What's happened
The UN General Assembly passed a resolution with 165 votes in favor, seven against, and 12 abstentions, reaffirming global opposition to the US embargo on Cuba amid ongoing tensions and recent hurricane impacts. The US and Israel opposed the resolution, with some countries influenced by diplomatic pressures.
What's behind the headline?
The UN vote underscores the persistent international opposition to the US embargo on Cuba, despite the US's efforts to sway votes. The US managed to persuade some countries like Argentina, Hungary, North Macedonia, Paraguay, and Ukraine to oppose the resolution, marking a shift from previous years when only Israel and the US voted against it. This suggests a strategic diplomatic push by Washington, aiming to weaken Cuba's international support.
The resolution's symbolic power remains significant, especially as Cuba faces economic hardship exacerbated by COVID-19, sanctions, and energy crises. The US's framing of the embargo as a 'collective punishment' aligns with Cuba's narrative of suffering under unjust restrictions. However, the US continues to oppose the resolution, emphasizing its stance that the embargo is a necessary measure against Cuba's government.
The broader geopolitical context involves US regional military and diplomatic activities, which Cuba criticizes as aggressive. The US's focus on drug interdiction and regional influence reflects its strategic interests, which are viewed by Cuba as destabilizing. The ongoing tension highlights the complex interplay between diplomatic symbolism and tangible policy actions, with the UN vote serving as a battleground for these narratives.
Moving forward, the resolution's non-binding nature limits its immediate impact but maintains pressure on US policy. The Biden administration's continued opposition indicates that the US sees the embargo as a vital tool, despite international criticism. The next steps will likely involve continued diplomatic efforts and potential shifts in US-Cuba relations depending on broader regional developments.
What the papers say
The Independent reports that the resolution passed with 165 votes in favor, with the US and Israel voting against, and highlights the influence of US diplomatic efforts on some countries. Al Jazeera emphasizes the political weight of the UN vote and Cuba's rejection of US claims, noting the US's historical opposition since 1992 and recent efforts to sway votes. AP News provides a concise overview, noting the vote's timing amid tensions and hurricane impacts, and underscores the global opposition to the US sanctions. The contrasting perspectives reveal the US's strategic diplomatic push versus Cuba's defiant stance and the symbolic importance of the UN resolution in the ongoing dispute.
How we got here
The resolution, adopted annually for over three decades, condemns the US embargo on Cuba, which was imposed in 1960. Recent votes show shifting alliances, with some countries influenced by US diplomatic efforts. Cuba rejects US claims of a blockade and highlights its support for Russia amid the Ukraine conflict. The US maintains its opposition, citing the embargo as a necessary policy tool.
Go deeper
Common question
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Why Did the UN Vote to Oppose the US Embargo on Cuba?
The recent UN General Assembly vote saw a significant global stance against the US embargo on Cuba, with 165 countries supporting a resolution condemning it. This raises important questions about international diplomacy, US foreign policy, and Cuba's position on the world stage. Why do so many countries oppose the embargo, and what does this mean for US-Cuba relations moving forward? Below, we explore the key details and answer common questions about this pivotal vote.
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More on these topics
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The United Nations General Assembly is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, serving as the main deliberative, policy-making, and representative organ of the UN.
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Cuba, officially the Republic of Cuba, is a country comprising the island of Cuba as well as Isla de la Juventud and several minor archipelagos. Cuba is located in the northern Caribbean where the Caribbean Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean meet.