Which country’s ‘boots on the ground’ would you want if your country were in crisis? The constructor or the destroyer? Would it not be better if both options come together and co-operate to solve the crisis. The following is an example what is possible when geopolitical co-operation trumps political ideology: when Cuba and America can work in tandem to combat the Ebola horror.
Common sense is now occupying center stage between the world only super power, the USA, and a small Caribbean island, Cuba, which is its nemesis for the past 55 years. The USA is now beginning to recognize what the rest of the global community has know and applauded for a very long time; that the economically challenged Cuba is humanitarian rich and is willing to donate its human resources to any needy country with no strings attached. Currently this island of only 11 million people is one of the largest global contributors of medical workers in the fight against Ebola.
The fight to defeat the Ebola epidemic has created odd bedfellows. Today over 460 Cuban doctors, nurses and technicians are working together with 4000 US soldiers in West Africa to combat Ebola. While the global community is not surprised by this expected action by the Cuban government and people, what is astonishing is America’s reaction. The commitment has drawn rare praise from the US. The comments from the American government and media, at the sight of Cuban doctors joining forces with the US military to combat Ebola in West Africa are overwhelmingly positive. Recently the US State Department went on record and unabashedly declared “Cuba as a welcome medical support in the fight against Ebola ….” Meanwhile, the New York Times in an editorial of October 11 called on President Obama to pursue an effective policy shift to end the 52 year-old US senseless embargo against Cuba. One day after Obama’s comment, Secretary of State John Kerry mentioned Cuba as one of the “nations large and small stepping up in impressive ways to make a contribution on the front lines.” A Canadian university professor and an expert on Cuban medical missions, John Kirk, had this to say, “Cuba is a lightweight boxer which boxes in the super heavyweight classes precisely because of its foreign policy and its international cooperation.”
In response the Cuban 88 year-old ex-leader, Fidel Castro, wrote in the daily Granma newspaper, “With pleasure we will cooperate with US personnel in that task.” He said it would not be to seek peace between two countries long at odds, but “for the peace of the world.” Oh so true. Given its historic relationship with the continent, Cuba’s commitment to Africa was /is always based on the ideals of altruism, self-sacrifice and humility. Never economic exploitation. However for the first time in more than 50 years, with the shifting politics and changing policies in these two countries, shouldn’t America re-establish diplomatic relations and dismantle its senseless embargo? Isn’t this collaboration emblematic of the need for the US to change its policy toward Cuba? Obama should seize this opportunity to end this very costly embargo that has failed in its objective to break the Cuban indomitable spirit. Which brings me back to my opening question; which country’s ‘boots on the ground’ would you want when your country is in crisis.
View From The Outside 