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Abby Martin: The US Is Holding a Nuclear Gun to Our Heads

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Overview

The video discusses a highly tense moment in U.S.-Cuba relations, centered on an upcoming United Nations General Assembly vote and debate.

Cuba’s UN Request and Allegations

  • Cuba requests a special UN session to condemn what it calls:
    • ongoing U.S. threats of aggression
    • the tightening of the U.S. blockade
    • an “energy blockade” that Cuba argues has dramatically worsened living conditions.
  • Cuban officials, including Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez, characterize these actions as:
    • genocide
    • collective punishment
    • violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

Claim of U.S. Diplomatic Pressure

The commentary cites reporting from The Nation and a cable obtained via investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein, describing alleged U.S. efforts to interfere with the UN debate:

  • Washington, guided by Marco Rubio, is described as directing embassies and diplomats to prevent or discredit the discussion.
  • If Cuba’s effort succeeds, the cable reportedly instructs host countries to:
    • call Cuba corrupt
    • blame Cuba for its economic problems
    • deflect blame from the U.S.
  • The cable reportedly includes warnings to countries not to mention issues that could create friction with the U.S.

Why Cuba Seeks the Debate

Guests argue that Cuba goes to the UN to ensure its situation is officially “on record” amid what they describe as an emergency:

  • The blockade’s impacts are framed as mass harm, including references to:
    • deaths of infants
    • people needing medical care
  • The UN platform is portrayed as a way to counter long-running Western propaganda and appeal to global conscience and solidarity.

Documentary as Counter-Propaganda

Abby Martin, co-director of Cuba After Castro (Breakthrough Media), argues the documentary is essential because U.S. audiences have absorbed decades of messaging portraying Cuba as lacking freedom and democracy.

  • She says the film challenges “three pillars” of propaganda by:
    • showing the Cuban president engaging directly with citizens
    • emphasizing Cuba’s historical resilience and collective values

“Nuclear Gun” Framing and Reported Escalation

The discussion characterizes current U.S. policy as overtly threatening—described as “audacious” and escalating.

  • It warns Cuba is being targeted as a symbol of defiance
  • Despite Cuba having fewer leverage resources than countries controlling strategic chokepoints.

Link to the Broader Imperial System and Climate Impact

Martin connects Cuba to her earlier film Earth’s Greatest Enemy:

  • Cuba is presented as a “case study” in how fossil-fuel-driven global capitalism—enforced by U.S. military power—produces:
    • domination abroad
    • environmental destruction at home
  • The blockade is framed as part of the same enforcement mechanism that maintains U.S. geopolitical control globally.

Presenters / Contributors

  • Abby Martin — co-director of Cuba After Castro; journalist with Empire Files
  • Matt Bellin — referenced as co-director on Cuba After Castro
  • Bruno Rodríguez — Cuban Foreign Minister; mentioned as presenting at the UN
  • Marco Rubio — mentioned in relation to U.S. diplomatic direction/lobbying
  • Ken Klippenstein — mentioned as obtaining/citing a cable through investigative reporting
  • The Nation — mentioned as the outlet reporting on the cable

Original video