Originally Posted by
Sherkeu
“The reduction in diplomatic presence was made to ensure the safety of our personnel,” said one official. “We maintain diplomatic relations with Cuba, and our work in Cuba will be guided by national security and foreign policy goals of the United States.”
There is now about $300M in American tourist dollars to Cuba on the table in addition to more millions in investment. (Total tourism of $2B likely affected as well)
Restoring more normal relations with Cuba is a good thing. A friend of mine who lives in the Bay area went on a vacation to Cuba a few months ago with a tour group. Said it was a good deal, and he'd recommend it to anyone.
Originally Posted by Steve
I understood that the Cuban government welcomed the re-establishment of connections with the US. Why would they want to cause this disruption?
I've got the same question.
Originally Posted by
dann
Come on, you really can’t expect decent US American diplomats to enjoy staying in a third-world hellhole like Cuba!
Given some of the third world places my sister lived when she worked for the State Department ... yes, I do.