The country has been hit by economic crises in its major patrons, Venezuela and Russia. The net oil importer has depended heavily on subsidized energy imports from Caracas. But Venezuela’s economic turmoil is deepening, making it increasingly unable to afford its subsidy of Cuba. Russia, as one of the country’s largest creditors, is facing its own financing problems. And Europe, whose open trade with Cuba made it the second-largest export market for the country, has struggled to avert a third recession in five years.
I was struck by the fact that the opening to Cuba came at a point where Russia is reeling. It seems to me that this is an opportunity to pull Cuba out of Russia’s orbit. Free trade with Cuba seems to me like a great idea. But I am not running in any Republican primaries.
Plus, I bet that the Marlins and the Rays would draw better if they played some of their home games in Havana.
Cuba did confiscate quite a bit of private property, one large reason for the embargo.
Is there a statute of limitation on such a thing?
We could compensate the victims with tax dollars.
So did Russia, China, Vietnam and the Gulf petrostates.
I don’t know who would attend a major league baseball game in Havana. The maximum weekly wage in Cuba is $20. ($30 if you’re a surgeon.)