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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [February 2, 2011]
"With five successive elected civilian governments, the Central American nation of Panama has made notable political and economic progress since the 1989 U.S. military intervention that ousted the regime of General Manuel Noriega from power. Current President Ricardo Martinelli of the center-right Democratic Change (CD) party was elected in May 2009, defeating the ruling center-left Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) in a landslide. Martinelli was inaugurated to a five-year term on July 1, 2009. Martinelli's s Alliance for Change coalition also captured a majority of seats in Panama's National Assembly that will increase the chances that the President will be able to secure enough votes to enact his legislative agenda. A significant challenge facing the Martinelli government has been dealing with the economic fallout stemming from the global economic recession, but while the growth of Panama's servicebased economy has slowed, it has avoided the economic contraction experienced by many Latin American economies. The Panama Canal expansion project has played a large role in stimulating economic growth. President Martinelli has called for a number of large public infrastructure projects, including a subway for Panama City, and the government has begun to move ahead on some of these projects. In March 2010, President Martinelli secured legislative approval of a tax reform measure that reduces corporate and individual income taxes while raising sales and other taxes that overall is expected to increase government revenue."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2011-02-02
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [Updated May 24, 2006]
"With four successive elected civilian governments, the Central American nation of Panama has made notable political and economic progress since the 1989 U.S. military intervention that ousted the regime of General Manuel Noriega from power. The current President, Martín Torrijos of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), was elected in May 2004 and inaugurated to a four-year term on September 1, 2004. Torrijos, the son of former populist leader General Omar Torrijos, won a decisive electoral victory with almost 48% of the vote in a four-man race. He succeeded President Mireya Moscoso of the Arnulfist Party (PA), elected in 1999, whose administration was tainted by several high-profile corruption scandals. Torrijos' electoral alliance also won a majority of seats in the unicameral Legislative Assembly."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2006-05-24
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [May 5, 2010]
"With five successive elected civilian governments, the Central American nation of Panama has made notable political and economic progress since the 1989 U.S. military intervention that ousted the regime of General Manuel Noriega from power. Current President Ricardo Martinelli of the center-right Democratic Change (CD) party was elected in May 2009, defeating the ruling center-left Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) in a landslide. Martinelli was inaugurated to a five-year term on July 1, 2009. […]. The United States has close relations with Panama, stemming in large part from the extensive linkages developed when the canal was under U.S. control and Panama hosted major U.S. military installations. The current relationship is characterized by extensive counternarcotics cooperation, assistance to help Panama assure the security of the Canal, and a proposed bilateral free trade agreement (FTA). […]. In June 2007, the United States and Panama signed a proposed bilateral FTA, and Panama's National Assembly overwhelmingly approved the agreement in July 2007. While the 111th Congress could consider implementing legislation for the FTA, a number of observers believe that it is unlikely that it will be considered this year. Final issues being worked out relate to worker rights and to Panama's bank secrecy laws. H.Res. 987 (Frelinghuysen), introduced in December 2009, would express the sense of the House that the FTA with Panama should be implemented immediately, and H.Res. 1124 (Mack), introduced in February 2010, would call on President Obama to submit the Panama FTA to Congress and work to ensure that it is approved."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2010-05-05
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [Updated November 1, 2006]
"The United States has close relations with Panama, stemming in large part from the extensive linkages developed when the Panama Canal was under U.S. control and Panama hosted major U.S. military installations. The current bilateral relationship is characterized by extensive cooperation on counternarcotics efforts, assistance to help Panama assure the security of the Canal and its border with Colombia, and negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement. The United States provided Panama with $19 million in foreign aid in FY2005, and an estimated $14.4 million in FY2006. The FY2007 request is for $17.4 million, with $4 million under the Andean Counterdrug Initiative and $3.2 million in development assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2006-11-01
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Panama: Political and Economic Conditions and U.S. Relations [Updated September 22, 2006]
"The United States has close relations with Panama, stemming in large part from the extensive linkages developed when the Panama Canal was under U.S. control and Panama hosted major U.S. military installations. The current bilateral relationship is characterized by extensive cooperation on counternarcotics efforts, assistance to help Panama assure the security of the Canal and its border with Colombia, and negotiations for a bilateral free trade agreement. The United States provided Panama with $19 million in foreign aid in FY2005, and an estimated $14.4 million in FY2006. The FY2007 request is for $17.4 million, with $4 million under the Andean Counterdrug Initiative and $3.2 million in development assistance."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2006-09-22
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [May 26, 2017]
"Cuba remains a one-party authoritarian state with a poor record on human rights. Current President Raúl Castro succeeded his long-ruling brother Fidel Castro in 2006, and the succession was characterized by a remarkable degree of stability. Raúl began his second and final five-year term as president in 2013, which is scheduled to end in February 2018, when he would be 86 years of age. Most observers see First Vice President Miguel Diaz-Canel as the "heir apparent" as president, although Raúl likely will continue in his position as first secretary of Cuba's Communist Party (PCC). Under Raúl, Cuba has implemented gradual market-oriented economic policy changes over the past decade, but critics maintain that the government has not taken enough action to foster sustainable economic growth. Few observers expect the government to ease its tight control over the political system, especially as the country approaches its political succession in 2018. Short-term detentions and harassment against democracy and human rights activists have increased over the past several years."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-05-26
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Cuba Sanctions: Legislative Restrictions Limiting the Normalization of Relations [August 17, 2017]
"Since the early 1960s, U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted largely of isolating the island nation through comprehensive economic sanctions, including an embargo on trade and financial transactions. President John F. Kennedy proclaimed an embargo on trade between the United States and Cuba in February 1962, citing Section 620(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), which authorizes the President 'to establish and maintain a total embargo upon all trade between the United States and Cuba.' At the same time, the Department of the Treasury issued the Cuban Import Regulations to deny the importation into the United States of all goods imported from or through Cuba. The authority for the embargo was later expanded in March 1962 to include the Trading with the Enemy Act (TWEA)."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Rennack, Dianne E.; Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-08-17
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Hurricanes Irma and Maria: Impact on Caribbean Countries and Foreign Territories
"In addition to causing massive destruction to the U.S. territories of Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the Caribbean, Hurricanes Irma and Maria severely affected several Caribbean countries and foreign territories. Between September 5 and 9, 2017, Hurricane Irma caused widespread damage to Barbuda, part of the independent country of Antigua and Barbuda; the island of St. Martin/St. Maarten, split between French and Dutch rule (St. Martin is a French overseas collectivity while St. Maarten is an autonomous country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands); several southeastern and northwestern islands of the Bahamas; and the northern coast of Cuba. Other islands severely affected were the French overseas collectivity of St. Barthélemy and the British overseas territories of Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. On September 18 and 19, respectively, Hurricane Maria severely damaged the country of Dominica and the French department of Guadeloupe with direct hits, while St. Kitts and Nevis experienced lesser damage as the hurricane passed south of the country. On September 21, the hurricane passed close to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, which experienced limited impact, largely caused by flooding, and the Turks and Caicos Islands were battered once again as the storm passed nearby on September 22. Reconstruction costs are not yet known, but will likely be high for several of these islands, many of which depend on tourism."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2017-09-28
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated February 8, 2019]
"Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba. President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017 increasing sanctions and partially rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-02-08
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated February 25, 2019]
From the Document: "For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption; the Treasury Department has imposed financial sanctions on more than 100 individuals. On January 28, 2019, the Trump Administration announced sanctions on Venezuela's stateoil company, 'Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A'., or PdVSA. Several days before the imposition of the PdVSA sanctions, the United States recognized Juan Guaidó, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president and ceased to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the president of Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-02-25
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated March 8, 2019]
From the Document: "For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption. Overall, the Treasury Department has imposed financial sanctions on 111 individuals and the State Department has revoked the visas of more than 250 individuals. On January 28, 2019, the Trump Administration announced sanctions on Venezuela's state-oil company, 'Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A'., or PdVSA. Several days before the imposition of the PdVSA sanctions, the United States recognized Juan Guaidó, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president and ceased to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the president of Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-03-08
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [July 2, 2018]
"Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the Cuban government. In December 2014, however, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift, moving away from sanctions toward a policy of engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and steps to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2018-07-02
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Cuba: U.S. Policy in the 115th Congress [Updated January 15, 2019]
From the Introduction: "This report examines U.S. policy toward Cuba in the 115th Congress. It is divided into three major sections analyzing Cuba's political and economic environment; U.S. policy toward Cuba; and selected issues in U.S.-Cuban relations, including restrictions on travel and trade, funding for democracy and human rights projects in Cuba and for U.S. government-sponsored radio and television broadcasting, migration, antidrug cooperation, U.S. property claims, and U.S. fugitives from justice in Cuba."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-01-15
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Latin America and the Caribbean: Issues in the 115th Congress [Updated January 22, 2019]
"Geographic proximity has ensured strong linkages between the United States and Latin America and the Caribbean, based on diverse U.S. interests, including economic, political, and security concerns. The United States is a major trading partner and the largest source of foreign investment for many countries in the region, with free-trade agreements enhancing economic linkages with 11 countries. The region is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration. Curbing the flow of illicit drugs has been a key component of U.S. relations with the region for more than three decades and currently involves close security cooperation with Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. U.S. support for democracy and human rights in the region has been long-standing, with particular current focus on Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.; Beittel, June S.; DeBruyne, Nese F. . . .
2019-01-22
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated February 1, 2019]
"For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government or Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions, including targeted sanctions against almost 100 individuals, related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-02-01
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Cuba: Trump Administration Expands Sanctions [May 17, 2019]
From the Document: "In recent weeks, the Trump Administration has imposed a series of increasingly strong economic sanctions against Cuba, effectively ending the previous policy of engagement begun by the Obama Administration in 2014 that had eased some sanctions and moved toward the normalization of relations. As a result, U.S. policy toward Cuba again is centered on economic pressure aimed at influencing the behavior of the Cuban government, not only with regard to Cuba'sown human rights record, but also its support to the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. On April 30, 2019, President Trump threatened a 'full and complete embargo' on Cuba and 'highest-level sanctions' unless Cuba ceased its military support for the Maduro regime. Congress traditionally has played an important role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba through legislation and oversight, but has appeared divided over Cuba the past decade, with some favoring engagement and others favoring strong sanctions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-05-17
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated July 15, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S.-Argentine relations have been characterized by robust commercial linkages and cooperation on issues such as nonproliferation, human rights, education, and science and technology. There were periodic tensions under the Kirchner governments, but Macri's election brought to power a government committed to improving bilateral relations. President Obama engaged the Macri government on a range of bilateral, regional, and global issues, and he visited Argentina in 2016. Strong bilateral relations are continuing under the Trump Administration. President Macri visited the White House in April 2017, and the two leaders underscored their commitment to expand trade and investment and pledged strengthened partnership to combat narcotics trafficking, money laundering, terrorist financing, and corruption, and to increase engagement on cyber issues. In September 2018, President Trump reaffirmed strong U.S. support for Argentina's engagement with the IMF [International Monetary Fund]."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-07-15
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated July 15, 2019]
From the Document: "In 2009, the United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, through a process of dialogue with Caribbean countries. The initiative seeks to reduce illicit trafficking in the region, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice. Because of their geographic location, many Caribbean nations are vulnerable to being used as transit countries for illicit drugs from South America destined for the U.S. and European markets. Strengthened U.S. counternarcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America--through the Mérida Initiative and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI)--led U.S. policymakers to anticipate a potential increase in narcotics trafficking through the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries have also suffered high rates of violent crime, including murder, often associated with drug trafficking activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-07-15
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated August 30, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017 introducing new sanctions and rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. In 2019, the Administration has increased economic sanctions significantly to pressure the Cuban government on its human rights record and its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. These include actions allowing lawsuits to go forward against those trafficking in property confiscated by the Cuban government and tightening restrictions on nonfamily travel to Cuba, including the termination of cruise ship travel to Cuba from the United States. With these actions, U.S. policy toward Cuba has again shifted to a policy of strong economic pressure."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-08-30
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Venezuela: Overview of U.S. Sanctions [Updated July 5, 2019]
From the Document: "For more than a decade, the United States has employed sanctions as a policy tool in response to activities of the Venezuelan government and Venezuelan individuals. These have included sanctions related to terrorism, drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, antidemocratic actions, human rights violations, and corruption. Currently, the Treasury Department has financial sanctions on 115 individuals, and the State Department has revoked the visas of hundreds of individuals. On January 28, 2019, the Trump Administration announced sanctions on Venezuela's state-oil company, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PdVSA). Prior to the imposition of the PdVSA sanctions, the United States recognized Juan Guaidó, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, as the country's interim president and ceased to recognize Nicolás Maduro as the president of Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Seelke, Clare Ribando; Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-07-05
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Argentina: An Overview [Updated August 15, 2019]
From the Document: "Current President Mauricio Macri--leader of the center-right Republican Proposal and the 'Cambiemos' (Let's Change) coalition representing center-right and center-left parties--won the 2015 presidential election in a close race. Macri defeated the candidate of the leftist faction (Front for Victory, or FPV) of the Peronist party (officially known as the Justicialist Party) led by outgoing President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner, who was ineligible to run for a third consecutive term. Macri's election ended 12 years of FPV rule by the Kirchners. [...] The Kirchners' rule helped Argentina emerge from a severe economic crisis in 2001- 2002 but was characterized by protectionist and unorthodox economic policies and increasing corruption."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-08-15
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Guyana: An Overview [Updated January 10, 2020]
From the Document: "Located on the north coast of South America, English-speaking Guyana has characteristics common of a Caribbean nation because of its British colonial heritage-- the country achieved independence from Britain in 1966. Guyana participates in Caribbean regional organizations and forums, and its capital of Georgetown serves as headquarters for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), a regional integration organization. Current congressional interest in Guyana is focused on the conduct of general elections planned for March 2020, at a time when the country is poised to become a major oil producer."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-01-10
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Update June 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In December 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and efforts to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services (accomplished through amendments in 2015 and 2016 to the Cuban Assets Control Regulations [CACR], administered by the Department of the Treasury, and the Export Administration Regulations [EAR], administered by the Commerce Department). The restoration of relations led to increased government-to-government engagement, with over 20 bilateral agreements negotiated and bilateral dialogues conducted in numerous areas of cooperation."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-06-24
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Cuba: Trump Administration Expands Sanctions [Updated June 24, 2019]
From the Document: "Since April 2019, the Trump Administration has imposed a series of increasingly strong economic sanctions against Cuba, effectively ending the previous policy of engagement begun by the Obama Administration in 2014 that had eased some sanctions and moved toward the normalization of relations. As a result, U.S. policy toward Cuba again is centered on economic pressure aimed at influencing the Cuban government's behavior with regard to not only Cuba's human rights record but also its support to the Venezuelan regime of Nicolás Maduro. Congress traditionally has played an important role in shaping U.S. policy toward Cuba through legislation and oversight, but it has appeared divided over Cuba the past decade, with some favoring engagement and others favoring strong sanctions."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-06-24
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated January 30, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, in 2009 through a process of dialogue with Caribbean countries. The initiative seeks to reduce illicit trafficking in the region, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice. Because of their geographic location, many Caribbean nations are vulnerable to being used as transit countries for illicit drugs from South America destined for the U.S. and European markets. Strengthened U.S. counternarcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America--through the Mérida Initiative and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI)--led U.S. policymakers to anticipate a potential increase in narcotics trafficking through the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries have also suffered high rates of violent crime, including murder, often associated with drug trafficking activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-01-30
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated February 13, 2020]
From the Document: "The United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, in 2009 through a process of dialogue with Caribbean countries. The initiative seeks to reduce illicit trafficking in the region, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice. Because of their geographic location, many Caribbean nations are vulnerable to being used as transit countries for illicit drugs from South America destined for the U.S. and European markets. Strengthened U.S. counternarcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America--through the Mérida Initiative and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI)--led U.S. policymakers to anticipate a potential increase in narcotics trafficking through the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries have also suffered high rates of violent crime, including murder, often associated with drug trafficking activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2020-02-13
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Caribbean Basin Security Initiative [Updated October 10, 2019]
From the Document: "In 2009, the United States developed the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative (CBSI), a regional U.S. foreign assistance program, through a process of dialogue with Caribbean countries. The initiative seeks to reduce illicit trafficking in the region, advance public safety and security, and promote social justice. Because of their geographic location, many Caribbean nations are vulnerable to being used as transit countries for illicit drugs from South America destined for the U.S. and European markets. Strengthened U.S. counternarcotics cooperation with Mexico and Central America--through the Mérida Initiative and the Central America Regional Security Initiative (CARSI)--led U.S. policymakers to anticipate a potential increase in narcotics trafficking through the Caribbean. Many Caribbean countries have also suffered high rates of violent crime, including murder, often associated with drug trafficking activities."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-10
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Bahamas: Response to Hurricane Dorian [Updated October 1, 2019]
From the Document: "On September 1-2, 2019, Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 storm with winds of 180 miles per hour and storm surges of up to 23 feet, caused widespread damage to the islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco in the northwestern Bahamas, a country of some 700 islands off the southeast coast of the United States. [...] According to the U.S Agency for International Development (USAID), 60% of the structures on Grand Bahama and Abaco were completely or severely damaged and 27% were moderately damaged. Among the areas suffering the most severe damage was Abaco's town of Marsh Harbour. Thousands of people from the two islands have relocated to other parts of the Bahamas, especially New Providence Island, where Nassau, the capital of the Bahamas is located; about 1,600 were residing in shelters as of September 23. According to press reports, U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintained that about 3,900 Bahamian evacuees had arrived in Florida as of September 13."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Margesson, Rhoda; Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-10-01
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Cuba: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated November 18, 2019]
From the Document: "Since the early 1960s, when the United States imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, the centerpiece of U.S. policy toward Cuba has consisted of economic sanctions aimed at isolating the government. In 2014, the Obama Administration initiated a major policy shift moving away from sanctions toward engagement and the normalization of relations. The policy change included the rescission of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of international terrorism in May 2015; the restoration of diplomatic relations in July 2015; and efforts to increase travel, commerce, and the flow of information to Cuba by easing restrictions on travel, remittances, trade, telecommunications, and banking and financial services. [...] President Trump unveiled a new policy toward Cuba in 2017, introducing new sanctions and rolling back some of the Obama Administration's efforts to normalize relations. By 2019, the Trump Administration had largely abandoned the previous Administration's policy of engagement by increasing economic sanctions significantly to pressure the Cuban government on its human rights record and its support for the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-11-18
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Latin America and the Caribbean: U.S. Policy Overview [Updated November 13, 2019]
From the Document: "U.S. interests in Latin America and the Caribbean are diverse and include economic, political, security, and humanitarian concerns. Geographic proximity has ensured strong economic linkages between the United States and the region, with the United States being a major trading partner and source of foreign investment for many Latin American and Caribbean countries. Free-trade agreements (FTAs) have augmented U.S. economic relations with 11 countries in the region. The Western Hemisphere is a large source of U.S. immigration, both legal and illegal; geographic proximity and economic and security conditions are major factors driving migration trends."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Sullivan, Mark P.
2019-11-13
