EXCLUSIVE: Cuba Says U.S. Is Driving the Region Toward War

Quick Overview

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío argued that the US embargo and its policies, including supporting alleged terrorist groups and imposing sanctions, are the primary cause of Cuba's current economic crisis and the mass emigration, stating that the Cuban government does not support war with the US or Israel but that the US is actively encouraging internal conflict.

Key Points: Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío asserts that the US embargo is the biggest factor hurting the Cuban people, causing economic hardship and mass emigration (over 1 million Cubans left since 2017). Cossío denies that the Cuban government supports terrorism or instigates war with the US or Israel, countering claims made by US officials like Marco Rubio and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He points out the hypocrisy of the US government, citing reports of arbitrary detentions and propaganda against the Cuban government while simultaneously giving aid/support to groups like Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, which Cuba opposes. Cossío claims that Cuban elections are not directly competitive (only the Communist Party can run candidates vetted by the system) but argues that the population still has the capacity to effect change through non-electoral means. He notes that the Cuban state has made significant, if difficult, progress in areas like healthcare, education, and scientific research since 1959, despite the embargo. Cossío mentions that the US has been financing and inciting unrest through social networks and supporting groups that fundamentally oppose the socialist structure of Cuba.

Context: The video features an interview between Mehdi Hasan and Carlos Fernández de Cossío, the Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister, conducted in an office setting with a Cuban flag visible. The discussion centers on the impact of the long-standing US embargo on Cuba, the current economic crisis, recent protests, and Cuba's foreign policy positions, particularly regarding the US and the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Cossío defends Cuba's actions and leadership while strongly criticizing US policy.