An American international policy analyst from the television network CBS noted that it is unclear whether President Donald Trump has yet found someone within the Cuban regime who has enough power and influence to negotiate an agreement.
According to Margaret Brennan, moderator of Face the Nation and chief foreign affairs correspondent for CBS, the president is trying to reach an understanding with the Cuban government, but that "deal maker" has yet to emerge within the power structure in Havana.
The analyst detailed that the policy towards Cuba, which is a priority for Secretary of State Marco Rubio, combines pressure and assistance.
He recalled that the Trump administration committed 9 million dollars in aid following the hurricane that struck the island in October.
According to the State Department, in February, products such as pasta, rice, and beans were sent, distributed door to door by Catholic organizations.
He pointed out that the U.S. embassy has posted online videos of the ambassador delivering aid, as well as images showing that he was harassed, which demonstrates the tense atmosphere.
Regarding the pressure, he explained that Trump has effectively cut off the fuel supply to Havana, leading to problems for the Cuban government, which recently announced that it does not have sufficient fuel to supply airlines.
It was also noted that diplomats are facing fuel rationing, which could limit their movements within the country.
He added that all of this is compounded by the restrictions resulting from the more than 60-year-long U.S. trade embargo and the deterioration of infrastructure.
However, he emphasized that it is unclear whether this pressure will destabilize the Cuban government. The goal of the Trump administration, he indicated, would be to replicate what they consider a success in Venezuela: to facilitate a transition without causing a state collapse or a migration crisis.
To achieve this, he concluded, Washington needs someone within the Cuban government who has enough power and influence to collaborate, and they are still in search of that figure.
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