‘The US Is A Predator’: Cuban Diplomat on the Blockade & Cuba’s Anti-Imperialism

Breakthrough News was on the ground in Havana, Cuba where Rania Khalek spoke with Johana Tablada, General Deputy Director of US affairs at the Cuban Foreign Ministry.
They discussed the US blockade hampering the country’s development, how socialism makes Cuba’s survival possible, why Cuba has such a strong anti-imperialist foreign policy, how Cuba sees the recent left victories across Latin America, Cuba’s vaccine leadership, “Havana Syndrome,” how Cuba’s medical brigades connect to an internationalist foreign policy, its growing relationships with Iran & China, and more.
Listen to every episode of Rania Khalek Dispatches anywhere you get podcasts.
Spotify: spoti.fi/3za9DRK
Apple: apple.co/3zeYpeW
TIME CODES
0:19 Biden’s policies on Cuba are Trump’s policies
4:11 How the US tries to divide Cuban society
10:33 Why does the US spend so much on demonizing Cuba?
21:50 Significance of left-wing victories in Latin America
27:31 Benefits of China’s Belt & Road Initiative for the region
30:32 Connection between Cuba’s medical missions & anti-imperialism
37:40 Cuba’s relationship w/ Africa
41:31 Cuba’s doctors are NOT victims of human trafficking
43:55 Cuba’s relationship w/ Iran
45:56 US allies in undermining Cuba
50:07 The world opposes the illegal blockade
54:26 How US sanctions on Venezuela hurt Cuba
59:23 Havana syndrome
1:09:37 Why Cuba defends the revolution despite the costs

[@samali9342]

May Cuba forever be the thorn in the side of colonialism.

[@sjhbartlet]

Hands off Cuba 🇨🇺!!! What an articulate women and it’s so obvious to her what USA foreign policy aims are I wish our people understood

[@redlipstickmafia]

👏👏👏I agree!

[@kxkxkxkx]

See how pale her skin is? She is terrified of the sun, she refuses to get tan because she is a complete racist ☝️

[@stanleycarter303]

@@kxkxkxkx only a racist idiot would make such an ignorant statement!

[@norrisandrews7855]

🎉

[@norrisandrews7855]

🎉

[@ramonng7054]

This one lady alone, is what is needed to unmask the USA to the world...she is so well-spoken, and knowledgeable...·Cuba is on a fast track now, having joined China's.BRI...

[@12567NoYouCannot]

uh.

[@arljohn3510]

BRICS is a force to be reckoned with.

[@HubertNicholas]

AXIS of Evil.

[@jimmylee1776]

I visited Cuba in 2017. It is a wonderful country. The country, although poor, the people are happy. The US is an evil nation that has punished Cuba for more than 50 years. Cuba is a great socialist country. They have free education, medical etc. The government looks after the people. The sanctions imposed by the US caused the shortage of medicines which led to the death of thousands of Cubans (including children). The UN & the world must condemn the actions taken by the US against Cuba. Cuba is no threat to US. The US has many warships in the South China Sea, threatening China. I hope China or Russia send warships to the Caribbean & we shall see how the US reacts. The world must get together to stop the US bullying small nations.

[@phildazz]

The USA created the UN, The IMF and the World Bank. The UN has placed sanctions on every country the US and NATO have destroyed and left bleeding. What do these 3 institutions have in common?

[@WorldGovernmentGeoInstitut]

@@phildazz They're all Western Imperialist instruments, they are tools used by the US to expand their policies and do all sorts of interventions on other countries.

[@rogeliozamora6018]

On hindsight, you can look back into what the late Fidel Castro and Che Guevarra were fighting for. They weren't as BAD as the US and the West portrayed them to be.

[@brunokirchensittenbach9294]

…Even Hitler himself would be horrified by the crimes conmmited by the US since 1959 against Cuba & it’s People and in Central America…

[@ultravioletiris6241]

@@brunokirchensittenbach9294 cough *Colonia Dignidad* cough

[@tombushing4907]

Very effective Cuban official in countering propaganda and denouncing the blockade against her country. Great interview!

[@dlfields8429]

And you still think the US really cares about human rights ?

[@ricardoancheta7741]

Now, they put into trash their own people..

[@john-ss8hk]

Yes a few million ppl here in HK believe US cares about human rights 😮

[@deanjackson2102]

American leaders and the west wont leave anyone on the planet alone to live in peace-even the earth has had enough of them

[@freelance_commie]

Thats right because if you’re living peacefully it means you aren’t giving the US, the ghouls that own the corporations that run and own the USA, what it wants and that’s everything. The pathology of wanting everything beyond all possible reason. Cuba and their revolution is such a brilliant inspiration and miracle, they refused to give in and remained successful even after the USSR was destroyed by that same devil. ✊🏻

[@zalishaabdool6671]

Tell The World The Truth!!..■1 More Time!!■...And We Will Demand... Justice!! For Everybody!!...This Lady!! Which You See In Her Flamboyant Red.. Dress!! Here!!... Is No Matches?...To All The Women!!...Even If You Put All Of Them Together In Congress!!..To Oppose Her?...... THEY WILL BE SILENCED BECAUSE SHE HAS WHAT IT TAKES... HER EXPERIENCE!! AND KNOWLEDGE!! IS AT HER FINGER TIPS!!...SHE DOESN'T NEED TECHNOLOGY???... CUBANS!!...ARE MADE?... TO CLIMB THE STEEP PATH!!...THE MOUNTAIN CLIMB!!...THEY MUST SWEAT BY THEIR BROW!!... TO PRESERVE?... FAMILIES!!...AND FAMILY VALUES!! CUBA HAVE MEDICARE FOR THEIR PEOPLE!!...CAN ANYBODY POSE TREATS TO AMERICA?...THIS IS... A DIFFERENT WORLD!!...AS CUBA IS PRESENTED?...TELLING IT'S OWN STORIES!!♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ 1 HAS TO LISTEN TO THIS STORY!! OVER AND OVER AGAIN?... ■FOR AN ENTIRE YEAR!!■ TO UNDERSTAND AMERICA!!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@freelance_commie SO TRUE.

[@abelnegasi1828]

I really fall in love with Cuba for many reasons, their resiliency, their health and education systems, their humbleness and friendly nature, and the list goes on and on. Thank you Rania and Johana; Break Through practices a balanced and real journalism!

[@massinakmin8340]

cuba is a model for the world.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

@@massinakmin8340 I don't know if they Are a model, but I tell You that they, in a way, have a much better System.

[@cherylgriffin1122]

Yes

[@thatfeelingtarot]

I absolutely love this woman. From a Serbian Australian after 50 years on this planet. This was the most powerful interview I have ever been blessed to see. Thank you.

[@jwrobin1]

Thank you Rania for this interview with Johana Tablada. “Above all, always be capable of feeling deeply any injustice committed against anyone, anywhere in the world.” ― Che Guevara

[@cyrilwimalsena-eh4ko]

You can't lead this World to USA any more. EU must Understand? Very soon German people Understand there freedom free from USA and them self wanted to be German as a free nation?

[@Theo-eq3ei]

In light of the circumstances, compare Cuba to Haiti, Jamaica, or the Dominican Republic. It seems Socialism has its merits.

[@dandeasy8711]

What a comprehensive and totally devastating answer to the question of how & why the USA acts so disgracefully!

[@franciscruickshank8794]

sanctions =economic warfare

[@danafernandez6331]

A comprehensive interview with a wide glance of main issues of US Cuban relations, the negative impact of the blocked in the Cuban population, and the Cuban revolution determination to fight for its present and future of social justice. Thanks a lot Johana

[@zalishaabdool6671]

My Dear!!..You Have Come Here With Great Certainty!!...And Pride!! You Bring So Much Joy!! To My Heart!!...And I'm Sure That Those Who Listen To You Speak!!...In The Caribbean!! And Around The World Today!!..I'm Sure Like Me!!..They All Wish To Embrace!! You!! With Love!! "Whole Heartedly!!"... AS... I Am From Trinidad I'd Love To See You In Cuba!!..One Day!!..God's Willing!!...■You Made Us So Proud Of You!!■..Stay Strong!! Very Strong Sister!!■ Love Forever Love ■From. The Creator Above!!

[@1feloniouspunk]

Enough is enough! Hands off Cuba. Give back Guatanamo!

[@rogerfelton4341]

We love Cuba.

[@AfzalGital]

US foreign policy doesn't change no matter who the president is. The world gets to say this, not Americans themselves.

[@zalishaabdool6671]

Know That I Add A Reply!!

[@endoftheworld4191]

The only way to change is to nuked the Evil Empire snake America

[@gregorystarks2514]

BUT , it will have to ! We can learn about public Health and Education for ALL from Cuba which has survived an illegal and murderous embargo ! Cuba is among the safest country on the Continent , including Costa Rica ! The US always wanted to put their hands on Cuba from Spain but the Cubans resisted , therefore the US , who INVADED the island as their war of independence was ending , sent as embassadors to Cuba : the mafia and the CIA to mount the industries of prostitution ,of drugs , of gambling which served to enrich their Battista and Sponsors! Cuba’ s closest neighbor is maintained in a terrible state with a terrible insecurity , kidnapping and killings by gangs armed with US most letal weapons worth more than 2 months’ work for most people living there ! The greedy and RACIST oligarchs who have no empathy for anything but money and billions of it ( Which they will take with them to try to bribe maybe GOD when he will call them for their last Judgement ? ) MUST loose one day , their grip on our NATION !

[@thespartan8476]

“A people that elect corrupt politicians, imposters, thieves, and traitors are not victims, but accomplices." -------- George Orwell

[@hubreydavid7864]

The President change but the chair stays the same.

[@fortedrummer3026]

Thank you again for your most authentic journalism, BreakThrough News and Rania Khalek! I am in full solidarity with Cuba. Personally speaking, I yearn for global socialism and solidarity.

[@rayburnefitzpatrick7575]

I yearn for national sovereignty .

[@georgiafreckles4180]

Absolutely brilliant interview, of a brilliant woman. Thank you

[@GeopoliticalEconomyReport]

Another excellent interview! BreakThrough has been killing it 🔥

[@Apodeipnon]

Damn, what a woman! Beautiful interview

[@albertolee6867]

Excellent interview Rania. Your guest is intelligent, knowledgeable, articulate, honest and frank. I enjoyed the entire episode. Keep up the good work and best wishes.

[@user-ht8qg9xc5e]

Respects to Cubans!!! Wonderful lady!!

[@adrianrivera9404]

This lady has her facts upfront more power to her and Cubans!!😊

[@horstklaus222]

In my earlier days, when i was between 75 and 85 years old (Now I am 90), I found Cuba not only to be the safest and friendliest vacation destination, much better than other Central American, US American and other Caribbean Island destinations. I admired there determination to live though the American blockade ad frequently donate what we could afford to . Some medical supplies, clothing and money. I have recommended Cuba as the best vacation destination - unfortunately, at my age now I can't travel much anymore. The pandemic did not help much either. I wish the Cuban people the very best for the future

[@12567NoYouCannot]

That is SO Sweet, thanks for Sharing.

[@tamjansan1154]

😅❤💯🙏

[@taq1238]

God Bless ❤

[@rosszografov614]

Well said. Cuba is in my heart..deep deep inside, I always admired the Cuban people and all they have achieved. Love from Bulgaria and from Australia. Long live Socialism.

[@moxieminer832]

Fantastic coverage of what’s going on in Cuba. Great job. Keep it up, BreakThrough News!

[@zalishaabdool6671]

"A SPEAKER FOR JUSTIFICATION!!" IN THE UNITED NATIONS...PLEASE????

[@diosamurcielaga9418]

¡Bravo Johana! You are so clear and to the point, ¡Viva Cuba y toda su gente!

[@phyllisthompson4207]

The cuban people are so resiliant, and they are to be commended. Well done, and may God continue to bless and sustain your people. Bravo Cuba!!

[@DelBronx187]

She knows her stuff! Second time watching this. Love it!

[@tiemiahu9947]

Well done, Rania!! Cuba's story needs to be told, good on you, Johana Tablada has a lot to tell.... Lets hope someone's listening??...

[@kuvezakaura9770]

Thank you for being so straightforward and informative and I love the Cuban spirit. Aluta continua🇳🇦

[@markmahan38]

Ok I definitely want to go to Cuba.

[@m4a1JAY]

This lady is incredibly intelligent. Very well spoken too.

[@josiehong]

Is it normal to feel sad and angry when hearing this lady? Not at the lady of course, but about what she says. This is so important, especially for someone who lives in a little bubble called the west.

[@guajiraguantanamera]

This is the best thing I've seen so far in 2022 Congratulations Rania

[@DIEGOGONZALEZ-np9ed]

Brilliant and articulate woman!!! It is great to see people like her defend the sovereignty of ALL Global South nations!!! VIVA CUBA

[@SkhumbuzoMathabela-wq8ug]

This women spiting truth nothing but the truth. She has lot of energy though it flows through her veins 😁😁😁 I just laughed my lungs out She's so funny and I love her Cuba has been the giant country when it comes to training doctors around the world My cousin is one of the doctor trained in Cuba and many other African doctors It has produced millions of doctors

[@zapszapper9105]

. What a lovely genuine kind person is this Cuban foreign policy diplomat is. God bless Cuba, Stay strong too, CUba.

[@zehrajafri9252]

Good job. Keep the truth alive. 👍 👍

[@agunnayaman6300]

This is superb young lady. You have spoken the whole truth. One day US will be held accountable.

[@ethioembroiderycraft550]

So Smart Cuban 👌👌👌👌👌

[@MichaelPhoenixCrow]

this is a world leader. educated on history not emotional and rational. also honest and direct.

[@lestertoh]

Amazing Interview, both ladies have a strong and beautiful heart... Stay strong Cuba!!!..

[@yonasadal5312]

Wow! What an amazing woman! Cubans should speak up and teach the world more. Very refreshing!

[@lisemarie2362]

BreakThrough does it again! Awesome interview, Rania.

[@adisledon4646]

Great interview! Thank you Rania Khalek and Johana Tablada❤

[@12567NoYouCannot]

She said it right "In Cuba they Get an Education" Debt FREE. Ouch!!!

[@robertm5751]

This is a brilliant Diplomat and enlightening intervention. Please, do give us some more. Thank you very soooooo much.

[@gillianespinoza3652]

I love how she speaks about Cuba and Africa’s friendly relationship with each other. ❤️ she’s right, they ARE the homeland of so many Cubans, and just in general, the world at large. And of course here in the US, a lot of rhetoric is centered around “how terrible Cuba is” because our politicians and big companies would no longer be able to make money off of the lives of its own people ( and that of other countries citizens) if they “allowed” us to know that a socialist system could not only thrive, but help people to thrive and live, have affordable living and wages, healthcare and schooling. So they try as hard as they can to demonize other countries systems that actually are equal and free.

[@12567NoYouCannot]

You're RIGHT about everything You Said. When I visited Hungary, I was Surprised to learn that their Children can choose to learn MUSIC for FREE and Sports as an extracurricular activity after school to keep them healthy and occupied, Paid by the State. I was in Shock!!! I went to a FREE MUSIC CONCERT, and I was very impressed with the Seeing the Children Playing the Piano, Chelo, Violins, and So many other Music Instruments like PROS, and Singing Opera right in front of my eyes, and they were So Professional, and it didn't Cost them Not even a Penny. And very well-mannered kids, Not the foul mouths and Rude Kids that We have in America.

[@CBleys]

Interviews like this make me want to learn Spanish and emigrate to Cuba. I'd miss snow, but I honestly think I'd have much better mental health.

[@diosamurcielaga9418]

You most likely would...

[@leslierodricks2701]

Excellent reality narrative of Cuba!!Thank you for this presentation!

[@EntitledMillennials]

Watching this on Che's Birthday. Solidarity forever with the Cuban people.

[@BCSTS]

Thank you for this interview.....Wonderful to hear from such an intelligent knowledgeable woman......finally from Cuba point of view !

[@tcheyne1951]

Excellent interview, very informative!

[@bertanelson8062]

I'm glad to know so many people from USA went to Cuba, even if it lasted just a short time. This means there ARE people in USA who know first-hand what it's like there. I went with a special delegation for a week & absolutely loved being there. Viva Cuba!

[@yonasadal5312]

Stay strong! Your pain will not be forever. The predators have likely been salivating to see demise of independent minded leaders everywhere. Eritrea is one of the victims, and we stand in solidarity with the Cuban people. #NoMore

[@TheSujitKDas]

Unilateral coercive blockade is certainly a crime against humanity.

[@siphiwesimelane5773]

Much respect Rania for the work you do by exposing the deed state

[@karl7423]

Amazing interview. I live in the UK and didn’t know any of this. I knew America was a bully, but this is disgusting and shameful. I wish all Americans knew this, then I hope things would change. Good like to Cuba, hold strong and don’t let them bow you. Hopefully the new multipolar world, offered by Russia and China will help Cuba reach its full potential. Cuba is amazing.

[@brunokirchensittenbach9294]

…Thanks Rihanna… Great 👍 Information..🌹🌹

[@Comrade_Broski]

I love this woman! Great discussion. She really knows her stuff.

[@spidermann1256]

Great job Cuba in enduring the shocking & disgusting tactics adopted by the Evil Empire & yet somehow finding ways to succeed. Rania should have Johana back again to keep us update.

[@Jimi_Lee]

This lady is 🔥 Love it!

[@12567NoYouCannot]

Agreed.

[@mixedmartialmarxist]

incredible interview. cannot be overstated how important the work you all at Breakthrough News are doing. well done & solidarity with the Cuban Revolution

[@grantperkins368]

Fantastic, Rania and guest, that was totally uplifting 😊

[@FarceDrama-dv2co]

Thank you for bringing this speaker. She is very knowledgeable and intelligent.

[@migueljose2944]

impresionante! impressive! thank you both!

[@dayveda3736]

My goodness these women are fantastic. The truth is painful therapy. Thanks Comrades. :)

[@kazpawlik9426]

So informative and educational,refreshing,powerful interview.One time while ago,Olympian champion exceptional sportsman Mr. Juantorena were the bright Star of Cuba.Thank You Ladies.

[@chagoriver7159]

I'm in love with that woman. Great interview rhania.

[@vonfloryanzia138]

I stand with Cuba❤

[@crisostomoreynaldo1280]

Madame rania khaled god bless you for breakthrough news.

[@skywire5595]

incredible interview thank you for showing the truth

[@Trdundee]

Many thanks Rania. ❤

[@FarceDrama-dv2co]

Ho very well said about Cubas presence on Africa. “Not to look for mg of diamonds” ❤️

[@jonjones1430]

What a breath of fresh air. A spoke person totally on the ball. Speaking of tangible, point after point . And personally full of life. Che would be proud of her .

[@oliverchampion2498]

Excellent!

[@dr.pawankumararyan4892]

Hats off Johana....and Raina

[@stephentang5983]

Bravo, Cubans. You never kowtow to the Evil Empire which will collapse in time.

[@katferguson]

This is a master class for American high school students

[@rogerfelton4341]

Things are changing, nothing stays the same, hold on tight.

[@gofar5185]

a moralistic/humanistic socialistic level of thoughts... guest speaker, please accept my bows my respects... thank you so much to breakthrough news...

[@ramonng7054]

Invite her again

[@markjohnson7254]

May the true and living God deliver Cuba from operation and depression- better must come one day

[@ltrotter636]

Stand strong, Cuba! This woman is well spoken, and as I listened to her describe how the US has afflicted and gaslighted Cuba internationally, it came to me how astounding it is that Black Americans have asserted themselves to the degree that they have in the US and still fight despite not having another nation to run to for protection! Literally fighting a Babylonian régime inside of Babylon. God, continue to help us.

[@muhammadx1670]

truth is beyond beautiful, viva la Libertad

[@6theseeker]

Well done Raina for your excellent journalism, we hope more great people like you shed light on the reality of harsh sanctions, god bless Cubans for their strong resilience in withstanding these unfair treatments effecting the average person. The world is shifting to a new order where wars and economic threats are not tolerated for development hence the move towards Asian diplomacy.

[@nanyanguo1]

there are many cubans studying in China

[@maxsweetman6341]

America leave us all alone sort out your own sick sad sorry mess Make the world a happy place Choose leaders with brains

[@EvaSNelson]

Excellent

[@tangabiang5282]

HOLD ON, CUBA!!!

[@yemaek]

I would love to visit Cuba one day. Friends have told me that the people are among the world's friendliest. Much respect from New Zealand

[@claytonchristian4863]

America will get theirs. JUST A MATTER OF TIME. HOLD STRONG CUBA!!!

[@bedardpelchat]

As promised, this follows well the interview with Helen Yaffe that Rana did on January 11. I am looking forward for the next episodes on Cuba. Congrats.

[@dandeasy8711]

WOW!!

[@jvs333]

Cuba needs invite Russia to establish a military base (the Biden/ US claims a country should be be allowed to select who they choose to establish bi-lateral agreements:ukraine). Then join China’s BRI along with the Caribbean. If the Biden/US claims Ukraine can choose its partners then so should Cuba

[@tamjansan1154]

💯❤

[@baruasafi5880]

This lady's a good person. Cuba has really made her a strong good human being. If this is the case, sanctions made Cuban people to have humanity in their hearts.

[@basilwickramaratne5036]

Thank you on the interview with Johana one year back which I came across only today. It was very informative. I raise my hat to her precise but elaborative explanation.

[@indonesiamenggugat8795]

best wishes from Indonesia..

[@futurefarms3440]

She is truly telling A Reality...

[@SG-dq5pj]

It is ironic that more and more youngsters are being drawn to socialism, even the petty bourgeoisie class as they are not getting the jobs they aspired for.

[@joaquinmariano6286]

Good talk about Cuba!!!