Trump Urges Cuba to Make a Deal, Before It Is Too Late
Donald Trump has called on Cuba to make a deal or face significant repercussions, asserting that the flow of Venezuelan oil and financial support to the island will soon come to an end. His remarks come in the wake of US actions against Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, who was targeted in a January 3 operation in Caracas.
Key Points on US-Cuba Relations and Venezuelan Oil Flow
– Oil Dependence: Venezuela, historically a close ally of Cuba, has supplied the island with approximately 35,000 barrels of oil daily.
– US Actions: The Trump administration has intensified its strategy by confiscating sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers, exacerbating Cuba’s ongoing fuel and electricity crisis. Recently, a fifth tanker, believed to be transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil, was seized.
– Cuban Officials Respond:
– Cuba’s foreign minister emphasized the nation’s right to import fuel without interference, insisting that Cuba will not be subjected to US coercive measures.
– President Miguel Díaz-Canel remarked that no one dictates what we do.
Trump’s Warning and Its Implications
Trump expressed on Truth Social: Cuba lived, for many years, on large amounts of OIL and MONEY from Venezuela. In return, Cuba provided ‘Security Services’ for the last two Venezuelan dictators, BUT NOT ANYMORE! THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA – ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE. However, he did not specify the terms of any potential deal or the consequences for Cuba should they fail to comply.
Cuban Stance and Historical Context
– Cuban foreign minister Bruno Rodríguez reaffirmed that the nation will pursue fuel imports from any willing exporter without US interference, contrasting Cuba’s diplomatic approach with what he described as US blackmail.
– The recent US operation has reportedly resulted in the deaths of 32 Cubans, prompting Trump to claim, “Most of those Cubans are DEAD from last week’s USA attack…” He also vowed that Venezuela would no longer require security from Cuba, emphasizing US military support.
The Wider Geo-Political Landscape
Trump has previously indicated that military intervention in Cuba might not be necessary, stating that the country is ready to fall. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that Cuban leaders should be concerned, mentioning they are in a lot of trouble. On social media, Trump even suggested that Rubio could become the president of Cuba, commenting, Sounds good to me!
Renewed Focus on Latin America
This tension reflects a broader strategy in US foreign policy, akin to a revitalized Monroe Doctrine aimed at asserting US dominance in the Western Hemisphere. Trump has directed increased attention to Latin American countries, particularly those with left-wing governments, often justifying actions by framing them as anti-drug efforts.
– Colombian Relations: In a related context, Trump has mentioned a possible military operation in Colombia, criticizing President Gustavo Petro for allowing drug cartels to flourish. US-Mexico relations have also been strained, particularly with Trump proposing military action to combat drug trafficking, which the Mexican government has firmly rejected.
While the US and Cuba have a tumultuous history, marked by the fallout from Fidel Castro’s regime, recent diplomatic efforts under previous administrations have been largely reversed. Following his inauguration, Trump reinstated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. In response, Díaz-Canel condemned US actions and questioned the moral authority of US leaders criticizing Cuba.
Conclusion
Trump’s insistence that Cuba must make a deal, before it is too late underscores the fraught relationship between the two nations, accentuated by recent US strategies targeting Venezuela. As tensions escalate, the future of Cuba’s partnership with Venezuela hangs in the balance, prompting critical responses from Cuban officials and raising questions about the implications for US policy in the region.