Communism, cigars and Cadillac cars.

A beautiful island that has been the thorn in the side of the U.S government for 67 years.

But what is it about this small island of approximately 10 million people and 90 miles off the coast of Florida that makes president after president so frustrated?

Yalda has just been in Havana, interviewing the president who rarely gives interviews to foreign press. He told her he was ready to give his blood to defend Cuba, if Trump decides on military action.

But will he? And what about the people of Cuba? What is life actually like under a blockade, with blackouts and a growing humanitarian crisis.

This week, Yalda is joined by Dr Christopher Sabatini, director of the Latin America programme at Chatham House. He has spent a lot of time in Cuba and talks to Yalda about the state of the nation at this pivotal time.

You can email your questions to Richard and Yalda at [email protected]

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