http://news.yahoo.com/latin-america-rebels-against-u-over-cuba-193839285.html
CARTAGENA, Colombia (Reuters) - Unprecedented Latin American opposition to U.S. sanctions on Cuba left President Barack Obama isolated at a summit on Sunday and illustrated Washington's declining influence in a region being aggressively courted by China.
Unlike the rock-star status he enjoyed at the 2009 Summit of the Americas after taking office, Obama has had a bruising time at the two-day meeting in Colombia of some 30 heads of state.
Sixteen U.S. security personnel were caught in an embarrassing prostitution scandal before Obama arrived, Brazil and others have bashed Obama over U.S. monetary policy and he has been on the defensive over Cuba and calls to legalize drugs.
Due to the hostile U.S. and Canadian line on communist-run Cuba, the heads of state failed to produce a final declaration as the summit fizzled out on Sunday afternoon.
"There was no declaration because there was no consensus," said Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos. He bristled at suggestions the summit had been a failure, however, saying the exchange of different views was a sign of democratic health. For the first time, conservative-led U.S. allies like Mexico and Colombia are throwing their weight behind the traditional demand of leftist governments that Cuba be invited to the next Summit of the Americas.
Cuba was kicked out of the Organization of American States (OAS) a few years after Fidel Castro's 1959 revolution and has been kept out of its summits due mainly to U.S. opposition.
But Latin American leaders are increasingly militant in opposing both Cuba's exclusion and the 50-year-old U.S. trade embargo on the Caribbean island. "The isolation, the embargo, the indifference, looking the other way, have been ineffective," Santos said. "I hope Cuba is at the next summit in three years." Santos, a major U.S. ally in the region who has relied on Washington for financial and military help to fight guerrillas and drug traffickers, has become vocal about Cuba's inclusion even though he also advocates for democratic reform by Havana.
CLINTON PARTIES IN "CAFE HAVANA"
In an ironic twist to the debate, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton went dancing in the early hours of Sunday at a Cartagena bar called Cafe Havana, where Cuban music is played.
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, who has insisted without success that Washington recognize its claim to the Falkland Islands controlled by Britain, was one of several presidents who left the summit well before its official closure.
She missed a verbal gaffe by Obama, who referred to the "Maldives" instead of the "Malvinas" when using the name Latin Americans give to the disputed islands. The leftist ALBA bloc of nations - including Venezuela, Ecuador, Bolivia, Nicaragua and some Caribbean nations - said they will not attend future summits without Cuba's presence. "It's not a favour anyone would be doing to Cuba. It's a right they've had taken away from them," Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said from Managua.
Although there were widespread hopes for a rapprochement with Cuba under Obama when he took office, Washington has done little beyond ease some travel restrictions. It insists Cuba must first make changes, including the release of political prisoners. Obama told a news conference after the summit he was "puzzled" that nations that had themselves emerged from authoritarian rule would overlook that in Cuba. "I and the American people will welcome a time when the Cuban people have the freedom to live their lives, choose their leaders and fully participate in this global economy and international institutions. We haven't gotten there yet," he said.
Obama urged Cuba to look at political and economic transformations in Colombia, Brazil and Chile for inspiration.
PROSTITUTION SCANDAL
The prostitution saga was a big embarrassment for Obama and a blow to the prestige of his Secret Service, the agency that provides security for U.S. presidents. It was the talk of the town in the historic Caribbean coastal city of Cartagena. Eleven Secret Service agents were sent home and five military servicemen grounded after trying to take prostitutes back to their hotel the day before Obama arrived. Obama said in general his security personnel did an extraordinary job under stressful circumstances but he would be annoyed if the allegations were proven by an investigation.
"We represent the people of the United States and when we travel to another country I expect them to observe the highest standards," Obama said of the reports. "If it turns out that some of the allegations that have been made in the press are confirmed, then of course I will be angry."
A local policeman told Reuters the affair came to a head when hotel staff tried to register a prostitute at the front desk but agents refused and waved their ID cards. Locals were unimpressed and upset at the negative headlines."Someone who's charged with looking after the security of the most important president in the world cannot commit the mistake of getting mixed up with a prostitute," said Cartagena tourist guide Rodolfo Galvis, 60. "This has damaged the image of the Secret Service, not Colombia."
The divisive end to the summit added to strain on the U.S.-dominated system of hemispheric diplomacy that was built around the OAS but is struggling to adapt to changes in the region.
"I'm not sure the next summit will even be possible," said Carlos Gaviria, a Colombian politician and former presidential candidate. Perceived U.S. neglect of Latin America has allowed China to move strongly into the region and become the leading trade partner of Brazil and various other nations. Regional economic powerhouse Brazil has led criticism at the summit of U.S. and other rich nations' expansionist monetary policy that is sending a flood of funds into developing nations, forcing up local currencies and hurting competitiveness.
Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff called it a "monetary tsunami" that Latin American nations had the right to defend themselves from. Cheering the mood a bit, U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk announced that a U.S.-Colombia free trade agreement will come into force in the middle of May. With a presidential election looming, Obama had portrayed his visit to the summit as a way to generate jobs at home by boosting trade with Latin America.
(Editing by Bill Trott)
This article was very interesting as it informed me of a current event whereby President Obama visited Latin America for a Summit discussing Cuba's situation among other timely topics. The prostitution scandal and situation of Hilary Clinton partying while representing the United States were very unsettling to hear. It is also concerning to hear of China taking our position of influence in Latin America. The United States "name" must be reinforced before it is too late.
ReplyDeleteMeredith Lax, SPN 210G, 1pm class, MWF
This article was very interesting to hear. I did not hear about President Obama viiting Latin America to discuss what is going on in Cuba. The protitution scandal was interesting to read as well because that is not something you read about everyday when it comes to talking about the President in a different country.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Patel; SPN 110
This article was very interesting to hear. I did not hear about President Obama viiting Latin America to discuss what is going on in Cuba. The protitution scandal was interesting to read as well because that is not something you read about everyday when it comes to talking about the President in a different country.
ReplyDeleteMelissa Patel; SPN 110
This was a very interesting article to read. I am shocked to hear about the allegations with Obama's Secret Service and the prostitute, as well as Hilary Clinton going out and dancing at a local bar while being in a foreign country. This does not make the United States look very good; and, is especially unfortunate to occur when Obama is meeting and speaking on behalf of the US and trying to convince Cuba to be more like the United States. Why should they listen or switch to our ways when the people of the United States act this way over seas. I hope that we can fix this before China moves in and completely takes over our influence in Latin America.
ReplyDeletei found this article to be very interesting and surprising because if i had not read this article than i would not have none at all what was going on. its very shocking that secret service officers would disrespect their country like that and not be up front about what happen. Obama needs to take more control over everything because look what happen in a foreign country with out him even there
ReplyDeleteI find it appauling that our nation's secret service is going behind the backs of their president, this country and their families. It is extremely sad how corrupt politics can be, especially in the US. I think Mrs Clinton was doing nothing wrong dancing at a bar in Cuba. What is wrong with that? She is a woman trying to have fun in a culture that embraces dancing... its Cuba! However, the men found guilty of the prostitution scandal is on a whole other level. How dare they take advantage of Cuba like that and make our country look bad on a very important business trip. This article is embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteI was disappointed at the response the president gave regarding the prostitution scandal: 'Obama said in general his security personnel did an extraordinary job under stressful circumstances but he would be annoyed if the allegations were proven by an investigation.' Saying that if an investigation into the matter would annoy him if it turned out his secret service were involved is an inappropriate response. He should be more than willing to cooperate with an investigation and handle the matter according if it turned out his secret service were involved in the exploitation of Colombians. As for Hillary Clinton, if she wasn't dancing at the summit, what does it matter? She can eat at a local restaurant and still act as a diplomat at meetings; the two things have no affect on each other.
ReplyDeleteAs for letting Cuba back into the OAS, I don't think that would be a good idea solely because they were kicked out for being communist int the first place. They are still communist and letting the back in would rewarding them for not changing. But, I don't know much about the OAS other than what I have read in the article and that is what I have deduced from it.
Alexa Hartman SPN 110 10am MWF
I was disappointed at the response the president gave regarding the prostitution scandal: 'Obama said in general his security personnel did an extraordinary job under stressful circumstances but he would be annoyed if the allegations were proven by an investigation.' Saying that if an investigation into the matter would annoy him if it turned out his secret service were involved is an inappropriate response. He should be more than willing to cooperate with an investigation and handle the matter according if it turned out his secret service were involved in the exploitation of Colombians. As for Hillary Clinton, if she wasn't dancing at the summit, what does it matter? She can eat at a local restaurant and still act as a diplomat at meetings; the two things have no affect on each other.
ReplyDeleteAs for letting Cuba back into the OAS, I don't think that would be a good idea solely because they were kicked out for being communist int the first place. They are still communist and letting the back in would rewarding them for not changing. But, I don't know much about the OAS other than what I have read in the article and that is what I have deduced from it.
Alexa Hartman SPN 110 10am MWF
The Summit of the Americas was an absolute train wreck for the United States of America. Not only did the Secret Service hire prostitutes before President Obama even arrived, but Obama also did not manage to win many points during his visit. For example, many Latin American presidents were so frustrated with the Summit that they left long before it officially ended. Additionally, President Obama upset numerous countries by maintaining his harsh stance on Cuba, refusing to allow the country to be represented at the Summit or in the Organization of American States. As a result of all the controversy, the Summit did not reach any sort of consensus, so the traditional final declaration did not even occur. While all of these issues lessened the influence of the United States, they also made room for China to continue gaining power as a key trading partner of Brazil, as well as other nations.
ReplyDeleteKatelyn Ruppert
SPN110 12pm
Yikessss. I heard about the scandal with the US secret service and think it is unfortunate, but we need to remember that they are a service of the white house, not the president himself. Though, I am more so shocked about where the US is headed after the Summit. I will be in Cartagena this summer and it will be interesting to see if opinions will have changed. However, I think it is unlikely and that if it was a major concern for US government (if they were taking more seriously) then something would have been accomplished. I am not saying Obama is to blame necessarily, but that many people of the US are unaware as to how much the Latin American countries are growing, expanding, and having more and more influence.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame about the operation of the Secret Service and their relations with the President. A governmental organization should be much more cooperative with the commander-in-chief. The news about Clinton is a little surprising and unsettling. Still, the US should attempt to build solid relations with Cuba despite its single party communist rule. Clinton has acted as a liability in this regard. I think it would say a great deal about the willingness and openness of America if we could have a healthy relationship with a former enemy during the Cold War. I would say that both nations could learn from each other. This is obviously made more difficult by a prostitution scandal and a Secretary of State partying on the job. Obama should be harsher on these members of the Secret Service. Hopefully, this won't tarnish our relationship with Cuba but I'm afraid that it's too late.
ReplyDeleteIt is a shame about the operation of the Secret Service and their relations with the President. A governmental organization should be much more cooperative with the commander-in-chief. The news about Clinton is a little surprising and unsettling. Still, the US should attempt to build solid relations with Cuba despite its single party communist rule. Clinton has acted as a liability in this regard. I think it would say a great deal about the willingness and openness of America if we could have a healthy relationship with a former enemy during the Cold War. I would say that both nations could learn from each other. This is obviously made more difficult by a prostitution scandal and a Secretary of State partying on the job. Obama should be harsher on these members of the Secret Service. Hopefully, this won't tarnish our relationship with Cuba but I'm afraid that it's too late.
ReplyDeleteThe US should be trying to foster a healthy relationship with Cuba, not finding itself entangled in prostitution scandals and party animal Secretaries of State. It is a great shame to hear this disrespect on the part of the Secret Service. Obama should be quick to punish the responsible parties on behalf of the public. Successful relations would go a long with Cuba. It would say a great deal about America if we could build a healthy relationship with a former Cold War enemy. Arguably, there is a great deal each nation could learn from the other. This is made much more difficult if government officials cannot handle the task at hand. If the US could find itself out of this mess without making itself look unreliable and unprofessional, that would be a miracle. I think it's a little late for that however.
ReplyDeleteThis article discussing the summit that President Obama attended. The United States has strained relations with Cuba. Since Obama has been in administration little has been done to work on this relationship. The only change that has been acted upon is the trade between the US and Cuba, which is now easier than before. However, Latin American leaders believe that Cuba should be included in the summit, while Obama stands quite strong on his opinion. Obama believes that Cuba has many changes to make. However, many Latin American leaders believe that Cuba hasn't been included for too long and it isn’t making any progress for country relations. Also this article discusses the scandal that took place before Obama arrived at the summit. A few members of the US military and secret service were caught trying to take home prostitutes. This not only discredited the US, but the secret service and the military. Obama stood by them by saying they did well in their positions in difficult times, but that he will be mad if these allegations prove to be true. This article ties to the last blog posting, because it shows how our relations with Latin American countries need attention and improvement, and coming to an agreement on relations and inclusion of Cuba in the summit might be a great start to improving trust, communication, and support. This article really surprised me, because I was aware of our strained relations with Cuba, however I had not heard of this prostitution scandal. It has been very interesting reading these blog articles and doing the activities (movies and painting analysis), because I did not know much about our relations with Latin American countries or the history of these countries.
ReplyDeleteIt is always interesting to see what is happening around the world, especially when America is involved. While this article screams towards illegal actions, it also shows the concern in which Obama has for Cuba. While Obama hopes for a better future for Cuba than their past, it simply is put in the hands of the citizens to make the effort to change their society. They need to advocate for the good of the majority.
ReplyDeleteNow onto the controversy. If it is actually found true that these Secret Service officials were found with prostitutes they should be fired from their jobs. There is no reason that this form of illegal behavior should be allowed. If an American citizen who was not governmental was faced with these allegations there would be no thought of 'excuse', but because these men hold such high status there is doubt. I truly believe that they were using prostitutes because they assumed that in another country they could get away with it and fly under the raider. I am sorry but as a 'body guard' to the president they should have bigger concerns then trying to 'get down' with a native.
I hope that this is settled because it makes America look bad especially when we are in a nation trying to promote 'American ideals'.