Castling in Cuba

The president of the United States, Joe Biden, during an appearance at the White House.TOM BRENNER / POOL / EFE

More information

• Biden sanctions the Cuban defense minister and the 'black berets' for repressing protests

The new sanctions of the United States Government against Cuba once again increase the pressure against the regime that governs the island, plunging its citizens into poverty and lack of freedom, but in no case do they contribute to solving the situation suffered by the Cuban people. The Government of Joe Biden sanctioned the Minister of Defense, Álvaro López Miera, and the National Special Brigade, known as the black berets, as a consequence of the intolerable repression of the security forces after the protest demonstrations on July 11. At practically the same time, in Cuba, the regime held a series of very summary trials of dozens of detainees during the protests, with sentences of up to one year in prison.

The position of the US Administration confirms that the arrival of Biden to the White House, as has happened with his counterpart in Castroism, Miguel Díaz-Canel, has not brought any change with respect to the predecessor policies, which augurs a castling on both sides that will delve into the island's tragedy. The pandemic has once again highlighted the needs that affect the population, the result of the failed system built by the regime, and exacerbated by the US embargo.

The protests, for their part, seem like a turning point to which the regime responds with more repression and closure if possible. The cry for freedom launched by the Cubans on July 11 still resounds on the island and beyond. The regime has not given any sign, for decades, that to any demand for democracy its response will be anything other than repression.

Joe Biden's arrival at the White House, however, had brought a glimmer of hope that the United States would not follow Trump's unfortunate policy of tightening the measures, replicating a turnaround he is pursuing in other areas of foreign policy. However, to the exasperation of the Cubans, the first response is more castling. It is necessary for the president of the United States to combine the sanctions recently imposed on those responsible for the repression with measures aimed at improving the situation of the Cuban people. Even without the support of Congress, meaningful action can be taken. Washington mentions schemes to facilitate remittances, which is a positive idea. Biden was vice president when Barack Obama promoted a thaw that was accompanied by several such initiatives.A policy only anchored in punishment will not contribute to improving the situation of a people who cry out for an end to hunger and for democracy and freedom.