Letter: Reconsider Cuba policy

Tuesday, May 14, 2002 | 8:55 a.m.

The visit by former President Carter to Cuba is timely and should give us cause to reflect on current U.S. policies toward that island nation. It is most unfortunate that the U.S. persists in pursuing a trade embargo and general policy of isolation when most Western nations have actively sought more favorable links with Cuba.

It would be seemingly impossible to address every concern, particularly those of some Cuban Americans, while sustaining policies that limit trade and travel. An open-door policy could set the stage for dialogue on the restoration of more normalized relations, including concerns expressed about human rights.

U.S. policy toward Cuba is but one example of where the Bush administration places itself at variance to world opinion by insisting upon a course of action that is unilateral and counterproductive.

As the Carter trip should suggest, improving relations with a nation so close to home should be a top priority.

U.S. Cuban policy deserves a change, especially since we have aggressively encouraged normalized relations with China, which seemingly has as many issues deserving scrutiny in terms of human rights and other actions inconsistent with U.S. interests.

ERIC STEFIK