New Report: 9 Ways for US to Talk to Cuba and for Cuba to Talk to US

If Barack Obama and Raúl Castro sat down for negotiations, what could they talk about? In its new report, “9 Ways for US to Talk to Cuba and for Cuba to Talk to US,” the Center for Democracy in the Americas urges cooperation in nine critical areas where Washington and Havana can work together, and build relationships of confidence and trust, by solving problems in both countries’ national interests. We recruited a team of scholars and experts to offer their ideas for U.S.-Cuba cooperation in military affairs, migration, energy, trade, academic exchange and other fields which could then produce the progress that has eluded our diplomats for five decades. A copy of this report and its recommendations is available for download here.

You can listen to a conference call with some of the book's authors by clicking here.

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Freedom To Travel

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For more than four decades, the United States has tried to isolate Cuba, economically and diplomatically.

When we look at Cuba news, we see an increasingly public and vigorous debate about the economy. We see the nations of the region conducting ordinary and even extraordinary relations with Cuba. What we don't see is a story line involving the United States, the effectiveness of U.S. policy, or even much of a presence or a role as the possibilities of change unfold.

Top 10 List

"This top ten list is a powerful reminder to Congress and all Americans that sanctions against Cuba do nothing but violate American values, cost American jobs, stain our image overseas, and breach our basic rights," said Sarah Stephens of the Center for Democracy in the Americas. "As Cuba enters a new era, so should America, and replace our policy of isolating Cuba with one favoring engagement, travel and trade."