Full Measure After Hours: The Surprising Truth About Post-Castro Cuba

Episode Release Date: December 12, 2024

Host: Sharyl Attkisson

Guest: Carlos Fernando DiCosio, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cuba

Introduction

In this special Archives Edition of Full Measure After Hours, host Sharyl Attkisson explores the intricate and enduring relationship between the United States and Cuba. The episode, titled "The Surprising Truth About Post-Castro Cuba," features an in-depth interview with Carlos Fernando DiCosio, Cuba’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs. DiCosio provides a comprehensive perspective on the longstanding US embargo, Cuba's international relations, human rights discussions, and the island nation's future trajectory.

US Embargo on Cuba

A central theme of the episode is the US embargo against Cuba, a policy that has significantly impacted the Cuban economy and its people for over six decades. DiCosio criticizes the United States for its inconsistent justifications for maintaining the embargo:

"The US has had a changing goalpost during the years. Many years ago it was our presence in Africa and solidarity with the peoples of Africa, then that we supported countries in Central America... The real aim seems to be a failure by powerful groups in the United States to accept or to understand that Cuba is and has the right to be an independent country."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [02:15]

He explains that the US has shifted its reasons for the embargo over time, never addressing the core issue of Cuban sovereignty and economic independence.

Post-Castro Cuban Government

DiCosio addresses misconceptions about the Castro family's current role in Cuban governance:

"Fidel Castro passed away seven years ago, but he has been out of the government for 17 years... Raul Castro is not president since 2018, and he doesn't even lead the party since 2021."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [04:55]

He emphasizes that the Castros no longer hold executive power, challenging the US narrative that ties the embargo to their leadership.

Relationship with the Soviet Union and China

The discussion transitions to Cuba's historical and present international alliances. DiCosio recounts Cuba's dependence on the Soviet Union during the Cold War and the subsequent shift after its dissolution:

"It began when the US said that they would not buy Cuban sugar anymore... The Soviet Union said, 'We'll buy it,' and 'We'll sell you oil.'"
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [07:01]

He further elaborates on Cuba's relationship with China, stating:

"We buy a lot of products from China... It's a normal relationship, as we've had with Canada, as we have with European countries."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [17:58]

DiCosio dismisses allegations of Cuba hosting Chinese military bases, labeling them as unfounded:

"It's totally untrue. We've told the US Government... it's a fabrication."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [16:55]

Human Rights and Protests

Addressing US critiques regarding human rights, particularly referencing the July 11 protests in Cuba, DiCosio provides a counter-narrative:

"Most of them did it peacefully... Only a small group, maybe about a thousand, practiced vandalism and violence."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [14:48]

He draws parallels to US events, questioning the consistency of US criticism:

"In the US on January 6, many people went to protest... some have been prosecuted, some with sentences as large as 18 years without any violence or critical violence being committed."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [14:48]

US Designation of Cuba as a Terrorist State

The episode delves into the contentious issue of Cuba’s inclusion on US terrorism lists. DiCosio explains the origins and implications of this designation:

"Cuba was hiding a group of representatives of the ELN... The list is totally arbitrary and has no legitimacy."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [11:36] & [12:45]

He highlights the negative economic repercussions of this designation, noting that it discourages international financial institutions from engaging with Cuba.

Economic Impact of the Embargo

DiCosio underscores the embargo's crippling effect on Cuba's economy despite the nation's achievements in various sectors:

"The US embargo... is the main hurdle that we need to overcome for our development and the progress of our country."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [07:52]

He advocates for lifting the embargo, suggesting that a two-year suspension could allow Cuba to demonstrate significant economic progress, as partially seen during the Obama administration’s limited exceptions:

"In 2015 and 16, the Obama government introduced very limited exceptions... private investment began to grow, activity in the country, that the standard of living in the population grew."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [07:52]

Conclusion and Final Insights

In his closing remarks, DiCosio reflects on the broader implications of US policies and internal American issues:

"I am very concerned with the lack of information that Americans receive about Cuba... I think there’s a level of contempt in the capacity of US public opinion in interpreting by themselves."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [19:25]

He criticizes the polarization and wealth concentration in the United States, suggesting these factors contribute to the strained US-Cuba relations:

"With the increased concentration of wealth in just 1 or 2% of Americans that have grown dramatically since 1980... that’s a huge problem."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [19:25]

DiCosio calls for Americans to experience Cuba firsthand to form their own opinions, advocating for the removal of travel prohibitions:

"Americans should ask their government to allow them to freely travel to Cuba and allow them for themselves to judge reality."
– Carlos Fernando DiCosio [20:35]

Notable Quotes

• On Shifting US Justifications:

  "The real aim seems to be a failure by powerful groups in the United States to accept or to understand that Cuba is and has the right to be an independent country."
  – Carlos Fernando DiCosio [02:15]

• On Post-Castro Leadership:

  "Raul Castro is not president since 2018, and he doesn't even lead the party since 2021."
  – Carlos Fernando DiCosio [04:55]

• On Alleged Terrorist Activities:

  "It's totally untrue. We've told the US Government... it's a fabrication."
  – Carlos Fernando DiCosio [16:55]

• On Human Rights Criticism:

  "Why does the United States feel it has the authority to condemn Cuba and not look inside? What is happening in the United States?"
  – Carlos Fernando DiCosio [14:48]

• On the Economic Embargo:

  "The US embargo... is the main hurdle that we need to overcome for our development and the progress of our country."
  – Carlos Fernando DiCosio [07:52]

Final Thoughts

Host Sharyl Attkisson concludes the episode by highlighting the critical insights shared by DiCosio. She emphasizes the importance of understanding the Cuban perspective and encourages listeners to seek out the full report airing on November 19th. Attkisson also promotes her platform for supporting independent journalism, inviting listeners to engage further through reviews, subscriptions, and merchandise.

This episode of Full Measure After Hours provides a thorough examination of the multifaceted US-Cuba relationship, challenging prevailing narratives and offering a Cuban governmental viewpoint on enduring diplomatic tensions. By presenting DiCosio’s perspectives, Attkisson fosters a deeper understanding of the complexities surrounding post-Castro Cuba and its quest for economic and political autonomy.