The Foreign Service Journal, December 2009

8 F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L / D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 9 Mexico, remains estranged. Ironically, in spite of the embargo, the U.S. leads all other nations in shipping foodstuffs to Cuba, sending some $700 million worth of exports in 2008. The bulk of these were grains, but we also exported sugar due to the dilapidated condition of the Cuban sugar industry. We say one thing but do something else. In 1962, the Organization of Amer- ican States agreed to support the em- bargo and expelled Cuba. Recognizing Washington’s inability to overthrow Castro and unwillingness to reverse a failed policy, Latin American nations over the years have withdrawn support for the embargo. Lifting it and restor- ing diplomatic relations with Havana would go a long way toward restoring respect for the U.S. in the region. Nearly 60,000 American service members perished in combat in Viet- nam attempting to defeat the Viet Cong, who eventually won when U.S. forces withdrew. We now enjoy diplo- matic relations with Vietnam, and commerce and tourism flourishes. By contrast, Havana, which has killed no Americans and with which we have never gone to war, remains isolated. A resumption of diplomacy, fol- lowed by trade, investments and tour- ism, would revitalize a stagnant Cub- an economy. Furthermore, it would remove Castro’s longstanding excuse for the failure of his economic poli- cies: the U.S. embargo. Fortunately, President Barack Obama has signaled a change in atti- tude by issuing an executive order permitting Cuban-Americans to visit Cuba and send remittances there. But only Congress can terminate the embargo and permit all Americans to visit the island. Such steps, followed by the re- sumption of diplomatic relations, are in keeping with the traditional Amer- ican policy of good will toward other nations and would benefit the people of both countries. E.V. Niemeyer Jr. FSO, retired (USIA) Austin, Texas CORRECTION In the October President’s Views column, a reference to a 1980 sugges- tion to cap non-career ambassador ap- pointments at 15 percent was attribut- ed to “the late” Senator Charles Mathias when it should have read “the former.” Sen. Mathias is still very much with us. The Journal regrets the error. ■ L E T T E R S The Foreign Service Journal wel- comes brief, focused letters from readers. (In general, 200 to 400 words is a good target.) All submis- sions are subject to editing, and re- flect the opinions of the writers, not necessarily the views of the Journal , the Editorial Board or AFSA. Please send your letters to: journal@afsa.org .