Cuba-USA: What choice did Havana have?

Cuba Didn't Have A Choice Anymore

by Linette Lopez

A new era in US-Cuba relations has begun with the release of US aid worker Alan Gross from the Cuban jail where he was held for five years.

President Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro both offered remarks today about economic and political policy changes that should bring the two countries closer together.

It sounds like the two countries have really overcome significant hurdles.

That said, it's likely that Cuba didn't have a choice in the matter.

Cuba's economy depends on a state on the verge of collapse — a disastrous repeat of its relationship with the Soviet Union. This time, though, its flailing partner is Venezuela.

The two socialist countries have been buddies since former Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was alive. Venezuela accounts for 20% of Cuba's GDP.

Normally, Venezuela sends Cuba 80,000 barrels of oil a day, and in turn Cuba sends over doctors and medical supplies (Cuba prides itself on its medical professionals and exports them all over the world).


But things have not been normal in Venezuela — not by a longshot. Back in February, thousands took to the streets in protests that rocked the country for months. Dissidents were jailed. President Nicolas Maduro, plagued by questions about his legitimacy, has tried to strengthen his grip on power through fear accusing his opponents of treason.

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