Links to outside resources:

Official U.S. Policy towards Cuba

Overview of the Cuban Assets Control Regulations

Office of Foreign Assets Control

U.S. Maneuvers vs. Cuba

Clinton Wants more Open Relationship with Cuba

President's Report to Congress: Support for a Democratic Transition in Cuba

U.S. Policy Serves U.S. Interests

The U.S. Foreign Policy reflects the U.S. government's interest in the Caribbean and in Cuba. The basic goal of the policy is to "support and promote a peaceful transition to democracy." It seeks to undermine the Castro government of Cuba.  In effect there are five essential elements that place pressure on the island republic for change:

Definitions:

blockades: policy which  blocks any form of  capital transactions between nations and individuals in that nation.

sanctions: a structural block which prevents the flow of capital between corporations and government agencies, but not the individuals of that nation.