Less predictable than in physics, but equally powerful in its effect, is the application of Newton’s Law to politics. If Sir Isaac could cast his keen intellect to American policy on Cuba, he would say that actions all too often result in reactions that are the exact opposite of those intended.
That is the only analysis possible after news reports last weekend that Cuba plans to revive work on a nuclear power plant designed and built by the folks who brought you Chernobyl, the worst civilian nuclear disaster in world history.
Nobody is saying that Cuba, the Pearl of the Antilles, will soon be the Chernobyl of the Caribbean, since experts disagree on the level of radioactive threat posed by the Soviet-era nuclear complex set to resume construction near Cienfuegos, a mere 160 miles upwind from the Florida Keys.
But there is little outside argument that the design and construction of the plant and the training for future nuclear reactor personnel are not up to international standards.
In fact, the whole project was scrapped in 1992 after the collapse of communism in most parts of the world except Cuba. But those rascally Russians, ever-watchful for opportunities to earn hard currency in these difficult times, are forming a global consortium to raise $800 million to finish the dual-reactor plant.
Nuclear engineering experts in Florida say the reactors’ containment system has serious design flaws. The U.S. General Accounting Office issued a report in 1992 quoting former plant workers who said critical cooling components are weakened by shoddy installation and bad welds.
But Cuba says it will fire up its only nuclear power station by 1997 to save five million tons of crude oil each year. Which brings us back to Newton’s Law.
The U.S. imposed an economic embargo on Cuba to beggar the people of that island nation so they would rise up and oust Fidel Castro. Three decades later, the embargo remains firmly in place–as does Castro.
Trade blockades are a questionable tool, and this one has outlived its usefulness. The blockade not only fails to advance U.S. interests but, when the reactor comes on line, poses a threat to them. Imported oil from its northern neighbor could forestall the need for Cuba’s dangerous new reactor.
President Clinton is reported ready to expand cultural and journalistic contacts between Americans and Cubans to undermine Castro’s legitimacy, since it will be difficult for Castro to violate human rights if U.S. reporters are based in Havana. Clinton should think about cutting the shackles on U.S. business too. End this trade embargo that undermines America’s best interests.
