In Latin America, Not Everyone Is Thrilled with the US Thawing Towards Cuba John Otis - NPR.org
go to original December 19, 2014

Cuba's President Raul Castro (left) talks to his Venezuelan counterpart Nicolas Maduro at a summit in Havana on Oct. 20. The two countries are close allies that have been highly critical of the U.S. But with the U.S. and Cuba now planning closer ties, Cuba may tone down its anti-American rhetoric. (Enrique de la Osa/Reuters/Landov)

Latin American governments have long viewed Cuba as the region's David facing off against the Goliath of the United States. So from Mexico to Argentina, leaders are endorsing this week's announcement that the two nations intend to normalize relations.

In public, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is praising the rapprochement between the U.S. and Cuba.

"I am very happy," Maduro said in a speech Wednesday. "We must recognize this valiant and historically necessary gesture by President Barack Obama."

But many analysts believe that, in private, Maduro is not so pleased. That's because Venezuela and Cuba have long acted in unison in opposing Washington while forging their own close ties.

...It's been a tough year all around for Maduro. He has faced massive anti-government protests and is now dealing with plummeting oil prices, high inflation and food shortages. But instead of examining his own policies, Maduro blames Washington for carrying out what he calls an "economic war" against Venezuela.

Political analyst Rocío San Miguel says such rhetoric helps Maduro deflect criticism and unify his ruling Socialist Party. But she says Cuba's more pragmatic approach toward the United States could undercut Maduro's hard-line position.

Read the whole story at NPR.org

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