As the Communist Cuban Junta Enters End-of-Life Care, Marco Rubio Begins Secretly Talking to Raul Castro's Grandson About a Living Will

Nine days ago, John Sexton predicted the communist regime of Cuba was entering its last year.

They've run out of airplane fuel, leading to grounded airplanes. And they're rationing gasoline. They are no longer receiving gas and oil from Venezuela in return for the state police thugs they sent to protect Maduro and find and torture his critics.

Russia is no longer sending its Dark Fleet to aid them either. In fact, the NYT reports that Cuban communists are realizing they are completely isolated and alone.

Predictions of the demise of Cuba's government have been made before, notably after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which had been Cuba's main benefactor, only to be proved wrong.
But this time, experts say, the survival of Cuba's government appears very much in doubt...
The U.S. government "has determined that Cuba must be free before the end of 2026," said Marcell Felipe, a prominent Cuban exile leader in Miami who chairs the American Museum of the Cuban Diaspora and said he had met with U.S. diplomats. "This is a plan in motion."...
A U.S. official who was not authorized to speak publicly about the administration’s interactions with Havana said Cuban officials were nervous because they were starting to realize their revolution was coming to an end."

And now Axios reports that Rubio is talking to Cuban officials -- to talk about what happens when the regime collapses and society descends into chaos.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been holding secret talks with the grandson and caretaker of Cuba's aging de facto dictator, Raul Castro, as the U.S. puts unprecedented pressure on Havana's regime, three sources tell Axios.
Why it matters: The talks between Rubio and Raul Guillermo Rodriguez Castro are bypassing official Cuban government channels. They show that the Trump administration sees the 94-year-old revolutionary as the communist island's true decision-maker.
"I wouldn't call these 'negotiations' as much as 'discussions' about the future," a senior Trump administration official said.
Zoom in: Rubio and his team see the 41-year-old grandson and his circle as representing younger, business-minded Cubans for whom revolutionary communism has failed -- and who see value in rapprochement with the U.S.
"Our position -- the U.S. government's position -- is the regime has to go," the senior official said. "But what exactly that looks like is up to [President Trump] and he has yet to decide. Rubio is still in talks with the grandson."
Called "Raulito," the younger Castro is known in political circles by his nickname "El Cangrejo" ("The Crab") because he has a deformed finger.
Zoom out: After 67 years of U.S. sanctions and Cuban mismanagement, the totalitarian government appears closer than ever to collapse as the island teeters on the edge of a humanitarian crisis.
The power grid is failing. Hospitals are limiting surgeries. Food and fuel are increasingly scarce. Tourism is drying up. Uncollected garbage is piling up on some street corners.
...
Between the lines: The U.S. military's success and technical superiority in the Maduro operation shook Cuba's leadership after American forces suffered no losses and killed at least 32 Cuban intelligence and military officials who were supposed to be guarding Maduro, U.S. officials say.
But the U.S. decision to keep Maduro's governing partners in power --notably his Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who's now acting president -- signaled to Cuban insiders that Trump and Rubio are willing to make deals with rivals.

PRESIDENT TRUMP on potential deal with Cuba: "We're talking to Cuba right now."

"We have a lot of great Cuban Americans, and they're going to be very happy when they're going to be able to go back and say hello to their relatives." pic.twitter.com/UPTaX6Tf8v
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 17, 2026

Posted by: Disinformation Expert Ace at 05:30 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 I was stationed at GITMO for three years and for every month of those three years there was nothing but talk about how this time the cuban government was going to fall and cuba would be open to America.

I will believe it when I see it.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 05:32 PM (0N4FZ)

2 I read most of the post, typed that comment and still managed to be first?

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 05:33 PM (0N4FZ)

3 Hello?

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 05:34 PM (0N4FZ)

4 You are all alone Mr. Scott.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 05:34 PM (/lPRQ)

5 Huh.

So you're telling me the 700+ tons of "food" Mexico sent isn't staving off the inevitable?

Posted by: People's Hippo Voice at February 18, 2026 05:35 PM (HXT0k)

6 So is Cuber's leadership going to get the best that Canadian Health Care can offer?

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 05:37 PM (Dv3i1)

7 US gave up the tying goal - gonna be slow here for awhile.

Posted by: Nova Local at February 18, 2026 05:37 PM (tOcjL)

8 >>> But the U.S. decision to keep Maduro's governing partners in power --notably his Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who's now acting president -- signaled to Cuban insiders that Trump and Rubio are willing to make deals with rivals.

This is where Bush fucked up in Iraq - you keep the civil government in place and fine tune as needed.

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 05:38 PM (/lPRQ)

9 Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been holding secret talks
___

not a secret anymore

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 05:38 PM (Dv3i1)

10 Just give it up already. You made your point.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:38 PM (vOtXJ)

11 Coo-bur.

As MaHa Rushie would say.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 05:38 PM (W2Pud)

12 If Trump pulls this off, Rubio will probably be the most loyal of all his allies, going forward.

Posted by: garrett at February 18, 2026 05:38 PM (1Udfd)

13 Called "Raulito," the younger Castro is known in political circles by his nickname "El Cangrejo" ("The Crab") because he has a deformed finger.

Rubio's negotiating with the Crab People?!

Posted by: pookysgirl with the South Park references at February 18, 2026 05:39 PM (Wt5PA)

14 Will South Florida go home?

Posted by: nckate at February 18, 2026 05:39 PM (uQzkA)

15 WE GOT THE OT GOAL!!!

Posted by: Nova Local at February 18, 2026 05:39 PM (tOcjL)

16 US WINS!

Posted by: Nova Local at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (tOcjL)

17 We call it the liitle lie (rum and coke) for three generations

Posted by: Miguel cervantes at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (bXbFr)

18 One day before I die, I would love to vacation in a vibrant and rich Havana versus Hawaii. I love Cuban food, music, art, etc. and would love to see a free and thriving Cuba spring to life.

Posted by: Cheri at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (oiNtH)

19 This is where Bush fucked up in Iraq - you keep the civil government in place and fine tune as needed.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 05:38 PM (/lPRQ)
---
One of many places.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (ZOv7s)

20 15 The US hockey loses to Sweden again?
Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 05:39 PM (wpzCm)

16 WE GOT THE OT GOAL!!!
Posted by: Nova Local

Whiplash

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (Dv3i1)

21 I can only imagine how horrific recovery will be

Posted by: Formerly Virginian at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (v0gmj)

22
Oh no. Where is Michael Moore going to go for his biannual liposuction???

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (kTyBw)

23 Imagine an alternate universe where Cuba had stayed free. They would be wealthy beyond imagining. the Hawaii of the Caribbean. Americans would be jetting over for a weekend in Cuba all the time.

Imagine Cuba being a U.S. state. Even wealthier.

It's staggering how badly Cuba's leader have fucked things up. So much human potential down the drain.

If Rubio pulls this shit off, he becomes the next president.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:42 PM (vOtXJ)

24 Odds on Justin Trudeau acknowledging his real father, and swooping in to become the Savior of Cuba?

Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon at February 18, 2026 05:42 PM (8zz6B)

25 Off the side post halfway up and caromed into the net - only way that Swedish goalie was gonna miss one...

Posted by: Nova Local at February 18, 2026 05:42 PM (tOcjL)

26 So you're telling me the 700+ tons of "food" Mexico sent isn't staving off the inevitable?
Posted by: People's Hippo Voice

It just went right through them.

Posted by: oh shiiii at February 18, 2026 05:42 PM (gKWVE)

27 I hope the Coast Guard is ready to interdict the thousands of rafts full of refugees.

Posted by: Frasier Crane at February 18, 2026 05:43 PM (bNf8H)

28 Prior to 1959, Cuba was the the USA's main ally and outpost in the Caribbean.

If we get back to that status quo, it's game over for New World communism.

Make it happen. If Trump gets this done, it might overshadow all his other great accomplishments. American anti-Communism will finally reach its fulfillment (outside out own borders, at least).

Posted by: zombie at February 18, 2026 05:43 PM (se8lQ)

29 I was stationed at GITMO for three years and for every month of those three years there was nothing but talk about how this time the cuban government was going to fall and cuba would be open to America.

I will believe it when I see it.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 05:32 PM (0N4FZ)
---
It's all about who is in charge.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 18, 2026 05:43 PM (ZOv7s)

30 This makes me want to be at Sanguiche (the one on Calle Ocho) with a Cubano and a cafecito. After that, stroll down to El Titan de Bronze to pick up a stick.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 05:43 PM (U/Byj)

31 It would be like another Berlin wall falling. And then completely forgotten, as these things go.

It's amazing how short a time span between miserable people crawling out from the fallen rubble of another failed commie society to, "Hey ya know what would be a great idea now? Communism!". Basically a few decades, maybe less now.

Posted by: banana Dream at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (3uBP9)

32 I suddenly have a hankerin' for a good Cuban sammich!

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (2WIwB)

33 There's no reason why Kennedy should not have mounted an open and official invasion in 1961. The Soviets had done the same five years earlier to Hungary. It's even more insane that we let this problem exist in our backyard for 65 more years without at least trying something new, which Trump and Rubio are now doing.

Posted by: the lower depths at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (x4Dic)

34 A lot of Cubans in South Florida, and elsewhere, who could pour in money and know-how to get the island going again.

Send them in to partner with their people and Cuba could have some good days ahead.

It’d be nice to longer have that thorn in our side.

Posted by: SpeakingOf at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (6ydKt)

35 There is nowhere lower for Cuba to fall.

The only option is to appeal to China for help...and my guess is they want no part of Cuba. Cuba is not an asset; it is a cost.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (vOtXJ)

36 Will South Florida go home?

Posted by: nckate at February 18, 2026 05:39 PM

I hope not, they are pretty much all that is keeping south Florida red.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 05:45 PM (0N4FZ)

37 Truman, Eisenhower, Nixon and Kennedy are smiling down from President Valhalla.

Obama, Carter and Biden are shitting their pants.

Posted by: zombie at February 18, 2026 05:45 PM (se8lQ)

38 Imagine Cuba being a U.S. state. Even wealthier

In all seriousness, Puerto Rico although Puerto Ricans do okay is not wealthy. Puerto Ricans with potential run off to New York and other prosperous US cities. PR as a territory is a dump.
Cuban elites in Cuba even if they are (secretly) not ideological commies can see that open relations will result in the good Cubans fleeing to the US.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 18, 2026 05:45 PM (gKWVE)

39 I hope this is correct. I really do. But I’ve heard all this before.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at February 18, 2026 05:45 PM (s32T4)

40 The only option is to appeal to China for help...and my guess is they want no part of Cuba. Cuba is not an asset; it is a cost.
Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (vOtXJ)
---
China is falling apart. They can't even save themselves.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 18, 2026 05:46 PM (ZOv7s)

41 Odds on Justin Trudeau acknowledging his real father, and swooping in to become the Savior of Cuba?
Posted by: Alberta Oil Peon

Katy Perry could stand on a balcony in Havana signing to all the little people.

Posted by: Cheri at February 18, 2026 05:47 PM (oiNtH)

42 >And here’s the real kicker: most of the accusers were teenage girls. Yes, girls.

"The only way she could have made him choose her over ME is witchcraft! Witchcraft, I say!"
Posted by: garrett at February 18, 2026 05:35 PM (1Udfd)
——

Yea. I’ve little doubt a lot of the SWT was nothing more than teenage girls working out teenage girl social-climbing and backstabbing.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (s32T4)

43 Danny Glover is getting too old for this shit.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (gVUi7)

44 As mentioned above, I'll believe it when I see it. I've been hearing this for decades.

Posted by: Puddleglum, cheer up for the worst is yet to come at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (sAmhv)

45 Diogenes, see my #30.

And many places to burn one in Little Havana.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (U/Byj)

46 I hope the Coast Guard is ready to interdict the thousands of rafts full of refugees.
Posted by: Frasier Crane at February 18, 2026 05:43 PM (bNf8H)

Not a problem.
Most refugees fleeing NY can just take I-95 south and get to Florida in less than 24 hours.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (2WIwB)

47 Katy Perry could stand on a balcony in Havana signing to all the little people.
___

They have a cute nickname for me, Puta! They love me!

Posted by: Katy Puta Perry at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (Dv3i1)

48 40 China is falling apart. They can't even save themselves.
---------------------
We live in a really unstable time, geopolitically speaking. I don't mean in the retarded way neolibs mean when they claim that "climate change" cause instability. I mean that there are many countries (probably well over a dozen) who could collapse at any moment, but predicting which is hard. I was totally surprised at Assad suddenly losing control over Syria in Dec. 2024 after holding on to it for so long, but these collapses only look obvious in retrospect.

Posted by: the lower depths at February 18, 2026 05:49 PM (x4Dic)

49 "Raulito you big dummy"

Posted by: 496 at February 18, 2026 05:49 PM (r/nnx)

50 And how lucky are we getting? To have a Cuban descendent Marco Rubio, who is really effective, and fluent in Spanish, at the exact moment Cuba is collapsing?

Then again, Trump seems to make his own luck.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:49 PM (vOtXJ)

51 Diogenes, see my #30.

And many places to burn one in Little Havana.
Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (U/Byj)

Ha!
Great minds!!!

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 05:49 PM (2WIwB)

52 Cuban elites in Cuba even if they are (secretly) not ideological commies can see that open relations will result in the good Cubans fleeing to the US.
Posted by: gKWVE at February 18, 2026 05:45 PM (gKWVE)
---
The difference is that Puerto Ricans were not driven out with nothing, and therefore do not have the same attachment to their lost homes and lands. I think there will be a huge movement to go back by the grizzled survivors and their descendants, many of whom are loaded and would love to buy back what they lost.

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 18, 2026 05:49 PM (ZOv7s)

53 Yo, shits goin down cuba needs reppin w some serius freedom peeps before its all lost

Posted by: Dr Tyrone Shoelaces, PhD Harvard at February 18, 2026 05:50 PM (hyQrc)

54 Marco Rubio gonna hafta be the next El Comandante of Cuba

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 18, 2026 05:50 PM (0SFYi)

55 They must demand that Cuba stop training our radicals, such as Karen Bass and some of the current protest leaders. Cuba had been messing with our politics for a while.

Posted by: Lizzy at February 18, 2026 05:50 PM (zbzCN)

56 Obama weigh in on this yet?

Posted by: Lizzy at February 18, 2026 05:51 PM (zbzCN)

57 We could book vacations where you fly to Greenland, jump in the ice for a bit, then jet down to Cuba and jump in the Caribean sea in Cuba. All in the same day. Planting little US flags here and there along the way. Which isn't meant to be a euphamism for sex. No.

Posted by: banana Dream at February 18, 2026 05:51 PM (3uBP9)

58 @MOSSADil
·
14m
Senior US official to Reuters: All US forces massing in the Middle East are expected to be fully in position by mid-March.

Posted by: Don Black: Heads up- I might be joking at February 18, 2026 05:52 PM (ZxPkt)

59 Obama weigh in on this yet?
Posted by: Lizzy at February 18, 2026 05:51 PM (zbzCN)

About 160 lbs.

Posted by: dantesed at February 18, 2026 05:52 PM (Oy/m2)

60 If you've never seen it, the best commie movie ever made is I Am Cuba, a propaganda mockumentary from 1964 about what life was like there before, and then after, the revolution. Incredible cinematography. If you can laugh at the heavy-handed agit-prop, and just admire the filmmaking skill and the great scenes of early '60s Cuba, definitely worth a watch.

Posted by: zombie at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (se8lQ)

61 We could book vacations where you fly to Greenland, jump in the ice for a bit, then jet down to Cuba and jump in the Caribean sea in Cuba. All in the same day. Planting little US flags here and there along the way. Which isn't meant to be a euphamism for sex. No.
Posted by: banana Dream at February 18, 2026 05:51 PM (3uBP9)
---
The Paolo, he plant many flags, but always the big one.

Posted by: The Paolo at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (ZOv7s)

62 The Cuban cigar industry is kaput. Many cigar enthusiasts have bemoaned the quality that has really disappeared. I would presume it can be resurrected, but I doubt it's a top administration concern.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (jtM2q)

63 We live in a really unstable time, geopolitically speaking. I don't mean in the retarded way neolibs mean when they claim that "climate change" cause instability. I mean that there are many countries (probably well over a dozen) who could collapse at any moment, but predicting which is hard. I was totally surprised at Assad suddenly losing control over Syria in Dec. 2024 after holding on to it for so long, but these collapses only look obvious in retrospect. Posted by: the lower depths at February 18, 2026 05:49 PM (x4Dic)

The famous saying is that "there is a lot of ruin in a nation." Cuba is exploring the limits of that saying.

People go bankrupt slowly, then all at once.

Another way to see it, many of these countries are in mutual support networks. Venezuela was kept going by China and Russia, and they kept Cuba going. Venezuela also helped keep China and Russia relevant. Venezuela was the missing middle.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (vOtXJ)

64 I'd be more happy if a spec-ops team just went in an machine-gunned all the commie shitbags, put their heads on spikes, and invited the Cuban people to take their revenge on any "revolutionaries" who remained alive. But I'm not nice like Trump...

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 18, 2026 05:54 PM (XMwZJ)

65 Marco Rubio gonna hafta be the next El Comandante of Cuba
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 18, 2026 05:50 PM (0SFYi)

So, title #20 for him - on one salary?

Posted by: Hour of the Wolf at February 18, 2026 05:54 PM (S/Y4j)

66 >Katy Perry could stand on a balcony singing…

Have you seen “The Interview “ where Kim Jong Un sings Firework?
Lol

Posted by: Lizzy at February 18, 2026 05:54 PM (zbzCN)

67 How do you say 'banana daquiri' in Cuban?

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 18, 2026 05:54 PM (nDXEV)

68 It's like when my friend who worked for some govt agency was taking communist Vietnamese business people around the US. They all said to him privately, "psst, we're not commies. When the old ones die, it's over."

Posted by: Random PJ at February 18, 2026 05:54 PM (+jscL)

69
The workmen who tear down that stupid steel mural of Che on the side of the Ministry of Interior building in Havana will be doing God's work.

And if I never see another trashy Che T-Shirt...

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 18, 2026 05:55 PM (kTyBw)

70 50 And how lucky are we getting? To have a Cuban descendent Marco Rubio, who is really effective, and fluent in Spanish, at the exact moment Cuba is collapsing?

Then again, Trump seems to make his own luck.
Posted by: The Whine Guy

We blame Jews and Winston Churchill.

Posted by: Candace Tucker at February 18, 2026 05:55 PM (sAmhv)

71 Drop the bombs between the minarets

Posted by: Skip at February 18, 2026 05:55 PM (Ia/+0)

72 America's taking out Maduro is having salutary effects all over the globe. It created problems for both China and Russia and leads to the collapse of Cuba.

Iran will be the same way - take them out, the Houthis collapse. China and Russia are also hosed.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (vOtXJ)

73 Another way to see it, many of these countries are in mutual support networks. Venezuela was kept going by China and Russia, and they kept Cuba going. Venezuela also helped keep China and Russia relevant. Venezuela was the missing middle.
Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (vOtXJ)
---
Find the weak point and go after that rather than taking on the strong point. The same goes for China, targeting imports and tech, rolling up the country from the inside out.

The videos showing how Shanghai and other cities are basically dead now after the Western businesses closed up shop and left tells you how much of our decline was self-inflicted. Now they're the ones with the plant closing down and everyone wondering what else they can do.

Posted by: The Paolo at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (ZOv7s)

74 Diogenes, see my #30.

And many places to burn one in Little Havana.
Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (U/Byj)

rhomboid,
I picked up a San Cristobal Elegancia this afternoon. Looking forward to setting it to the lighter.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (2WIwB)

75 71 Drop the bombs between the minarets
Posted by: Skip at February 18, 2026 05:55 PM (Ia/+0)

Lock the cash box

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (nDXEV)

76 71 Drop the bombs between the minarets

Posted by: Skip at February 18, 2026 05:55 PM (Ia/+0
-------
Sharif won't like it

Posted by: 496 at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (6bj4g)

77 Hmmm. At this point you still have 3 or four countries that have been under the commie heel since the 50s/60s.

Cuba
China
Norko

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 05:57 PM (zZu0s)

78 If would be funny if Castreau flees Canada to assume the throne in Cuba, and then Cuba becomes the 52nd state.

Posted by: t-bird at February 18, 2026 05:57 PM (/oKzA)

79 How's Canada's dissolution going? Has Alberta left yet?

Posted by: Ace-Endorsed Author A.H. Lloyd at February 18, 2026 05:58 PM (ZOv7s)

80 What Cuba needs is Moar. Michael Moar.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 18, 2026 05:58 PM (Cqx++)

81 They all said to him privately, "psst, we're not commies. When the old ones die, it's over."
Posted by: Random PJ

This was probably true the day after Ho died.
Vietnam keeps the gold star around as a point of pride that, under it, they beat the US. There's no ideological attachment to communism over there. They even fought a war against Maoist China (and beat them too).
I've noted here before that Cuba is very different. They have real anti-American, pro-Socialist fanatics there. Or at least had. Now that a bunch of their best got smoked in Caracas they might have less.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 18, 2026 05:58 PM (gKWVE)

82 And how lucky are we getting? To have a Cuban descendent Marco Rubio, who is really effective, and fluent in Spanish, at the exact moment Cuba is collapsing?

Then again, Trump seems to make his own luck.
Posted by: The Whine Guy

This was why Rubio was brought on, this sort of negotiation and this sort of deal. Imagine Rex Tillerson trying to pull this one off

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 05:58 PM (rbvCR)

83 62 The Cuban cigar industry is kaput.
Posted by: Martini Farmer

The cigar-factory scene in I Am Cuba is considered the greatest "tracking shot" in cinema history.

Little did the fillmmakers know, that they ended up documenting how not-bad things were before the revolution. COmpared to now, kooks pretty sweet, though it was intended to make it look unfair.

Posted by: zombie at February 18, 2026 05:58 PM (se8lQ)

84 The videos showing how Shanghai and other cities are basically dead now after the Western businesses closed up shop and left tells you how much of our decline was self-inflicted. Now they're the ones with the plant closing down and everyone wondering what else they can do.
Posted by: The Paolo at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (ZOv7s)

Thats a fine point, Paolo. Without NEP, the first soviet five year plan never gets off the group.

Communism is a parasite. It requires healthy tissue. It is toxic to that tissue but needs unaffected body to live.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 05:59 PM (zZu0s)

85 Called "Raulito," the younger Castro is known in political circles by his nickname "El Cangrejo" ("The Crab") because he has a deformed finger.

Rubio's negotiating with the Crab People?!
Posted by: pookysgirl with the South Park references

It it’s a deformed little finger, that’s a different sort of alien!

Posted by: NemoMeImpuneLacessit at February 18, 2026 05:59 PM (2gJlZ)

86 What's the saying, the harder I work the luckier I get?

Rubio has been working very hard.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 05:59 PM (vOtXJ)

87 18 One day before I die, I would love to vacation in a vibrant and rich Havana versus Hawaii. I love Cuban food, music, art, etc. and would love to see a free and thriving Cuba spring to life.
Posted by: Cheri at February 18, 2026

I would love to see a not repressed Havana, too. It’s still pretty cool, with some people / areas being more equal than others in communism, of course. It’s where the tourists go, so they try to give it a decent veneer. The antique cars would kind of be missed, but I would love for Cubans to have freedom more than cars we think are cool, and they keep running with twist ties and gum.

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:00 PM (Wmg4n)

88 We need to move the UN to Cuba and allow the hurricanes to cleanse the filth every couple of years.

Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 18, 2026 06:00 PM (gVUi7)

89 El Marco Grande seems to be everywhere doing everything all the time.

Impressed, I am.

Posted by: Delurker at February 18, 2026 06:00 PM (gtcuf)

90 74 Diogenes, see my #30.

And many places to burn one in Little Havana.
Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 05:48 PM (U/Byj)

rhomboid,
I picked up a San Cristobal Elegancia this afternoon. Looking forward to setting it to the lighter.
Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (2WIwB)
——

Excellent stick. Could use a little more power for the money, but it’s quality. And I’m not usually a Pepin fan.

Posted by: Elric the Blade at February 18, 2026 06:01 PM (s32T4)

91 I suspect the cartels would try to move in on a 'free' Cuba. Make it a narco state like Mexico.

Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 06:01 PM (zZu0s)

92 One of the global tells is that the countries that were paying for Cuban doctors are deciding they didn't want Cuban doctors anymore and are cancelling their contracts. Guyana has most recently asked them to leave

This is one of the remaining incomes that Cuba has left. Now if they lose Canadian vacationers, they are truly broke.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:01 PM (rbvCR)

93 If Rubio and Trump get this done I hope the announcement comes with a video snippet of Obama saluting the Commie Flags over Cuba and a mock apology.

Posted by: garrett at February 18, 2026 06:01 PM (1Udfd)

94 Find the weak point and go after that rather than taking on the strong point. The same goes for China, targeting imports and tech, rolling up the country from the inside out.
Posted by: The Paolo at February 18, 2026 05:56 PM (ZOv7s)

Exactly. And exactly how Trump thinks. He spots a weak point, one he can attack without anyone noticing, and unravels the whole thing.

Posted by: The Whine Guy at February 18, 2026 06:03 PM (vOtXJ)

95 67/Daiquirí de plátano

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:03 PM (Wmg4n)

96 Get Cuba to collapse this year and PDJT has two years to plan a resort complex for when he leaves office.

Posted by: clarence at February 18, 2026 06:04 PM (RU/0c)

97
And if I never see another trashy Che T-Shirt...
Posted by: IllTemperedCur

Get the Mark Steyn version.

www.steynstore.com/product41.html

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 18, 2026 06:05 PM (Cqx++)

98 > America's taking out Maduro is having salutary effects all over the globe. It created problems for both China and Russia and leads to the collapse of Cuba.
------------
You'd almost have to wonder why Trump went after Maduro first.

Almost.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 06:05 PM (jtM2q)

99 There's no reason why Kennedy should not have mounted an open and official invasion in 1961. The Soviets had done the same five years earlier to Hungary. It's even more insane that we let this problem exist in our backyard for 65 more years without at least trying something new, which Trump and Rubio are now doing.
Posted by: the lower depths at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (x4Dic)

The Soviets had already emplaced missiles on Cuba and were ready to launch. So the only play was brinksmanship.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:06 PM (rbvCR)

100 >>Get Cuba to collapse this year and PDJT has two years to plan a resort complex for when he leaves office.
__
Welcome to the yuge and luxurious Playa de Trump Resort and Golf Club.

Posted by: Frasier Crane at February 18, 2026 06:06 PM (bNf8H)

101 We need to move the UN to Cuba and allow the hurricanes to cleanse the filth every couple of years.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 18, 2026 06:00 PM (gVUi7)

That's worse than reinstalling Communism.

The UN should be in Geneva. Or Kerguelen Islands.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:07 PM (8avO+)

102 Excellent stick. Could use a little more power for the money, but it’s quality. And I’m not usually a Pepin fan.
Posted by: Elric the Blade at February 18, 2026 06:01 PM (s32T4)

I look forward to it and would be enjoying it now but it keeps changing from rain to sleet to snow outside.
So I sit and anticipate.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 06:07 PM (2WIwB)

103 Welcome to the yuge and luxurious Playa de Trump Resort and Golf Club.
Posted by: Frasier Crane at February 18, 2026 06:06 PM (bNf8H)

We'll all be havana good time.

Posted by: Dr. Varno at February 18, 2026 06:07 PM (nDXEV)

104 >>There's no reason why Kennedy should not have mounted an open and official invasion in 1961.

Other than killing Soviets in direct action...no reason at all.

Posted by: garrett at February 18, 2026 06:07 PM (1Udfd)

105 Diogenes, yet another one I have yet to try, but it's on the list. And I am a big Pepin fan. Just tried one his newest sensations, the Blue (from Honduras, not his blue-banded classic). Nice, but will burn another before considering sending Weasel something.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 06:07 PM (U/Byj)

106 Find the weak point and go after that rather than taking on the strong point.
____

This will really devastate Canadian tourism for underage hookers. Canada will fall soon.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 06:08 PM (Dv3i1)

107 >>Diogenes, yet another one I have yet to try, but it's on the list. And I am a big Pepin fan. Just tried one his newest sensations, the Blue (from Honduras, not his blue-banded classic). Nice, but will burn another before considering sending Weasel something.

Ramos Brothers / Andres Ramos Cigars in Newark, NJ.

No idea if they are still in business, but they made a fine cigar.

Posted by: garrett at February 18, 2026 06:08 PM (1Udfd)

108 THEY CALL ME CUBAN PETE
I'M THE KING OF THE RUMBA BEAT

Posted by: gKWVE nice mask at February 18, 2026 06:09 PM (gKWVE)

109 There's no reason why Kennedy should not have mounted an open and official invasion in 1961. The Soviets had done the same five years earlier to Hungary. It's even more insane that we let this problem exist in our backyard for 65 more years without at least trying something new, which Trump and Rubio are now doing.
Posted by: the lower depths at February 18, 2026 05:44 PM (x4Dic)

The Soviets had already emplaced missiles on Cuba and were ready to launch. So the only play was brinksmanship.
Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:06 PM (rbvCR)

Bay of Pigs was an invasion in April 61. Missile Crisis was October 62.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:09 PM (8avO+)

110 Marco Rubio gonna hafta be the next El Comandante of Cuba
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 18, 2026 05:50 PM (0SFYi)

Gobernador-General

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:09 PM (rbvCR)

111 zombie, saw "I am Cuba" when it was first widely released in the west. I've brought it up for TJM, who I think then saw it. It was fun, Spanish with Russian subtitles.

I thought that famous tracking shot was at the pool, not a cigar factory. But my memory may be at fault here.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 06:09 PM (U/Byj)

112 Tell the Cubans that an MLB team will relocate to Havana in a new retractable dome stadium. The commies will be gone within a month

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 18, 2026 06:10 PM (Kc+Vz)

113 Kerguelen Islands?
Nah...too nice, not remote enough. Might I suggest one of the orbital Lagrange points, L4 or L5?

Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 18, 2026 06:11 PM (XMwZJ)

114 You are all alone Mr. Scott.
Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 05:34 PM

Great Scott!!!

Posted by: Doc Brown at February 18, 2026 06:11 PM (Wnv9h)

115 I miss Babalublog, he was pretty good at talking about the street in Cuba. Dunno why he stopped publishing online.

Now, I have to get my Cuba news from Panam Post.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:11 PM (rbvCR)

116 > America's taking out Maduro is having salutary effects all over the globe. It created problems for both China and Russia and leads to the collapse of Cuba.
------------
You'd almost have to wonder why Trump went after Maduro first.

Almost.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 06:05 PM (jtM2q)

He had the most direct tie to overt actions against the US - the drug smuggling. Once the border was sealed, the chain of craft going to the coast was easy pickings to the US Navy.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:11 PM (8avO+)

117 Nice turn of phrase. (The subject is the latest Colbert hoax but he might have been referring to any of dozens of other topics.)

FCC Chair @BrendanCarrFCC just absolutely scorched legacy media in wake of Talarico/Colbert stunt:

“Yesterday is why the American people have more trust in gas station sushi than they do in the national news media.”

Posted by: Anonosaurus Wrecks, Damn It Feels Good to Be a Trumpster! at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (FXNzP)

118 If the cuban government collapses then the base at GITMO will have to be tremendously expanded just for humanitarian purposes. There are two airports there and multiple piers where cargo ships can dock.

The only issues I see are the minefields that have no maps and the water gates between the base and guantanamera. It's a tight fit to get ships into cuba proper from the bay in gitmo. I would not trust any port facilities on cuba proper.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (0N4FZ)

119
Hey peeps, quick, is Cuba south of the Equator? Some reporter's coming at me with a mic.

Posted by: AOC texting to staff at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (JifIm)

120 Kerguelen Islands?
Nah...too nice, not remote enough. Might I suggest one of the orbital Lagrange points, L4 or L5?
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 18, 2026 06:11 PM (XMwZJ)

Those are useful for parking satellites or colony platforms.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (8avO+)

121 The UN should be in Geneva. Or Kerguelen Islands.
____

We have plenty of room. And polar bears for when you get out of line.

Posted by: Svalbard at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (Dv3i1)

122 The Cuban cigar industry is kaput. Many cigar enthusiasts have bemoaned the quality that has really disappeared. I would presume it can be resurrected, but I doubt it's a top administration concern.
Posted by: Martini Farmer at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (jtM2q)

They can get the seed and growers back from Nicaragua, I think that is where Thompson's gets their "cubans" now, and since they went all in on developing Dominican Republic, I bet they would love to restart in Cuba

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:13 PM (rbvCR)

123
If you've never seen it, the best commie movie ever made is I Am Cuba, a propaganda mockumentary from 1964 about what life was like there before, and then after, the revolution.
Posted by: zombie at February 18, 2026 05:53 PM (se8lQ)

Nah. My favorite commie movie is Z by Costa-Gavras. 90% amateurish, heavy handed commie garbage, but the epilogue is sublime. All the Greek commie heros "commit suicide", have "heart attacks" or "strokes" or are in "tragic auto accidents" or "fall out of 7th story windows while attempting to escape questioning".

Posted by: IllTemperedCur at February 18, 2026 06:13 PM (kTyBw)

124 If the cuban government collapses then the base at GITMO will have to be tremendously expanded just for humanitarian purposes. There are two airports there and multiple piers where cargo ships can dock.

The only issues I see are the minefields that have no maps and the water gates between the base and guantanamera. It's a tight fit to get ships into cuba proper from the bay in gitmo. I would not trust any port facilities on cuba proper.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (0N4FZ)

Cuba does have other ports - Santiago, Havana that are closer to the action.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:13 PM (8avO+)

125 115 I miss Babalublog, he was pretty good at talking about the street in Cuba. Dunno why he stopped publishing online.

Now, I have to get my Cuba news from Panam Post.
Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026

He is on x.

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:14 PM (Wmg4n)

126 Marco Rubio gonna hafta be the next El Comandante of Cuba
Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 18, 2026 05:50 PM

Does he get hug epaulets? Because he totally needs huge epaulets.

Posted by: Doc Brown at February 18, 2026 06:14 PM (Wnv9h)

127 Bay of Pigs was an invasion in April 61.

there are only 29 days in April DUMBASS

Posted by: AOC at February 18, 2026 06:14 PM (gKWVE)

128 If the cuban government collapses then the base at GITMO will have to be tremendously expanded just for humanitarian purposes. There are two airports there and multiple piers where cargo ships can dock.

The only issues I see are the minefields that have no maps and the water gates between the base and guantanamera. It's a tight fit to get ships into cuba proper from the bay in gitmo. I would not trust any port facilities on cuba proper.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM (0N4FZ)

Mortars make dandy mine clearers.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:14 PM (8avO+)

129 Sock fail, and typo.

Crap. Cocktail time.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 18, 2026 06:15 PM (Wnv9h)

130 125. I take that back, his work is there but you are correct, no updates in 2 years.

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:15 PM (Wmg4n)

131 Los Cubanos will kick Putin's ass! - AOC, not even day drinking

Posted by: Smell the Glove at February 18, 2026 06:17 PM (Kc+Vz)

132 62 The Cuban cigar industry is kaput. Many cigar enthusiasts have bemoaned the quality that has really disappeared. I would presume it can be resurrected, but I doubt it's a top administration concern.
Posted by: Martini Farmer

You can't grow tobacco, sugar cane, or any of the ag products Cuba could grow without fertilizers, pesticides, fungicides, diesel for tractors and equipment. The climate hasn't changed, $$$ could bring it back toot sweet.

Posted by: Max Armstrong Groupie at February 18, 2026 06:17 PM (oftw2)

133 The UN should be in Geneva. Or Kerguelen Islands.
____

We have plenty of room. And polar bears for when you get out of line.
Posted by: Svalbard at February 18, 2026 06:12 PM

Get in line, pal.

Posted by: Novaya Zemlya at February 18, 2026 06:18 PM (Wnv9h)

134 Good grief.

In a surprise to no one,
@TuckerCarlson
is not only an unhinged antisemite, but also a liar.

This is statement from Israel Airport Authority (
@DoverIaa
):

"Contrary to the reports, Tucker Carlson and his entourage were not detained, delayed, or interrogated.

Mr. Carlson and his party were politely asked a few routine questions, in accordance with standard procedures applied to many travelers.

The conversation took place in a separate room within the VIP lounge solely to protect their privacy and to avoid conducting such a discussion in public.

No unusual incident occurred, and the Israel Airports Authority firmly rejects any other claims.

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:18 PM (Wmg4n)

135 I'd be more happy if a spec-ops team just went in an machine-gunned all the commie shitbags, put their heads on spikes, and invited the Cuban people to take their revenge on any "revolutionaries" who remained alive. But I'm not nice like Trump...
Posted by: Angzarr the Cromulent at February 18, 2026 05:54 PM (XMwZJ)

No, that is more like Bush. I expect if Rubio is successful it will be more like Venezuela. Which has no exposure in the American news since early January, but is being covered by South American papers, and they are quite bemused.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:18 PM (rbvCR)

136 ell the Cubans that an MLB team will relocate to Havana in a new retractable dome stadium. The commies will be gone within a month
Posted by: Smell the Glove

They can have the rays or the marlins. Their choice.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 18, 2026 06:18 PM (MGB5H)

137 I suspect the cartels would try to move in on a 'free' Cuba. Make it a narco state like Mexico.
Posted by: Aetius451AD work phone at February 18, 2026 06:01 PM (zZu0s)

That's why you keep a government active so there isn't room for that stuff. Ramp up agriculture, tobacco farming, get an economy going again.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:18 PM (8avO+)

138 >>Diogenes, yet another one I have yet to try, but it's on the list. And I am a big Pepin fan. Just tried one his newest sensations, the Blue (from Honduras, not his blue-banded classic). Nice, but will burn another before considering sending Weasel something.

Ramos Brothers / Andres Ramos Cigars in Newark, NJ.

No idea if they are still in business, but they made a fine cigar.
Posted by: garrett at February 18, 2026 06:08 PM (1Udfd)
***

Had to look up the Blue. Looks like a good choice and I've added it to my list.
Looks like Andre Ramos is now the Ramos Cigar Corp.

I owe weasel another writeup as well, plus something to CBD on Greenland. But I've been laid up for the last couple weeks with a bad back. Could barely sit up until today.
Ugh.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 06:19 PM (2WIwB)

139 Cuba does have other ports - Santiago, Havana that are closer to the action.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:13 PM

And those ports have not have any serious upkeep or maintenance since the 60-70s since the russians were in charge. No way should they be trusted.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 06:20 PM (0N4FZ)

140 My son, who's been to 29 countries, said Cuba was to most repressed, desolate and depressing country he'd visited.

And he's been to Syria.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at February 18, 2026 06:20 PM (wBaIH)

141 "Contrary to the reports, Tucker Carlson and his entourage were not detained, delayed, or interrogated.

Mr. Carlson and his party were politely asked a few routine questions, in accordance with standard procedures applied to many travelers.

The conversation took place in a separate room within the VIP lounge solely to protect their privacy and to avoid conducting such a discussion in public.

No unusual incident occurred, and the Israel Airports Authority firmly rejects any other claims.
Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:18 PM (Wmg4n)

Yeah they talk to everybody, I was there once.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:20 PM (8avO+)

142 No doubt the expat "New World" cigar families would push big into Cuba, mostly for leaf from the premier areas. And to rescue such areas from reputed mismanagement under the commies. But I don't think they'd reduce their presence or operations in Nicaragua, Honduras, or the DR.

And an amusing situation would be how to resolve the trademark issue between New World brands using legacy Cuban names and trademarks, and their Cuban state "counterparts". Probably would be moot, as state assets would be auctioned off, with the obvious play for Montecristo to buy the commie Montecristo, and so on.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 06:21 PM (U/Byj)

143 My son, who's been to 29 countries, said Cuba was to most repressed, desolate and depressing country he'd visited.

And he's been to Syria.
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at February 18, 2026 06:20 PM

Has he been to Haiti?

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 18, 2026 06:22 PM (Wnv9h)

144 But the U.S. decision to keep Maduro's governing partners in power --notably his Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, who's now acting president -- signaled to Cuban insiders that Trump and Rubio are willing to make deals with rivals.

Embrace central banking and we will allow you to pretend to be in charge.

Posted by: Diss Topian at February 18, 2026 06:22 PM (1yBSj)

145 Has he been to Haiti?
Posted by: RedMindBlueState

At least there is bbq in Haiti.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 18, 2026 06:22 PM (MGB5H)

146 Cuba does have other ports - Santiago, Havana that are closer to the action.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:13 PM

And those ports have not have any serious upkeep or maintenance since the 60-70s since the russians were in charge. No way should they be trusted.
Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at February 18, 2026 06:20 PM (0N4FZ)

Trusted for what? They managed to get the oil and other supplies off ship before our blockade well enough. We can have the Navy or Engineers run up something more permanent quickly enough.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:22 PM (8avO+)

147 Diogenes you remind me I need to get at that little item on biathlon rifles I was going to send to Weasel for the gub thread.

Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 06:24 PM (U/Byj)

148 He is on x.
Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:14 PM (Wmg4n)

I'm not, but cool! I was worried he'd fallen out of a window or something.

Posted by: Kindltot at February 18, 2026 06:24 PM (rbvCR)

149 I went to many games at Che Stadium. Even saw the Yankees play there.

Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:25 PM (ZiyAF)

150 If offered BBQ in Port-au-Prince, may I suggest the kosher option.

Posted by: gKWVE at February 18, 2026 06:25 PM (gKWVE)

151 At least there is bbq in Haiti.
Posted by: BruceWayne at February 18, 2026 06:22 PM

It seems to have changed in the 30 years since I was there. Maybe it's the sauce....

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 18, 2026 06:25 PM (Wnv9h)

152 Diogenes you remind me I need to get at that little item on biathlon rifles I was going to send to Weasel for the gub thread.
Posted by: rhomboid at February 18, 2026 06:24 PM (U/Byj)

It's almost like homework, huh?

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 06:26 PM (2WIwB)

153 With the potential collapse of Communism in Cuba President Obama said today it is a sad day for the Latin X Community with the demise of the great success of the peaceful and mostly Non-Corrupt Castro Regime in Cuba.

He further stated that Cuba has been the beacon of hope for the Mandani Government in New York City

Posted by: CNN Breaking News at February 18, 2026 06:26 PM (EPApu)

154 101 We need to move the UN to Cuba and allow the hurricanes to cleanse the filth every couple of years.
Posted by: Rev. Wishbone at February 18, 2026 06:00 PM (gVUi7)

That's worse than reinstalling Communism.

The UN should be in Geneva. Or Kerguelen Islands.
Posted by: Oldcat

Somalia.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 06:26 PM (W2Pud)

155 18 One day before I die, I would love to vacation in a vibrant and rich Havana versus Hawaii. I love Cuban food, music, art, etc. and would love to see a free and thriving Cuba spring to life.
Posted by: Cheri at February 18, 2026 05:40 PM (oiNtH)

This. Our grandparents went to Havana to party. Not our parents. Imagine all the Cubanos in Miami getting to go back and see their own people thriving? Would be a modern miracle if Trump can pull this off.

Posted by: tcn in AK at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (I40wl)

156 143 No, does anyone but Conan O'Brien go there by choice?

Anyhow, my father loved Cuba back in the 1950s, but he knew that they had a dark reckoning coming

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (wBaIH)

157 Yea Baby....... Cuban Cigars by 4th of July !!!!!!

Posted by: Jackson K. at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (J9q9v)

158 I don't want even ONE American Tax dollar to go to fix Cuba... not a F'n one.

Let industry in... let them build Hotels... but we don't need another welfare State.

Posted by: Romeo13 at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (mP0Kj)

159 SOUTHCOM has several CONPLANS (contingency plans) dealing with the collapse of Cuba.

Posted by: Butch at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (98xTj)

160 Somalia.
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 06:26 PM (W2Pud)

Girl, yer mean.

Posted by: tcn in AK at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (I40wl)

161 Unbelievable how much change Trump has brought to the world in one frigging year.

Posted by: JackStraw at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (viF8m)

162 There's some real interesting dynamics at play relative to Cuba. The Liberal MP's in Canada are trying to get Carney to send fuel reserves to Cuba (which is diametrically opposed to the US strategy).

At the same time, I can assure you that the US has certain alphabet agency assets in Cuba, and don't be surprised is their main export (Sugar Cane) has a dismal year relative to wireworm and borer stem infestation. I wouldn't be surprised to see a little power plant sabotage by some "unknown" parties as well.

The Cuban infrastructure is absolute shit on it's own, but don't think that isn't a helping hand taking place. And, Canada (and the EU for that matter) has warned the US about unchecked "imperialism/expansion".

Trump just ignored them.

Posted by: Orson at February 18, 2026 06:28 PM (dIske)

163 Somalia.
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 06:26 PM

The Somalis *are* asshoe, but do they really deserve that?

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 18, 2026 06:28 PM (Wnv9h)

164 Hospitals are limiting surgeries.

Pretty sure the leftists in my social circles blame this on the US and OrangeMan and not on the natural consequences of socialism. Because "free" healthcare is a human right and it will work because the idea sounds nice.

Posted by: Emmie -- be strong and courageous! at February 18, 2026 06:28 PM (NIkq3)

165 At least there is bbq in Haiti.
_____

Trump: Haiti is a sh*thole
Leftists: Haiti is a paradise!
Trump: We're not going to renew the 'temporary' refugee status for Haitians, earthquake was 15 years ago, time to go home
Leftists (and Mike DeWine): OMG, you can't send them back, Haiti is, well, you can't!

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 06:28 PM (Dv3i1)

166 Donny Trump is a Clown and not a leader to be reckon with.....

Have no fear because Kami is our future.....

Posted by: Barry O at February 18, 2026 06:29 PM (xl8DV)

167 After the war, my 'ol man was stationed at the sub base in Key West. He loved Havana back then.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 06:29 PM (2WIwB)

168 158 I don't want even ONE American Tax dollar to go to fix Cuba... not a F'n one.

Let industry in... let them build Hotels... but we don't need another welfare State.
Posted by: Romeo13 at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (mP0Kj)

I can't imagine our dollars would be necessary. That island is rich with sugar cane and tourist dollars, if it were developed. It used to be a paradise and there's no reason except the Castros that it isn't now.

Posted by: tcn in AK at February 18, 2026 06:29 PM (I40wl)

169 There will be no air cover.

Posted by: Oglebay at February 18, 2026 06:29 PM (2ap+5)

170 I was molested at Israeli airport ! Right at the VIP lounge! It was horrifying !! As soon as I get home I will give an interview to my anorexic friend Megyn Kelly in solidarity with all the other women molested at Israel's VIP lounge
#MeToo!

Posted by: Crystal Magnum Carlson at February 18, 2026 06:29 PM (Mqqv0)

171 Has AOC chimed in yet? Do we know if Cuba is north or south of the equator?

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 18, 2026 06:30 PM (MGB5H)

172 The following video is from a Cuban immigrant and their first trip to an American grocery store. There's footage of a Cuban store in first few minutes as well. It's stark, and sad, and this the part I deleted because it's illegal to say some things on the internet about what should happen to Communists.

https://tinyurl.com/2fvbsdwa

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 18, 2026 06:30 PM (w/O5Q)

173 158 I don't want even ONE American Tax dollar to go to fix Cuba... not a F'n one.

Let industry in... let them build Hotels... but we don't need another welfare State.
Posted by: Romeo13 at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (mP0Kj)
Aye aye, mate. And I like Cuba and Cubans.

Posted by: Eromero at February 18, 2026 06:30 PM (LHPAg)

174 166 Donny Trump is a Clown and not a leader to be reckon with.....

Have no fear because Kami is our future.....
Posted by: Barry O at February 18, 2026 06:29 PM (xl8DV)

Please don't make me giggle that hard. It hurts my stomach.

Posted by: tcn in AK at February 18, 2026 06:30 PM (I40wl)

175
I went to many games at Che Stadium. Even saw the Yankees play there.
Posted by: Accomackp/i]

The Rutles put on a concert there.

Posted by: Bertram Cabot, Jr. at February 18, 2026 06:30 PM (Cqx++)

176 Somalia.
Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 06:26 PM (W2Pud)

Excellent choice.
And i know just the right part of town they can set up in there in Mogadishu.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 06:31 PM (2WIwB)

177 No, does anyone but Conan O'Brien go there by choice?

Anyhow, my father loved Cuba back in the 1950s, but he knew that they had a dark reckoning coming
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov at February 18, 2026 06:27

Fair enough...I wasn't there voluntarily either. The snell was an actual physical force.

Posted by: RedMindBlueState at February 18, 2026 06:31 PM (Wnv9h)

178 Somalia has beaches and nice weather.
Kerguelen islands are 40° and rain.

Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:31 PM (ZiyAF)

179 167 After the war, my 'ol man was stationed at the sub base in Key West. He loved Havana back then.
Posted by: Diogenes at February

We have done a few day trips to Havana from Key West. I am probably on a list somewhere.

Posted by: Piper at February 18, 2026 06:32 PM (Wmg4n)

180 The horror of having to produce my passport and being asked about the nature of my visit will live with me forever!!!

#MeToo!!

Posted by: Crystal Magnum Carlson at February 18, 2026 06:32 PM (Mqqv0)

181 164 Hospitals in Cuba are limiting surgeries.

WHAT NO MORE TRANSGENDER SURGERIES ????????????

I DEMNAND THE UN DO SOMETHING NOWWWWWWW !!!

Posted by: Jackson K. at February 18, 2026 06:32 PM (xl8DV)

182 Speaking of shitholes

@TousiTVOfficial 1h
🚨 BREAKING: Power outage across Tehran in Iran

Posted by: weft cut-loop at February 18, 2026 06:33 PM (diia5)

183 "The UN should be in Geneva. Or Kerguelen Islands."

Mecca.

Posted by: CTHillary, dead but dreaming at February 18, 2026 06:33 PM (Vpqw1)

184 tcn!
Good to see you. Hope things are going your way.

Posted by: nurse ratched at February 18, 2026 06:33 PM (W2Pud)

185 182 Speaking of shitholes

@TousiTVOfficial 1h
🚨 BREAKING: Power outage across Tehran in Iran
Posted by: weft cut-loop at

Could be something. Could be a day ending in y.

Posted by: BruceWayne at February 18, 2026 06:33 PM (MGB5H)

186 My Brother went to a Who concert.
My dad would smoke and identify the planes flying over head.
I wanted to see the Mets win. They never did.

Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:34 PM (ZiyAF)

187 Somalia has beaches and nice weather.
Kerguelen islands are 40° and rain.
Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:31 PM (ZiyAF)

That will keep those selfless diplomats totally concentrated on their valuable work.

Posted by: Oldcat at February 18, 2026 06:34 PM (8avO+)

188 171 Has AOC chimed in yet? Do we know if Cuba is north or south of the equator?

Neither ..... It is located in Orion's Belt....

Posted by: Jackson K. at February 18, 2026 06:34 PM (xl8DV)

189 The Crafty Jews dared ask me questions!

Please like and subscribe for more of my midwit antisemitic bullshit!

Posted by: Cucker Tarlson, Faggot Extraordinaire at February 18, 2026 06:35 PM (3BwY8)

190 Neither ..... It is located in Orion's Belt....
___

So if Cuba falls, so does Orion's pants?

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 06:35 PM (Dv3i1)

191 183 "The UN should be in Geneva. Or Kerguelen Islands."

How about the Marianas Trench ????

Posted by: Jackson K. at February 18, 2026 06:36 PM (xl8DV)

192 127 Bay of Pigs was an invasion in April 61.

there are only 29 days in April DUMBASS
Posted by: AOC
****

Is it sad or hilarious that I could see her doing that IRL?

Posted by: clarence at February 18, 2026 06:36 PM (RU/0c)

193 No it’s not you Nazi pigs! Cuba is in the gulf of mexico

Posted by: AOC at February 18, 2026 06:36 PM (ZiyAF)

194 Somalia has beaches and nice weather.
Kerguelen islands are 40° and rain.
Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:31 PM (ZiyAF)

A hell of a lot of sharks in those waters.

Posted by: Diogenes at February 18, 2026 06:37 PM (2WIwB)

195 158 I don't want even ONE American Tax dollar to go to fix Cuba... not a F'n one.

Let industry in... let them build Hotels... but we don't need another welfare State.
Posted by: Romeo13 at February 18, 2026 06:27 PM (mP0Kj)

Maybe not the Pritzkers, though. That country's been through enough.

Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 18, 2026 06:37 PM (w/O5Q)

196 WHAT NO MORE TRANSGENDER SURGERIES ????????????

I DEMNAND THE UN DO SOMETHING NOWWWWWWW !!!
Posted by: Jackson K. at February 18, 2026 06:32 PM (xl8DV)
-----
Ugh this reminds me of whatever iteration of the worn-out Far Cry video game franchise was set on Totally Not Cuba, But Definitely Cuba, and one of the missions had the player going to find cross-sex hormones for a tranny member of your team. In the middle of a violent revolution and uprising, because That's What's Important in that game.

I almost quit playing it out of pure rage.

Posted by: Cucker Tarlson, Faggot Extraordinaire at February 18, 2026 06:37 PM (3BwY8)

197 185 182 Speaking of shitholes

@TousiTVOfficial 1h
🚨 BREAKING: Power outage across Tehran in Iran

GLOBAL WARMING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Jackson K. at February 18, 2026 06:37 PM (xl8DV)

198 Ammo seek

Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:38 PM (o2zy8)

199 Maybe not the Pritzkers, though. That country's been through enough.
Posted by: Bilwis Devourer of Innocent Souls, I'm starvin' over here at February 18, 2026 06:37 PM (w/O5Q)
-----
Eh, gonna have to get the agricultural infrastructure up to speed before you let JB onto the island to eat everything in sight.

Posted by: ballistic at February 18, 2026 06:38 PM (3BwY8)

200 60 If you've never seen it, the best commie movie ever made is I Am Cuba, a propaganda mockumentary from 1964 about what life was like there before, and then after, the revolution

i'm right here, you know

Posted by: vampiros in la habana at February 18, 2026 06:38 PM (oY6Yp)

201 Noodus thredus

Posted by: vmom deport deport deport at February 18, 2026 06:39 PM (0SFYi)

202 Libs of Tik Tok reports on a local story -

Alexander Lamar Banks Jr. was arrested in Michigan after he reportedly ran down White family with his car, K*LLING the couple's 3-year-old daughter.

Court documents of the incident describe how Banks then got out of his car with a shotgun and shot the parents. He also brutally assaulted a 72-year-old woman who showed up at the scene.

Posted by: Chuck Martel at February 18, 2026 06:42 PM (Dv3i1)

203 5.56 and 300 BO are not that much different in price.
308? Yikes!

Posted by: Accomack at February 18, 2026 06:42 PM (o2zy8)

204 SOUTHCOM has several CONPLANS (contingency plans) dealing with the collapse of Cuba.
Posted by: Butch

How is the pizza business in Homestead?

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 06:45 PM (/lPRQ)

205 peaking of shitholes

@TousiTVOfficial 1h
🚨 BREAKING: Power outage across Tehran in Iran
Posted by: weft cut-loop

Mid-March already?!

Posted by: Itinerant Alley Butcher at February 18, 2026 06:55 PM (/lPRQ)

206 Chuck Martel that is terrible

Posted by: Skip at February 18, 2026 06:55 PM (Ia/+0)

207 You know what follows a power outage?

Posted by: Skip at February 18, 2026 06:59 PM (Ia/+0)

208 Nah. My favorite commie movie is Z by Costa-Gavras.
Posted by: IllTemperedCur

Little-known zombie trivia:

It was "Z" that inspired me to stat taking photos of crazy leftists and posting them on the Internet. In particular, the scene where the young photographer is told to leave the room and agrees to do so, but keeps clicking away secretly with his camera even though his arm is down and he's not looking through the viewfinder. I've been using that technique ever since, and got most of my best zombietime shots that way.

Posted by: zombie at February 18, 2026 07:06 PM (se8lQ)

209 There is nowhere lower for Cuba to fall.

——-

Haiti

Posted by: Gonzotx at February 18, 2026 07:17 PM (nGraA)

210 You know what follows a power outage?
Posted by: Skip

Babies. Nine months later.

Posted by: rickb223 at February 18, 2026 07:18 PM (wkRuV)

211 Nood -Handicapped pups cafe.

Posted by: Glenn at February 18, 2026 07:36 PM (nvKZ7)

212 Me, I think we need to settle all the feuds and have a new organization. We need to send nooses to the freedom fighters and step ladders to hang the commies. Some upside down, like Mussolini, and kill them all.
Don't want it to be like Russia where the Commies come back.
Zombies ain't real, go to the mattresses and settle all family business.
Capisce, Little Marco?

Posted by: AOC's tits need to be bigger to win the WH at February 18, 2026 09:51 PM (u7Cty)

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