Once Fidel goes into the big communist presidium in the sky, I think the chances are very good that Cuba as a nation-state or society will turn to Western-style democratic capitalism and, ultimately, normal trade relations with the USA. Cuba, despite its ongoing state repressions, like Vietnam has good potential to become a close ally of the United States, just a long as reforms for tolerance can be initiated and sustained. As long as the PRC has the capability to close off the Panama Canal during times of tension or war, Cuba and other US possessions in the Caribbean, or even around the world, become much more strategic and operationally vital to US OTH capabilities. The time is NOW for Dubya to seek the light regardez a post-Castro Cuba. |