The Cuban dictatorship, a longstanding threat to America, is finally showing signs of weakness. As the only Cuban-born member of the United States Congress, I have witnessed the regime’s attempts to convince the world that communism in Cuba is a permanent condition. However, today, that illusion is crumbling.
National Security Threat
The regime’s failure has led to a humanitarian crisis, with blackouts, hospitals without medicine, and food shortages becoming routine. Moreover, the dictatorship in Havana has transformed itself into a strategic outpost for America’s greatest adversaries, including communist China, Russia, and Iran.
Communist China has expanded its presence on the island through suspected intelligence and surveillance facilities, capable of monitoring sensitive U.S. military activity across the southeastern United States. Russia continues to coordinate both politically and militarily with Havana. Meanwhile, Iran is deepening its influence across Latin America, using anti-American regimes like Cuba and Venezuela as gateways into the hemisphere.
Justice for Victims
Former Cuban dictator Raúl Castro has been indicted by the United States for his alleged role in the 1996 shootdown of two unarmed Brothers to the Rescue planes, one of the most infamous crimes committed by the regime against civilians. Four innocent men – Carlos Costa, Armando Alejandre Jr., Mario de la Peña, and Pablo Morales – were flying unarmed civilian aircraft in international airspace when Cuban military pilots in Soviet-built MiG fighter jets opened fire with missiles.
The recent arrest in Miami of Adys Lastres Morera, the sister of GAESA’s executive president, was significant. Secretary of State Marco Rubio revoked her residency status after accusing her of benefiting from life in the United States while helping sustain Havana’s communist apparatus.
Strength, Not Appeasement
President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio understand that dictatorships do not reform when rewarded. They become stronger. The Obama-era opening handed economic relief and legitimacy to the Cuban regime while political prisoners remained jailed, dissidents were beaten, and the military elite expanded its control through entities like GAESA. Strength, not appeasement, is the only language Havana understands.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
