Remove Cuba and its Allies from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism List!
A statement from the Bronx Anti-War Coalition to the US-Cuba Solidarity Movement
The Bronx Anti-War Coalition asserts that true international solidarity demands unwavering support for Cuba and its allies against embargoes, blockades, and sanctions. US imperialism has targeted Cuba for over 60 years, yet Cuba has persisted due to its alliances and shared resistance with other anti-imperialist nations. Understanding this international solidarity is crucial for anyone involved in the Cuba solidarity movement.
Cuba's contributions to other nations, such as providing sugar and medical education opportunities, demonstrate its commitment to mutual aid. However, Cuba's survival is not solely due to its own efforts. Its alliances with other sanctioned countries like Syria, Iran, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK, “North Korea”), Venezuela, Nicaragua, China, Russia, Eritrea, and Zimbabwe are pivotal. These nations, despite diverse geographies, cultures and religions, unite in upholding self-determination and resisting external control, particularly from the United States and Western powers. They provide Cuba with essential material support, including food, medicine, and raw materials, forming lifelines that are crucial to Cuba’s endurance.
The Cuba solidarity movement in the US must recognize that attacking Cuba’s allies directly threatens these lifelines. It is inconsistent to criticize US policies on Cuba while supporting its stance on other adversaries. Aligning with US foreign policy places one on the wrong side of history, as Cuba is not the only target for regime change; this extends to other nations branded as adversaries by the US.
Furthermore, the rest of the nations on the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism, including Iran, the DPRK, and Syria, deserve defense and support. The call to remove Cuba from this list and lift its embargo must also extend to these countries. This broader demand reflects the true anti-imperialist position, rejecting selective support and acknowledging the importance of defending Cuba’s strongest allies. During the NYC rally for Cuba on October 27, Cuba-Palestine solidarity was highlighted, yet there was no mention of Iran, DPRK, and Syria, all anti-Zionist nations that also refuse to recognize the state of Israel. This omission underscores the need to challenge Western propaganda and align fully with the principles of international solidarity.
For the 32nd consecutive year, the UN General Assembly debated and voted overwhelmingly in favor of ending the US blockade against Cuba, with 187 countries supporting the resolution. This global consensus against US policies highlights the urgency of challenging the narratives and policies that seek to isolate and control sovereign nations.
We call upon all advocates of justice and peace to join us in this essential struggle. Recognizing the interconnectedness of Cuba’s alliances is vital to resisting imperialist agendas and fostering a multipolar world grounded in mutual respect and cooperation.
We demand:
1: End the US embargo on and remove Cuba, Iran, DPRK, and Syria from the U.S. State Sponsors of Terrorism list to restore their ability to engage in free trade and international relations.
2: Support the alliances between Cuba and Iran, DPRK, Syria, Russia, China and other sanctioned nations by recognizing their shared struggle against imperialism and promoting mutual aid and cooperation.
3: Critically evaluate and oppose Western narratives that isolate sovereign nations, and educate the Cuba solidarity movement to highlight interconnected global struggles.
