Two Nations Under Siege: Palestine and Cuba

Across the world, the United States presents itself as a defender of peace and democracy. But in reality, it is one of the greatest enemies of freedom. We see this clearly in two places: Palestine and Cuba. Though these countries are far apart, both are under attack—one by occupation, the other by blockade. Both are punished for resisting imperialism.

Palestine: Occupied and Attacked

For over 75 years, the people of Palestine have lived under Israeli occupation. Their land has been taken, their homes destroyed, their lives controlled. Israel calls this “security.” But it is not. It is settler-colonialism, backed and funded by the United States. Every year, the U.S. gives billions of dollars in weapons and support to Israel.

Gaza is under siege. Food, fuel, and medicine are blocked. When Palestinians resist, they are called “terrorists.” But who are the real terrorists? Those who drop bombs on hospitals? Or those who fight for their freedom?

The goal of U.S. and Israeli policy is clear: to crush the Palestinian struggle and erase their national identity. This is not about peace. It is about control—of land, of people, and of the region.

Cuba: A Revolution Under Blockade

Cuba is also under siege. Since 1960, the United States has enforced a brutal economic blockade against the island. This means Cuba cannot freely trade with the world. It cannot buy basic goods, medicine, or technology. The aim is to make the Cuban people suffer so they give up on socialism.

Why does the U.S. fear Cuba so much? Because in 1959, the Cuban people overthrew a U.S.-backed dictatorship. They took the land, the banks, and the factories from the rich and gave them to the workers. They showed that another world is possible.

Even under blockade, Cuba sends doctors to countries in need. It provides free healthcare and education to its people. It stands as an example that imperialism wants to destroy.

One System, One Struggle

The siege of Palestine and the blockade of Cuba come from the same system—U.S. imperialism. When a people say no to domination, the empire responds with violence. In Palestine, it uses a military partner. In Cuba, it uses economic warfare. But the goal is the same: to crush resistance and maintain control.

Palestinians and Cubans are not victims. They are fighters. Their struggle is the struggle of all oppressed people. They remind us that imperialism is global—and so is our resistance.

As Marxists, we do not look at these struggles as separate. We see them as connected. The same system that bombs Gaza blocks Cuba. The same empire that funds occupation punishes revolution. We must stand with the people of Palestine and Cuba—not just in words, but in action. Their fight is our fight. Their freedom is our future.