After taking strict action against Venezuela, America has now taken a big step against another South American country. US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order declaring a national emergency against Cuba. The US has described Cuba’s communist government as a ‘serious threat’ to its national security and foreign policy. According to the information released by the White House, the biggest weapon of this order will be tariff i.e. import duty. The US can now impose additional tariffs on countries that supply oil or energy resources to Cuba, whether directly or through a third country.

What is special in the order?

Under this new order, the US Commerce Ministry and Finance Ministry have been given the authority to impose additional tariffs on the goods of any country that is supplying oil to Cuba. At present, no specific country has been named nor have the tariff rates been decided, but the indications are clear that America is going to increase the pressure. This step has come at a time when Nicolas Maduro has been arrested in Venezuela. After Maduro’s arrest, Trump himself said that Venezuela is now sending neither oil nor money to Cuba. The White House fact sheet said that this is not the first time that Trump has taken a tough stance against hostile governments. Attacking Iran’s nuclear infrastructure and removing Nicolas Maduro from power is one of them.

Why is America angry with Cuba?

America alleges that the Cuban government provides shelter to terrorist organizations. The Trump administration says that organizations like Hezbollah and Hamas have safe havens in Cuba. Apart from this, America claims that Cuba also hosts Russian intelligence bases, which is a threat to American security. The White House said that the Cuban government oppresses political opponents, there is no freedom of press and profit is being made from the suffering of common people. According to America, this is the reason why Cuba has been considered an ‘extraordinary and unusual threat’.