The Socialist Program with Brian Becker Despite Trump’s Total Fuel Blockade, Cuba Won’t Surrender
6 snips
Feb 12, 2026 
Manolo De Los Santos, executive director of The People’s Forum and longtime activist, discusses U.S. fuel blockade against Cuba. He talks about Cuba’s resilience under siege. He covers extraterritorial effects on suppliers, impacts on daily life, and growing U.S. solidarity efforts. He outlines organizing strategies for the Let Cuba Live campaign.
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Blockade Framed As Act Of War
- Manolo De Los Santos argues Trump's oil blockade is an act of war meant to asphyxiate Cuba, not a response to any real security threat.
- He frames Cuba as a blockaded, resilient nation resisting over 60 years of U.S. aggression.
Cuba's Struggle Is External, Not Inherent
- Manolo says Cuba is not a failing state but a blockaded state whose problems stem from external sanctions.
- He compares U.S. siege tactics to historic sieges like Leningrad to emphasize Cuban resilience.
Sovereignty Outweighs Concessions
- Manolo connects historical resistance patterns to current Cuban steadfastness and refusal to surrender sovereignty.
- He argues Cubans value independence more than concessions that would hand over national control.