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Is a Peaceful Transition in Cuba Possible?

HAVANA TIMES – US President Donald Trump said Saturday that Washington and Havana will eventually reach an agreement that would allow for “regime change” in Cuba, and ruled out, at least for now, the need for military intervention.

In recent months, part of his rhetoric has involved mixing the carrot and the stick. The predominant message has almost always been one of achieving a peaceful transition—but will that be possible?

His remarks come at a time of growing bilateral tensions and after the US network CBS News reported on possible preparations by the US military to support an operation related to the island.

“I would say Cuba and us will make a deal,” Trump told reporters at the White House before traveling to Tennessee to take part in a campaign event ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.

“Cuba is in a very difficult situation. We want to help Cuba. We want to open Cuba up to our people. We have great Cuban Americans who want to go back,” he added.

We remain in limbo because there has been no official explanation of what kind of agreement his administration has in mind or with whom talks are taking place.

The ambiguity of this message contrasts with the intensity of the pressure Washington has exerted in recent months, which has worsened shortages of fuel, food, and essential supplies.

The energy crisis is affecting hospitals, schools, and factories, while the country faces massive emigration: close to one-third of its population has left the island over the past decade, and I would venture to say that at least half of those who are capable of making their own decisions and are of working age would not be in Cuba right now if they were able to........

© Havana Times