but above all common criminals, the mentally ill and spies. Some 125,000 people arrived in the exodus known as the Mariel boatlift. 

President Bill Clinton and his dialogue with Castro’s regime did not have a happy ending either. In 1993, the new U.S. administration promoted a pragmatic approach, open to concessions and negotiations with the regime. The dictatorship responded by shooting down two aircraft belonging to the Cuban American Brothers to the Rescue. A crime without punishment. 

Clinton was contradictory........

© The Hill