The return from Spring Break typically means rest and energy.

I do not share in this sentiment because the end of my Spring Break has long meant Cuban Cigars.

Sounds a little odd to Americans, I know, but as a Canadian I always look forward to my friends returning from the island of Cuba with its most precious export — a finely-wrapped Cuban Cigar.

Many wonder why the American government prevents young and eager college students from storming the beaches of Cuba when trips and vacation packages to Cuba are inexpensive.

The reasoning for this embargo is quite simple — PRIDE.

Historically, the economic embargo was unveiled by Vice President Richard Nixon. Originally the embargo policy sounded tougher than it was intended. The embargo had to appear aggressive in hopes that it would avert all attention from the army of anti-Castro exiles who the CIA was training in Guatemala.

The failure of the Bay of Pigs, followed by the Cuban Missile Crisis, left the American government with a bruised ego that needed mending.

Therefore, nine consecutive presidents have maintained this inflexible foreign policy against the little island called Cuba.

In February 1996, the embargo was tightened when two U.S. civilian aircrafts were shot down while invading Cuban air space. President Clinton ordered all commercial passenger flights that operated directly between the U.S. and Cuba to be indefinitely suspended.

Travelers can still legally go to Cuba; however, they have the added inconvenience of having their flights routed through a third country.

According to the embargo, there are several rules and regulations that must be followed.

Americans are not permitted to spend money on travel to Cuba. However, journalists employed by U.S. news organizations, government representatives and members of international organizations on official business and persons traveling to visit close relatives may travel under general license.

Athletes, academics, religious leaders and persons hoping to travel to Cuba for any reason must apply to a government agency for a license each trip.

Commercial sales of informational material such as publications, films posters, etc. are permitted, but entering into a production contract for those materials is not.

The sale of medicine, medical technology and supplies by U.S. businesses to Cuba is permitted under a strict licensing procedure by the commerce department. Unfortunately for cigar lovers, Cuban cigars are illegal to sell in the U.S.

Following the visit of the Pope to Cuba, President Clinton is expected to announce a new package of improvements aimed at bettering conditions for Cubans while ensuring no support for Fidel Castro.

The measures will streamline sending medical supplies to Cuba, authorize direct humanitarian flights from the U.S. to the island, and legalize limited visits from Cuban Americans to relatives in Cuba.

The plan is to work with non-governmental relief organizations, like the Roman Catholic Church, in hopes of strengthening institutions outside Castro’s immediate grasp.

I do not believe this method of behind-the-scenes maneuvering will inspire the Cuban people to revolt.

Internationally, the U.S. stands alone in its diligence to teach Cuba a lesson.

On Nov. 5, an overwhelming majority of the United Nations General Assembly voted to end the U.S.-enforced economic blockade of Cuba. About 140 countries voted against the blockade warfare imposed on the island nation.

The U.S. could find only two votes, Israel and Uzbekistan, to support its strangulation of Cuba. Not surprisingly, both countries are almost entirely dependent on U.S. dollars.

According to an article in U.S. News and World Report, this issue has been voted on for the past six years with similar results.

General assembly resolutions are often just recommendations and are not mandatory. They are not applied as strictly as security council resolutions. But many countries have regular trading contracts with Cuba, Canada included.

I am not fighting for the liberation of Fidel Castro, not in the least. However, does the American government not see the importance of assessing its foreign policies?

It is important to evaluate all policies for their effectiveness. After 38 years of imposing the same embargo, nothing has changed Castro’s methods of ruling the island of Cuba.

America’s heavy reliance on economic sanctions to push rogue states is becoming increasingly counter productive.

Gradually easing these sanctions and using them as a bargaining chip to induce Castro to make various concessions will aid in the transformation of Cuba.