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Cuba has 15 to 20 days of oil left as Trump turns the screws. It’s hard to ignore the gravity of the situation unfolding in Cuba. The island nation, once heavily reliant on free oil from Venezuela, now finds itself teetering on the edge, with dwindling fuel supplies. This is not simply an economic blip; it’s a potential crisis with far-reaching consequences.
The shift in the geopolitical landscape, especially the tightening of restrictions, has added immense pressure. The Trump administration’s actions are clearly aimed at squeezing the Cuban regime. This is occurring at a time when the world feels like it’s experiencing the most dramatic changes since 1991, maybe even since World War II. It begs the question: What is the ultimate goal here?
Historically, the Cuban government has been able to keep a handle on any internal opposition. Some believe in their system, at least in the upper echelons. But without sufficient oil, a nation can very quickly face a complete collapse. It was already teetering on the edge of collapse before this latest turn of events.
The focus seems to be on punishing Cuba by limiting its trade. It also might be a way to ensure that any support for Nicaragua is cut off. It’s hard not to wonder if this is an admission that Cuba’s problems are largely due to trade restrictions, rather than simply “socialism” in and of itself.
Cuba was surviving because of a lack of repercussions for those trading with them. The U.S. is stepping in now, and it looks like a calculated move to cripple the nation. The situation is dire, especially when considering the implications of a near-total collapse.
It is interesting to note the potential for a larger geopolitical play here. The argument has been made that one of the motivations behind such actions is to weaken Russia’s and China’s influence in the Western Hemisphere, making it easier for the U.S. to focus resources elsewhere. The timing could also be connected to domestic issues.
It’s clear that the Cuban people face an increasingly difficult time. There is already a lack of access to basic necessities. Canadians are looking at potential markets for their oil, which raises the possibility of Cuba turning to its neighbors for help. The country is an island and may seek options to continue functioning.
The situation has created a tense environment, especially for those who were planning to travel to Cuba. With the possibility of restrictions or the downfall of the current regime, Cuba is seeing a rapid shift in the country’s trajectory.