No fuel, no tourists, no cash – this was the week the Cuban crisis got real

In Havana’s Siboney diplomatic quarter, ambassadors from countries traditionally allied with the United States say they are growing frustrated with Washington’s push to unseat Cuba’s government and are preparing to draw down their missions. Cuba is in crisis after a four-year economic slump, worsened by hyper-inflation and the migration of nearly 20% of the population, leaving the 67-year-old communist government at its weakest.

After Washington’s successful military operation against Cuba’s ally Venezuela at the beginning of January, the US administration is actively seeking regime change, diplomats say. Several officials complained that the US charge d’affaires, Mike Hammer, has not shared any detailed plan beyond bringing the island to a standstill by starving it of oil.

"There’s talk of human rights, and that this is the year Cuba changes – but little talk of what happens afterwards," one said.

Cuba, Havana

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