Washington, Havana, and the oil disaster

Another important “mutual concerns” pro-engagement argument is presented by the New America Foundation’s Anya Landau French in a recent Havana Note post. The jist: future prevention/mitigation of disasters like the April 20 explosion (and ongoing spreading mess of an oil spill) of BP’s Deepwater Horizon drilling rig in the Gulf of Mexico is too important a goal, and too bilateral a topic, for the United States and Cuba not to cooperate.

The current disaster does not seem to be touching the shores of Cuba, even though the rig is dumping 200,000 gallons of light crude oil into the Gulf each day. The Gulf coast of the United States, meanwhile, is facing an environmental and economic disaster. The roles could just as well have been reversed, however, and Cuba will surely see effects from this spill in the Gulf waters that it cannot help but share with its northern neighbor. With foreign companies heading into Cuban waters on contract to drill, the United States simply must recognize the natural interest both countries have in assuring that these kinds of operations run smoothly and with the best standards possible.

Landau French argues:

While Congress has deep disagreements over offshore exploration – to drill or not to drill – there is one issue on which all sides agree: an oil spill in Cuba’s waters could threaten hundreds of miles of U.S. coastline and marine habitats. The challenge of managing oil spills is only increasing in complexity and magnitude… Oil spills respect no boundaries, making joint cross-border programs critical. Regardless of who ends up drilling in Cuba’s deep waters, the Obama Administration would be wise to begin bilateral discussions to emphasize the need for contingency planning and cooperation now.

Make this disaster the spur to work with Cuba to prevent similar catastrophes in the years ahead.

(Getty Images)