Indeed, Cuba is already more fertile ground for American-style democratic institutions than, say, Iraq. It is not riven by feuding sects or ethnic groups. While color-consciousness remains a social force, it is not oppressive. (Before Mr. Castro's revolution, Cubans of African heritage were the victims of rank discrimination.) These days, dark-skinned Cubans go to medical school, teach at universities and occupy significant government posts.
The island is also a good candidate for redevelopment. A genuine success of Mr. Castro's revolution was broad literacy. Unlike many poor nations, Cuba boasts a population that is reasonably well-educated. The country takes justifiable pride in a large corps of physicians and a capable community of scientists. With that infrastructure, Western companies would find no shortage of workers.
And Cubans already have an affinity for American culture - baseball and popular music, movies and television. Among the most popular items smuggled into the country are CDs and DVDs. Though Mr. Castro tried hard to keep the country closed down, he enjoyed only limited success.
