Is Cuba Trump’s next target?

This episode of Today in Focus from The Guardian delves into the escalating situation in Cuba, which has faced severe economic hardship and shortages due to a U.S.-led oil blockade. The United States has pressured its allies to cut off fuel supplies to Cuba, leading to devastating blackouts and daily struggles for the Cuban populace. Journalists on the ground discuss the impact of Trump's policies, describing the current state of affairs as unprecedentedly dire, with families facing a lack of essential resources like food and electricity.

The episode features insights from Daniel Montero, a journalist based in Havana, who explains that Cubans are adapting to the crisis, but it is nonetheless severe. Regular blackouts affect all aspects of life, and while protests have occurred, they have been insufficient to spark a national uprising. Rory Nichol, another journalist, highlights the economic collapse of Cuba's tourism industry and the shuttering of many state-run businesses.

The potential for regime change is a primary focus of the discussion, especially regarding the U.S. government's demands from Cuba. Analysts consider whether removing President Diaz-Canel would actually change the system or if such actions simply would replace one leader with another from the same political lineage. The episode encapsulates the tension surrounding U.S. negotiations with Cuba and the uncertainty of the country's future under current U.S. policies and pressures.