We See Cuba as a third border

In March 2016, President Barack Obama visited the island nation of Cuba and became the first sitting United States President to do so since the 1959 revolution. Obama met with members of the Cuban leadership to include President Raul Castro, brother of famed dictator Fidel.

In light of renewed diplomatic relations and relaxation of trade restrictions, Mr. Obama urged the Cuban government, to

· Begin their way towards a more democratic society.

· Respect human rights, freedom of speech, the right to peaceful assembly, freedom of religion, and democratic elections.

· Focus on job creation and referenced Cuban innovation that has kept antique American cars in working condition with makeshift parts and with no access to U.S. components.

The Cuban people applauded the American president, however his pleas most certainly fell on regime’s deaf ears.

The Castro brothers have shown for the past half-century that they are only interested in one thing — keeping power. Well, two things: amounting wealth and keeping a chokehold on the Cuban people.

President Obama believes that by easing the economic restrictions on the Cuban government the financial benefits will trickle down to the Cuban people, but since the Cuban Government controls most of the commerce on the island that is unlikely for now.

The Obama Administration also seeks to open up the large un-tapped market base on the island nation that has been isolated from America for well over half a century.

Envision a Wal-Mart on the Malecon (esplanade along the coast of Havana, Cuba) or a McDonalds in Varadero (Cuban beach renowned for its crystal clear water). I am sure the Cuban people will cheer in loving admiration at the taste of their first Big Mac. While I do agree that the current embargo has done little more than choke the average Cuban citizen, the Cuban government has still been able to obtain basic necessities and luxury items from the European and Canadian markets. However, in the short term the relaxation of trade and the easement of travel restrictions to Cuba will only serve to further enrich those in power.

Some argue that the United Nations views the United States as a bully punishing a weaker nation. And, the Cuban government vilifies America for all its ills in addition to its bitterness over many U.S. allies siding with Cuba to end the embargo.

Could President Obama’s hope for economic revolution result in the same passion that the Castro revolution did in 1959?

Ultimately, only the Cuban people’s desire for freedom will lead the movement to gain their right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness but in the meantime.

So, how does this relate to Homeland Security?

Well, when considering a potential new tourist destination, WE SEE Cuba as our third border and a key component to our national security. A border that only has 90 miles of pristine ocean between two nations that are worlds apart. A border that has been kept under strict control by the mutual distrust.

The new diplomatic relationship between the United States and Cuba seeks to mend broken fences, but threatens to impact our ability to maintain that tight control on this third border, which will have implications on the Homeland Security Enterprise.

Just imagine when American businesses seize the moneymaking opportunity to start marketing vacations to the Guantanamo Bay.

WeSeeHSE: Seeing, Sharing, Informing What we see, What we know, What we do.