A Letter to The President, Senator Menendez Resigns, and the Venezuelan Election
Click here to get the U.S.-Cuba News Brief delivered straight to your inbox
Welcome to CEDA’s U.S.-Cuba News Brief, where we highlight and breakdown recent news about Cuba and U.S.-Cuba relations.
This week, all eyes are on Latin America in the aftermath of the Venezuelan election. Without the release of official voter statistics, the Cuban government is one of few countries to hail President Maduro’s win as legitimate. Political turmoil has already led to unrest—read CEDA’s new commentary on the impact of the Venezuelan election on regional migration.
Russian warships docked in the Bay of Havana for a second time in months. Plus, 46 Members of Congress signed a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken to, among other things, consider removing Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism. Finally, two Cuba experts break down what Senator Menendez’s exit could mean for U.S.-Cuba policy.
Thank you for your continued support and readership.
US-Cuba Relations
46 Members of Congress Call on President Biden to Reconsider Cuba’s SSOT Designation
In a letter to President Biden and Secretary Blinken, 46 Members of Congress urged the appointment of a U.S. special envoy to support Colombia's peace process and called for a reversal of Cuba's designation as a state sponsor of terrorism (SSOT). The Members highlighted Cuba's role as a guarantor in Colombia’s peace talks and stressed that the Trump Administration's SSOT decision hindered the peace process, particularly given Cuba's adherence to international protocols. President Trump’s decision to place Cuba on the SSOT list, according to the letter, “was allegedly for Cuba’s support of Colombia’s peace process.”
The letter emphasized that U.S. support is crucial for Colombia's "Total Peace" plan and the broader stability of the region, which includes addressing migration issues from Venezuela. Rep. Casar called for a “new paradigm” in Latin America, amid worsening political, economic, and migratory challenges, “where instead of United States policies contributing to violence or displacement, the United States is instead a partner in promoting stability.”
Cuba’s designation on the SSOT list is one of the main sticking points the Cuban government mentions when addressing high ranking U.S. officials. For additional information on the impact of an SSOT designation, check out our SSOT FAQ.
More in U.S.-Cuba Relations:
Miami Herald: U.S. intelligence official says Cuban attempt to influence local races is underway
U.S. intelligence reports that Cuba is actively trying to influence local elections in 2024, targeting anti-regime candidates. This continues reported efforts from 2022, where Cuba aimed to undermine certain U.S. politicians through media and social media campaigns.
NPR: After 20 years in Guantanamo, 3 alleged Sept. 11 plotters will plead guilty
After nearly 2 decades in prison at Guantanamo Bay, three men accused of roles in the 9/11 terrorist attacks will plead guilty in exchange for a life sentence, rather than a death-penalty trial. After their case is resolved, 30 men will remain imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay.
In Cuba
El País: Almost 90 of the Cuban population lives in ‘extreme poverty’ according to new study
On the heels of a stunning announcement of a more than one million person exodus, a new poll finds Cuban households are struggling to access and afford basic goods. A 1,000-person study by the Cuban Observatory of Human Rights found that 86% of Cuban households exist “on the margins of survival” and that, of these, 61% do not even have enough “to buy the essentials to survive.” Furthermore, the study noted a racial discrepancy between Cubans with family abroad who are able to send remittances — 61% of Cubans to not have access to remittance money, many of whom are Afro-Cuban.
Cuba’s Foreign Relations
AP: In a Show of Growing Ties, Russian Warship Make a New Visit to Cuban Waters
Three Russian warships arrived in Cuban waters on Saturday, Moscow’s second such maritime voyage in as many months in a reflection of deepening ties between Russia and Cuba.
France 24: US expresses ‘concerns’, Cuba hails Maduro’s ‘victory’: Leaders react to Venezuela election
President Diaz-Canel tweeted his congratulations to Nicolas Maduro for his victory which “cleanly and unequivocally defeated the pro-imperialist opposition…The people spoke and the Revolution won." Cuba, Honduras, Nicaragua and Bolivia are thus far the only countries to recognize the election results.
The Conversation: Cuba’s Olympic delegation is the smallest in decades — and it reveals the country’s socio economic crisis
Cuba, known for its Olympic success, is sending its smallest delegation since 1964 to the Paris 2024 Games, with only 62 athletes. Additionally, 21 Cuban athletes will compete under other flags, including the refugee Olympic team, highlighting the impact of Cuba's severe socio economic crisis.
Cuban Migration
The end of the wet-foot/dry-foot policy means that Cubans arriving with “dry feet,” on land, is no guarantee for their status in the United States. Today, Cuban nationals apprehended at ports of entry or near the border risk expedited removal proceedings, the same as nationals of other countries.”
Recommended Reading and Viewings
The Nation: Senator Robert Menendez and the Corruption of Cuba Policy
Our colleagues William LeoGrande and Peter Kornbluh dissect what Senator Menendez’s exit from the Senate means for Cuba policy. “His retirement may bode well for US-Cuba relations—if Kamala Harris can retire Trump.”
Conde Nast Traveler: The Best Things to Do in Havana, Cuba—and How to Go
A lot has changed since Cuba’s tourism boom in 2017-2019, but some things remain the same. Boutique hotels, creative small businesses, and hip options for nightlife are still options for travelers to Cuba today.
Americas Quarterly: The Truth About Cuba’s Private Sector
Contrary to some speculation, the island continues to see a large number of entrepreneurs operating outside the umbrella of the state, Ricardo Herrero and John McIntyre write.