Talking Points Published December 18, 2014 · Updated December 18, 2014 · 2 minute read
Talking Points on Alan Gross Release and a New Course with Cuba
Peter Billerbeck
Yesterday, the White House announced the negotiated release of Alan Gross, a USAID contractor, from Cuba and initial steps towards reengagement with Cuba.
The announcement includes: establishing diplomatic relations with Cuba, facilitating an expansion of travel between the U.S. and Cuba, and expanded commercial engagement with Cuba.
Below, for your consideration, are talking points on the key issues surrounding this announcement.
- This is a joyous moment for USAID Contractor Alan Gross and his family following 5 years of unjust imprisonment in Cuba.
- Critics of this approach would have us continue a failed Cold War era policy of isolation that for over fifty years has produced no change in Cuba’s policies. This new course in bilateral relations for trade, travel and exchange of ideas will be a positive force for change within Cuba.
- A majority of all Americans (56%) and Latinos (62%) in the U.S. favor a change to U.S. – Cuba policy.
- Along with citizens in both countries, the U.S. business community has long called for normalized relations and welcomed the announcement as a positive step for economic opportunity in both countries.
- Diplomatically, this is a step forward in U.S. relations in Latin America, where U.S. – Cuba policy has been an unproductive distraction to important work in other areas including counter-narcotics, trade, and climate change.
- There are real security benefits that come from normalizing relations with Cuba and not having a giant blind spot in our backyard.
