标签： Cuba

A recent analysis in The American Conservative magazine has challenged the fundamental premises of U.S. policy toward Cuba, revealing significant contradictions in the Trump administration’s approach. The publication presented compelling evidence that current policies undermine America’s own National Security Strategy while ignoring Cuba’s role as a key security partner in the Caribbean region.

The magazine’s assessment emerged just days before the White House declared a ‘national emergency’ against Cuba, basing this designation on what the article characterizes as an ‘untenable lie’ that the island nation poses an ‘unusual and extraordinary threat’ to U.S. security interests.

This policy direction appears particularly contradictory given the extensive framework of bilateral cooperation that existed prior to the current administration. During the early Trump presidency, 22 bilateral cooperation instruments and eight technical working groups operated between the two nations, addressing critical areas including counterterrorism, drug interdiction, cybersecurity, human trafficking prevention, and financial crime enforcement. According to the analysis, political advisors from Florida successfully undermined these cooperative mechanisms.

The conservative publication argues that current policy reflects ‘Cold War nostalgia and Florida state politics’ rather than genuine national security interests. Contrary to administration claims of Cuban ‘ill will’ and ‘hostility,’ evidence suggests Cuba has consistently fulfilled its commitments and sought to reactivate security cooperation mechanisms.

Substantial data supports Cuba’s cooperative stance: Border Guard Troops have intercepted over 40 tons of drugs destined for the United States during the past 14 years, with particularly significant seizures occurring between 2024-2025 including 14 speedboats captured, 39 traffickers arrested, and more than four tons of substances confiscated. Additionally, Cuban authorities disrupted 72 aerial drug operations originating from 11 countries, with the United States identified as the primary source.

The cooperation imbalance is further demonstrated by communication records showing Cuba sent 1,547 formal messages to the U.S. Coast Guard regarding drug trafficking incidents between 1990-2025, while receiving only 468 in return—a three-to-one ratio indicating Cuba’s proactive cooperation approach.

The American Conservative concludes that Cuba is ‘widely recognized as a positive example in the fight against drug trafficking in Latin America’ and maintains close working relationships with U.S. Coast Guard and other agencies to track traffickers, share intelligence, and intercept smuggling operations. The magazine characterizes current U.S. policy as trapped in ‘a failed regime-change logic’ that predates the Cold War’s conclusion and is perpetuated by a small group of intransigent Cuban-Americans demanding ‘total surrender’ rather than negotiated solutions.

A profound analysis of American society penned by Cuban revolutionary José Martí in 1894 continues to resonate with striking relevance in contemporary discourse. Originally published in the newspaper Patria on March 23, 1894, Martí’s examination challenges conventional perceptions of the United States while offering nuanced insights that transcend temporal boundaries.

Martí presents a sophisticated critique that rejects both demonization and idealization of American society. He argues against racial essentialism, asserting that human variations stem from environmental and historical conditions rather than inherent racial differences. The revolutionary thinker emphasizes that both Saxon and Latin peoples demonstrate equal capacity for virtue and vice, with historical context shaping their distinctive characteristics.

The essay dismantles the myth of a homogeneous United States, describing instead a nation of profound contradictions—from the “barbaric and virile” rising nation of Dakota to the “privileged, entrenched, sensual, unjust” eastern cities. Martí observes how regional and cultural differences have intensified rather than diminished through forced political union, creating what he characterizes as “a harsh state of violent conquest” rather than organic unity.

Martí advocates for clear-eyed assessment of American society, warning against both uncritical admiration and reflexive condemnation. He cautions Spanish American nations against adopting foreign models without adaptation to local conditions, comparing ideas to trees that “must come from deep roots and be of kindred soil in order to take root and prosper.”

The revolutionary intellectual identifies various attitudes toward the United States prevalent in his time—from excessive admiration born of impatience for progress to disdain for native culture masked as sophistication. He argues that understanding America’s true nature, with both its virtues and flaws, is essential for the development of Spanish American nations.

Martí concludes by announcing Patria’s new permanent section, “Notes on the United States,” which will present translated material from American newspapers to demonstrate the nation’s “crude, unequal, and decadent character” alongside the persistence of the same social problems for which Spanish American nations were often criticized.

In a definitive statement issued on February 1, 2026, Cuba’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has delivered a comprehensive rebuttal against terrorism-related allegations while extending an olive branch for enhanced bilateral security cooperation with the United States.

The Caribbean nation articulated an unequivocal condemnation of all terrorist activities and organizations, explicitly denying any involvement in harboring, financing, or supporting extremist groups. Cuban authorities emphasized their strict adherence to international standards regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing protocols, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy toward illicit financial activities.

Addressing historical interactions with individuals later designated as terrorists, Cuban officials clarified that such engagements occurred exclusively within constrained humanitarian contexts connected to internationally-sanctioned peace processes. These interactions, conducted at the formal request of respective governments, were characterized as fully transparent operations.

The statement further rejected characterizations of Cuba as a national security threat to the United States, asserting that the island nation neither hosts foreign military installations nor permits its territory to be utilized for hostile actions against other countries.

Notably, Havana proposed revitalizing technical cooperation frameworks with Washington across multiple security domains including counterterrorism initiatives, narcotics interdiction, cybersecurity protocols, human trafficking prevention, and financial crime investigations. Cuban officials highlighted that previous bilateral willingness had yielded measurable progress in these areas.

The declaration concluded by reaffirming Cuba’s commitment to sovereign equality and mutual respect in international relations, while expressing readiness to engage in constructive dialogue aimed at achieving tangible outcomes beneficial to both nations’ citizens through lawful cooperation and peaceful coexistence.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez delivered a forceful condemnation of escalating United States aggression against his nation during an extraordinary session of Havana’s Provincial Party Committee on Friday. The First Secretary of Cuba’s Communist Party Central Committee characterized recent U.S. actions as part of a coordinated campaign to destabilize the island nation through economic warfare and military threats.

Díaz-Canel specifically referenced Thursday’s executive order by former President Donald Trump imposing tariff sanctions on oil suppliers to Cuba, describing it as a malicious attempt to ‘deprive us of fuel, something necessary for any country to develop its economy.’ He framed this within a broader pattern of aggression that began with January’s invasion of Venezuela and the ‘kidnapping’ of its legitimate leadership.

The Cuban leader presented a detailed analysis of what he termed the ‘Trump corollary to the Monroe Doctrine’—a policy of imposing peace through force that he argued consistently produces chaos rather than stability. He drew direct parallels between current U.S. foreign policy and historical fascism, stating that ‘the president of the Empire is behaving like Hitler, with a criminal policy of contempt that aims to take over the world.’

Díaz-Canel emphasized Cuba’s resilience despite decades of pressure, noting that even Trump had indirectly acknowledged the nation’s endurance by stating that ‘not much more pressure can be exerted’ against Cuba. This admission, argued the President, effectively debunks the narrative of Cuba as a ‘failed state’ and confirms that the country’s economic challenges stem primarily from external pressure rather than internal failures.

The address highlighted Cuba’s preparation for potential military confrontation, referencing the heroic resistance of 32 Cuban combatants who died opposing the U.S. invasion of Venezuela on January 3. ‘The Empire has to calculate what an attack on Cuba would cost it,’ warned Díaz-Canel, emphasizing that the nation’s military, government, and united population remain prepared to confront any aggression with determination.

Despite the escalating tensions, the Cuban president reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to peaceful dialogue conducted ‘on equal terms, with respect, and without preconditions.’ He announced plans to pursue international complaints against the latest coercive measures through global forums while continuing to work with allied nations and the international community.

The Cuban Revolutionary Government has issued a forceful condemnation of what it characterizes as a dangerous escalation in United States policy aimed at imposing a total fuel blockade against the island nation. This response comes following an executive order signed by the U.S. President on January 29, 2026, which declares a national emergency and authorizes trade tariffs against countries supplying petroleum products to Cuba.

The Cuban statement describes the executive order as containing “an extensive list of lies and defamatory accusations,” particularly rejecting the assertion that Cuba represents an “unusual and extraordinary threat” to U.S. national security. The government maintains this justification demonstrates “contempt for the truth, public opinion, and government ethics” in pursuing aggression against Cuba.

According to the Cuban analysis, this policy represents a consolidation of economic pressure measures initiated during the Trump administration, now extending to include “blackmail, threats, and direct coercion of third countries” to prevent fuel from reaching Cuban shores. The government characterizes this approach as embodying “a dangerous way of conducting U.S. foreign policy by force” that seeks to guarantee American “imperialist hegemony.”

The statement frames the executive order as a violation of international law and the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. It further asserts that after 67 years of failed attempts to undermine Cuba’s revolutionary process, the U.S. government now threatens regional security and stability.

Cuba reaffirms its historical willingness to engage in diplomatic dialogue based on principles of international law, sovereign equality, and mutual respect. The government emphasizes that Cuba poses no threat to U.S. national interests or citizen welfare, noting that American visitors have consistently been treated with “respect and hospitality.”

The declaration concludes with a commitment to confront this “new attack with firmness, equanimity, and the certainty that reason is absolutely on our side,” invoking the revolutionary slogan “Homeland or Death, We Shall Overcome!”

The statement positions this development as a critical test for the international community, challenging nations to determine whether they will accept such coercive economic measures or stand in solidarity against aggression and impunity.

President Donald Trump has declared a national emergency targeting Cuba, characterizing the island nation as an “unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security and foreign policy of the United States.” The declaration, made from the White House on January 29, 2026, initiates a new phase in the six-decade-long economic blockade against Cuba.

The executive order justifies the measures by alleging that Cuba maintains “sophisticated military and intelligence capabilities” that threaten U.S. security and maintains relationships with “hostile countries, transnational terrorist groups, and malign adversaries” of the United States. These claims directly contradict Cuba’s documented history of combating terrorism and drug trafficking in the region, including past cooperation with U.S. authorities.

Central to the new policy is the imposition of tariffs on imports from any country that “sells or supplies, directly or indirectly, oil to Cuba.” This measure specifically targets energy supplies to the island, which would have cascading effects across Cuba’s entire economy. The Trump administration frames these actions as fulfilling an “imperative duty to protect” the United States.

Cuban officials have denounced the measures as “economic genocide disguised as national security” and reject the characterization of Cuba as a security threat. They note that despite Cuba’s geographical position along major drug trafficking routes, the country maintains a zero-tolerance drug policy and has consistently cooperated in regional anti-drug efforts.

The executive order also accuses Cuba of human rights violations and regional destabilization, while Cuban authorities counter that the U.S. measures themselves constitute human rights violations by causing “human suffering and affecting the lives of millions of people.”

This escalation represents the latest chapter in the long-standing tensions between the two nations, with Cuban officials vowing continued resistance to what they characterize as imperial aggression and economic warfare.

Havana’s Convention Center will serve as the host venue for the inaugural International Colloquium on Fidel’s Legacy and Future from August 10-13, 2026. The event, organized by the Fidel Castro Ruz Center in collaboration with Cuban academic and cultural institutions, coincides with the centennial anniversary of the historic leader’s birth.

The comprehensive forum aims to facilitate multidisciplinary examination of Castro’s multifaceted impact across political, social, and international dimensions. Scheduled programming includes analytical sessions addressing his influence on national liberation movements, Global South dynamics, and twentieth-century geopolitics. Contemporary relevance of Castro’s ideological framework will be evaluated regarding ongoing struggles against imperialism, economic disparities, climate challenges, and sovereignty preservation efforts.

René González Barrios, director of the Fidel Castro Ruz Center, has issued a global invitation to scholars, policymakers, and cultural figures through social media channels. The colloquium seeks participation from historians, political scientists, economists, sociologists, journalists, and specialists in information sciences, alongside educators, artists, and international solidarity committee representatives.

The event structure will incorporate diverse formats including keynote addresses, thematic lectures, roundtable discussions, and panel presentations. Additional programming features the convergence of Fidel Castro Ruz Chairs, a dedicated Cuban Revolution symposium, and specialized forums examining youth engagement, women’s roles, and parliamentary developments. Cultural components will include documentary screenings, literary presentations, and related artistic projects.

Organizers emphasize the objective of stimulating critical, pluralistic dialogue regarding Castro’s contributions to contemporary political thought and practice, creating an academic environment for rigorous multidisciplinary assessment of his enduring ideological influence.

In a series of extraordinary plenary sessions held across three Cuban provinces on Wednesday, top Communist Party officials outlined an ambitious agenda focused on economic transformation and systemic reform. The meetings in Las Tunas, Camagüey, and Ciego de Ávila featured direct participation from Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Central Committee, and Roberto Morales Ojeda, Political Bureau member and Secretary of Organization.

The gatherings emphasized concrete measures to overcome economic challenges through increased production efficiency, export expansion, and reduced dependency on imports. Officials presented detailed assessments of each province’s 2025 accomplishments while establishing specific commitments for 2026, with particular focus on municipal self-sufficiency as a cornerstone for national progress.

In Las Tunas, provincial First Secretary Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez detailed 228 defined commitments aimed at transforming the region’s economic landscape. These include reducing budget deficits, boosting export revenues, and enhancing food production capabilities. The province also committed to optimizing business structures, addressing critical water availability issues, and expanding renewable energy implementation.

Camagüey’s session revealed significant progress in deficit reduction, with over 90% of current commitments targeting economic and productive spheres. The meeting highlighted challenging objectives including restructuring loss-making enterprises and continuing land redistribution programs.

Ciego de Ávila’s discussions centered on agricultural production improvements, with emphasis on allocating land to capable cultivators and leveraging scientific innovation. The province, recognized for its outstanding performance in 2024 and selection as host for the National Commemoration of July 26th in 2025, was urged to build upon its established talent and experience.

Throughout all sessions, officials stressed the necessity of mindset transformation, urging party members to move beyond attributing shortcomings solely to external factors like the U.S. embargo. Instead, they emphasized internal accountability, proactive problem-solving, and disciplined implementation of realistic plans. The leadership called for strengthened cohesion between political and mass organizations, replication of successful practices, and enhanced communication with citizens to collectively address national challenges.

SANTIAGO DE CUBA – The José Martí Mausoleum at Santa Ifigenia Heritage Cemetery became the focal point of national reverence as Cubans from all generations assembled to commemorate the 173rd anniversary of their National Hero’s birth. The solemn ceremony featured precise military protocols, including an honor guard rotation and ceremonial artillery salutes, creating an atmosphere of profound historical significance.

In a demonstration of unified national respect, floral tributes arrived from three distinguished sources: Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, leader of the Cuban Revolution; Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez, First Secretary of the Communist Party Central Committee and President of the Republic; and the collective Cuban populace. Students from the Camilo Cienfuegos Military School executed the ceremonial placement of these offerings with precision, accompanied by the poignant melody of ‘Single Verses.’

The commemorative activities extended beyond Martí’s resting place to include tributes at the monuments of foundational national figures: Carlos Manuel de Céspedes, Mariana Grajales, and the late Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro Ruz, recognized as Martí’s most devoted disciple. These gestures highlighted the continuous revolutionary lineage that shapes contemporary Cuban identity.

University student Javier Borges Nápoles articulated the enduring relevance of Martí’s ideology, noting: ‘Martí’s warning about the seven-league giant remains pertinent today as we face direct threats. Our commitment remains unwavering in defending our independence, achieved through over a century of struggle and sacrifice.’

The ceremony was presided over by Beatriz Johnson Urrutia, Central Committee member and Provincial First Secretary, alongside high-ranking government officials, military commanders, and representatives from political and social organizations. The traditional noon artillery salute—21 rounds fired simultaneously from Santa Ifigenia and Havana’s San Carlos de la Cabaña Fortress—provided a powerful auditory homage to Cuba’s most universal historical figure.