"The real reason?" says Brian Alexander. "Castro mismanages the economy. He's only ever managed to make enough to feed people. The idea that the US is to blame for Cuba's problems is just stupid. Our foundation doesn't support the embargo. We think US companies could benefit if it was lifted. Cubans would also benefit, obviously. But the embargo isn't why Cuba is poor." Just how could US companies benefit? What would Cuba use for money? I doubt they could sell us enough cigars to secure adequate cash. We don't want their sugar.
What US company would be insane enought to invest there, risking government confiscation? Many European investors have been flim-flammed and won't repeat the same mistakes.