One small thing to add...

In all 3 examples (Cuba, crypto, Iraq), we are talking about situations 
where the rhetoric of National Security can be invoked.  History has shown
that National Security interests (broadly defined) will take precedence over
other concerns in most cases.

Schwa


On Wed, May 23, 2001 at 11:44:14AM -0400, Joshua Channing Gargus wrote:
> On Wed, May 23, 2001 at 08:17:19AM -0700, Ned Konz wrote:
> > On Wednesday 23 May 2001 04:12, Andrew C. Greenberg wrote:
> > 
> > > The SqueakL from Apple expressly contemplates using different language,
> > > but requires that no new license be less protective of Apple than
> > > SqueakL.  There are other limitations as well.  Accordingly, a
> > > Apple/fontless Squeak could probably be licensed without the Apple
> > > Fonts.  For the same reason, I doubt you could remove the export
> > > requirements.
> > 
> > I have been curious about that. I thought the US embargo of, say, Cuba was an 
> > economic thing. 
> 
> The US embargo of Cuba is a Politically Motivated Economic Thing.  If 
> supplying free software to Cuba is contrary to the ideological aims of those
> in power who set up the embargo in the first place, then it would not be
> surprising for them to outlaw the free software export, too.
> 
> Recent examples that touch on this:
> 
> Until recently, it was illegal to export software with strong encryption,
> even if it was Free software.
> 
> Also, humanitarian groups within the USA have been denied permission to send
> food, clothing, and basic medical supplys to ease the suffering of Iraqis
> who continue to be punished for their leader by sanctions and bombings.
> 
> I don't specifically know about the legality of shipping Free software to
> Cuba, but for the reason given above, I would suspect that Software Freedom
> would take a backseat to the ideological motives of those who want to
> contain the Cuban "threat".
> 
> Schwa
> 
> 
> > Is it illegal for USAmericans to supply Cubans with _free_ 
> > software?
> > 
> > Just wondering... anyone know?
> > 
> > -- 
> > Ned Konz
> > currently: Stanwood, WA
> > email:     ned at bike-nomad.com
> > homepage:  http://bike-nomad.com