Bush extends National Emergency with respect to Cuba

On January 10th, George W. Bush extended the 45 year old embargo/blockade against Cuba. This action was taken with the consideration that the UN General Assembly, in the last few months of 2005, released a summation of the member state's votes on the matter [click on your language to view the report].

As of 2005, 182 countries approve a removal of the blockade, four are against (USA, Israel, Palau and Marshall Islands), and one country abstained (Micronesia) from voting.

This was the 14th consecutive year in which the UN General Assembly sided with Cuba in regards to the removal of the blockade.

The blockade only hurts the people of Cuba. If anything, opening up trade with the island would benefit Bush's corporate pals.

The defiant stance the US is taking with respect to the General Assembly's obvious wish to lift the embargo is further hampering the US's ability to sustain international support for other missions.

It should be noted that the US used the UN vote to "legally" invade Iraq. Whatever serves your purpose...