Cuba

Having contained Cuban support for revolution in Latin America and perceiving signs of strong stirrings of a new civil society in Cuba, the United States should take steps to “contribute to rapid, peaceful, democratic transition in Cuba while safeguarding the vital interests of the United States.” This policy conclusion and a set of specific actions were recommended by an independent Task Force made up of both liberals and conservatives and chaired by Bernard W. Aronson and William D. Rogers. The report’s specific recommendations include: lifting limits on the number of visits Cuban-Americans can make to Cuba and on the amount of money they can legally send family members; allowing Cuban-Americans to claim tax exemptions for dependents living in Cuba; lifting restrictions on the sale of food and medicine and helping nonprofit organizations, religious groups, and individuals to assist the Cuban people; opening Cuba up to group and individual travel for cultural, religious, educational, humanitarian, and athletic purposes; easing restrictions on Cuban academics, artists, athletes, and officials wishing to visit the United States; and opening American commercial activity on the island.