Cuban political scientist Julio Shiling, who leads the Patria de Martí project, has issued an urgent plea to Washington to take swift action against the Cuban regime. He warns that the political opportunity may close with the upcoming midterm elections in November.
In an interview with Tania Costa for CiberCuba, Shiling presented a complex geopolitical argument linking Cuba to drug trafficking, continental socialism, and Iranian jihadism. His central assertion: Without addressing the Cuban issue, Washington's entire national security strategy is at risk.
"Cuba is the hub of Marxist subversion in the Western Hemisphere, and when we discuss continental socialism, we are also talking about drug trafficking, which today involves not only commercial but also armed militias," stated Shiling.
Shiling elaborated on a "symbiotic" relationship between Iran and continental socialism: "Jihadist Iran shares a symbiotic relationship with continental socialism through Hezbollah troops, which have a significant presence in Latin America."
Timing: A Critical Factor
For Shiling, timing is of the essence. Historically, the party in control of the White House tends to lose seats during midterm elections, potentially diminishing presidential action capabilities by January.
"Time is extremely important," he warned, emphasizing that the national security strategy announced by the White House last November "will collapse if the Cuban problem is not resolved."
"If the United States doesn't address the Cuban issue, forget about Venezuela, forget about reversing continental socialism, and drug trafficking will persist," Shiling asserted.
Washington's Interests at Stake
Shiling also argued that Washington's own interests are at risk: "The United States' interests are affected by drug trafficking and the domestic terrorism connections of 'Castro-communism' with terrorist groups aiming to destabilize the United States."
To bolster his argument, Shiling referenced history and accused Washington of contributing to the persistence of Castroism. He pointed out that the United States played a role in Fidel Castro's rise by issuing an ultimatum to Fulgencio Batista's regime and embargoing arms purchased to fight the 26th of July Movement.
He labeled as "treason" President John F. Kennedy's decision to cancel air support during the Bay of Pigs invasion, noting that "several U.S. officials resigned in disgrace over Kennedy's betrayal."
According to Shiling, this betrayal was compounded by the Kennedy-Khrushchev pact in October 1962, where Washington not only removed its missiles from Turkey but also assured that it would not attempt to liberate Cuba, nor allow anyone else to do so, to protect Castro's regime from exile-led military action.
Historical Context and Current Sentiment
Shiling framed his argument within a historical principle: "No historical process of liberation or independence occurred without external factors." He noted that U.S. independence relied on France, which financed 90% of the arms and provided soldiers and ships against Britain.
This stance contrasts with former British ambassador to Cuba, Paul Webster Hare, who opposed intervention, arguing it "doesn't serve the United States, nor Cuba," citing the lack of organized opposition on the island.
Shiling's thesis gains relevance in light of a survey conducted by over 20 independent media outlets, revealing that 60.4% of respondents support direct U.S. military intervention, while 92% are highly dissatisfied with the current system.
"No totalitarian regime falls on its own, none. Therefore, stimulation is necessary, and now is the time to act. The United States should not delay any longer," Shiling concluded.
Why Is Action Against the Cuban Regime Urgent?
What is Julio Shiling's main argument regarding Cuba?
Julio Shiling argues that without addressing the Cuban issue, the entire national security strategy of the United States is jeopardized, as Cuba is central to Marxist subversion in the Western Hemisphere.
How does Shiling view the relationship between Iran and continental socialism?
Shiling describes a symbiotic relationship between jihadist Iran and continental socialism through Hezbollah's significant presence in Latin America.
Why does Shiling believe timing is critical for U.S. action?
Shiling believes timing is critical because historical trends show that the party controlling the White House often loses seats in midterm elections, limiting presidential actions from January onwards.
What historical context does Shiling provide for external intervention?
Shiling highlights that no liberation or independence process has occurred without external factors, citing the U.S. reliance on France during its independence from Britain.