Fact Check: What is more responsible for starvation in Communist Cuba, the regime's policies or the embargo?
What We Know
The claim regarding the causes of starvation in Cuba is complex and multifaceted, involving both the Cuban government's policies and the long-standing U.S. embargo.
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Economic Decline: Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s, Cuba experienced a severe economic crisis, which significantly impacted food production and availability. According to a study by R. Garfield, the economic decline led to declining nutritional levels and increased rates of diseases, which were exacerbated by the U.S. embargo that raised the costs of essential goods, including food and medical supplies (Garfield, 1997).
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Impact of the U.S. Embargo: The U.S. embargo, which has been in place since the early 1960s, has been cited as a major factor contributing to food shortages in Cuba. A report from American University states that the embargo has led to significant suffering and increased mortality rates due to restricted access to food and medical supplies (American University, 1997). Furthermore, the embargo has been described as an act of war that obstructs Cuban development and undermines its health system (Brill, 2021).
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Cuban Government Policies: Critics argue that the Cuban government's policies, including centralized planning and rationing, have also played a role in food shortages. The government has faced criticism for its management of agricultural production, which has struggled to meet the needs of the population (WOLA, 2022).
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Health Outcomes: Despite the challenges, some studies indicate that Cuba's health outcomes, particularly for children and women, have remained relatively stable due to universal access to healthcare and preferential access to scarce resources for vulnerable populations (Garfield, 1997).
Analysis
The evidence suggests that both the U.S. embargo and the Cuban government's policies contribute to the issue of starvation in Cuba, but they do so in different ways.
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Source Reliability: The studies cited, including those from reputable journals and institutions, provide a solid foundation for understanding the impact of both the embargo and government policies. For instance, Garfield's research is well-cited and recognized in public health discussions, lending credibility to its findings (Garfield, 1997).
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Bias Considerations: Some sources may exhibit bias based on their political affiliations or perspectives. For example, reports from organizations critical of U.S. foreign policy may emphasize the embargo's effects, while those from Cuban state sources may downplay the impact of government policies. It is essential to consider these biases when evaluating the claims.
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Complex Interplay: The interplay between the embargo and the Cuban government's policies complicates the narrative. While the embargo has undoubtedly restricted access to goods, the effectiveness of the Cuban government's agricultural policies also plays a crucial role in food security.
Conclusion
The claim that both the regime's policies and the U.S. embargo are responsible for starvation in Cuba is Partially True. Evidence indicates that while the U.S. embargo has significantly impacted food availability and health outcomes, the Cuban government's policies have also contributed to the ongoing food crisis. Therefore, it is not solely one factor that leads to starvation, but rather a combination of both that creates the current situation.
Sources
- The impact of the economic crisis and the US embargo on health in Cuba. Link
- The impact of the US embargo on health and nutrition in Cuba. Link
- U.S. Policy and Food Security in Cuba. Link
- Understanding the Failure of the U.S. Embargo on Cuba. Link
- Chapter 8 US Sanctions Cuba 'to Bring About Hunger. Link
- Economic, Commercial Embargo Imposed by United States. Link
- Cuba Embargo | Pros, Cons, Debate, Arguments. Link
- Role of the USA in shortage of food and medicine in Cuba. Link
