How Re-Designating Cuba Under “Trading with the Enemy Act” Helped Ease the Embargo

How Re-Designating Cuba Under “Trading with the Enemy Act” Helped Ease the Embargo

On September 11, President Barack Obama extended Cuba’s status as an “enemy” under a 1917 law called the Trading with the Enemy Act.  North Korea was removed in 2008 – Cuba is the only country with this special designation. Ironically, by extending Cuba’s designation as an enemy, Obama preserved his executive authority to chip away at … Read more

The History and Rancor of the Helms-Burton Act of 1996

The History and Rancor of the Helms-Burton Act of 1996

Amid all the excitement over recent progress in restoring normal relations between the US and Cuba, there remains important legislative impediments to dismantling the various ideological ramparts designed to foment Cuba’s destabilization. What is certain is that the cantankerous history between the two countries produced laws that reflect a deep hurt and mistrust. Removing these … Read more