Cubans prepare for ‘invasion’ as US escalates tensions with long-suffering island
Cubans prepare for ‘invasion’ as US escalates tensions with long-suffering island
Cubans prepare for invasion as US escalates – Just days ago, a building manager in Havana rang the doorbell with a pressing question: Would CNN’s bureau continue operating during an “imminent” US invasion? The question wasn’t mere speculation. Washington’s relentless diplomatic and economic pressure had already seeped into everyday routines. Power cuts in the office, frequent and unpredictable, are a common sight. The state-owned building’s generator, reliant on dwindling fuel reserves, struggles to keep lights on. Even basic necessities like toilet paper are scarce. A massive artificial Christmas tree, still standing in the lobby despite the season passing, serves as a quiet testament to the persistent hardships.
The Cuban government, long accustomed to US hostility, has transformed the threat into a shared cultural refrain. “Cuando vienen los americanos” — a phrase Cubans use with their signature grim humor — encapsulates the frustration of a people who have endured decades of economic strain. This phrase, meaning “when the Americans come,” is not just a joke but a way of coping with the ever-present specter of US intervention. Now, the air feels charged with anticipation. The CIA director’s recent visit to Havana, aboard a plane emblazoned with the words “United States of America,” has sent a clear signal: the situation is nearing a tipping point.
Historical Echoes and Modern Reckoning
For many Cubans, the US has long been a symbol of aggression. The Trump administration’s oil embargo, which began in 2019, has deepened the island’s economic woes. Under this policy, Cuba’s access to critical fuel supplies is restricted, forcing the government to ration energy. The CIA’s past actions against the Cuban Revolution add to the anxiety. In the 1960s, the agency devised elaborate schemes to eliminate Fidel Castro, from poisoned scuba gear to exploding cigars. These tales are preserved in Cuban museums, where the agency’s perceived role in undermining the revolution is scrutinized with unwavering skepticism.
The recent visit by CIA Director John Ratcliffe marked a dramatic shift. Arriving in a plane with no attempt at secrecy, he met with Cuban officials in a protocol house with blackout curtains and an abundance of floral arrangements. The image of American intelligence officers, their faces blurred to conceal identities, contrasted sharply with the solemnity of the setting. “It is the height of historical irony,” said Peter Kornbluh, co-author of *Back Channel to Cuba: The Hidden History of Negotiations Between Washington and Havana*, describing Ratcliffe’s appearance on the communist-run island. “His mission was to make Cuba a ‘do or die’ offer it can’t refuse.”
“Ratcliffe’s mission was to make Cuba a ‘do or die’ offer it ostensibly can’t refuse. Political scientists call this ‘submission diplomacy,’” Peter Kornbluh told CNN.
During the meeting, Cuban officials emphasized their island’s non-threatening posture. They argued that Cuba’s economic struggles, exacerbated by the oil blockade, are not a cause for alarm but a reason for cooperation. However, US officials countered that the presence of Russian and Chinese listening posts on Cuban soil undermines regional stability. Ratcliffe’s accusations, if accepted, would justify further military action. This marks a departure from the previous “carrot-and-stick” strategy, where economic incentives were paired with coercion. Now, the US seems poised to abandon the carrot entirely.
A Storm of Legal and Political Consequences
Just hours after Ratcliffe’s visit, a new development added urgency to the situation: US federal prosecutors were reportedly preparing an indictment against former President Raul Castro. Though officially retired, Castro remains a revered figure on the island, often referred to as the “leader of the revolution.” His continued influence behind the scenes has made him a symbol of resistance. An indictment could pave the way for his arrest, much like what happened to Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro in January. For Cuban exiles in Miami, this legal move would be a cause for celebration, particularly given Castro’s alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two Brothers to the Rescue planes.
The potential indictment is more than a legal maneuver. It signals a readiness to take the fight to Cuba’s own leaders, escalating tensions to a new level. If the US proceeds with this, the path to military intervention becomes increasingly plausible. Cuban officials have warned that such action would end negotiations and plunge the island into a crisis. The fear is not unfounded. The Cuban government has long viewed the US as the “Evil Empire,” and Ratcliffe’s visit only reinforces this perception.
As the crisis intensifies, the line between diplomacy and conflict grows thinner. The US, with its formidable military capabilities, has the means to impose its will on Cuba. Yet, for many Cubans, the idea of an invasion is both a real threat and a painful inevitability. The artificial Christmas tree, still unremoved, stands as a metaphor for the enduring nature of this struggle. While the holiday season has passed, the sense of waiting for an invasion remains.
Cubans have not only endured economic hardship but also the psychological weight of US dominance. The oil blockade has eroded their ability to generate electricity, compounding the already dire state of their infrastructure. Daily life in Havana reflects this strain: offices flicker with intermittent power, and the lack of basic supplies underscores the depth of the crisis. Yet, despite these challenges, the Cuban people remain resilient, their humor and defiance a testament to their spirit.
The question now is whether the US will follow through on its threats. Ratcliffe’s visit, with its bold symbolism, suggests that the administration is ready to act. If the US moves to indict Castro, it could trigger a cascade of events. The Cuban government may respond with a show of force, while the public, weary of decades of pressure, may view the indictment as a final provocation. The outcome could determine whether the island’s future is shaped by diplomacy or the barrel of a gun.
