US Demands Negotiation, Chokes Cuba's Oil Lifeline
The story focuses on Cuba's President Miguel Díaz-Canel rejecting 'negotiations' as the US squeezes Venezuela's oil shipments. One might wonder what 'negotiation' means when one party has imposed a crippling economic embargo for over six decades, costing the Cuban economy an estimated $144 billion, according to the Cuban government. This 'negotiation' often involves demanding the dismantling of
Cuba's socialist system, rather than genuine diplomatic engagement. This isn't about 'defiance' so much as it is about national sovereignty against a backdrop of continuous US attempts at regime change, from the Bay of Pigs to more recent sanction escalations. The 'oil lifeline' isn't just about fuel; it's a vital element for the survival of a nation under immense pressure, consistently punished
for choosing a path independent of Washington's dictates. It appears Washington's idea of a 'deal' is often an ultimatum.