HelenYaffe Critics dismiss Cuba as a failed state, but don’t accept how badly it’s hamstrung by the US blockade ‘Cuba’s critics blame the government for the daily hardships Cubans face, dismissing US sanctions as an excuse.’ The Cuban president, Miguel Díaz-Canel. Photograph: Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters ‘Cuba’s critics blame the government for the daily hardships Cubans face, dismissing US sanctions as an excuse.’ The Cuban president, Miguel Díaz-Canel. Photograph: Alexandre Meneghini/Reuters Wed 4 Aug 2021 04.00 EDT Last modified on Wed 4 Aug 2021 12.45 EDT The violent protests that erupted in Cuba in early July were the first serious social disturbances since the