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Notes -
a) They were ready to do so and the threat helped persuade Soviets.. American intelligence also noted in late '21 that Russia seems ready to invade Ukraine, yet strangely, that didn't help persuade anyone.
b) They didn't do that because USA and USSR made a deal - US removed IRBMs from Turkey and Soviets removed such from Cuba and refrained from putting any serious military there in the future. Although it looks like Soviets got something out of the deal, the missiles in Turkey were scheduled to be withdrawn anyway, so it was mostly just a retreat.
There was no negotiation with Russians over their demands this time (~ no non-domestic NATO troops in eastern Europe, no missiles, no more enlargement) this time. It was seen as an insult that Russians even voiced them.
Well, there you go. You have your answer why it's used as an analogy. Soviets, despite the earlier brazen attempt actually saw reason and stepped back when presented with threat of war. Americans, acting through proxies didn't, and kept on going with their salami tactic. (no enlargement, then 3 countries only, then 6, then color revolutions in Georgia, Belarus more ..etc).
What are you talking about. I remember reading how Cubans, on average, lost 20 lbs after USSR fell because trade cratered. He wasn't getting any 'consistent' support. Russia hasn't been propping up Cuba, and as to voting against sanctions, loads of countries do that. It's also not clear at all why Cuba needs to be sanctioned. When was the last time they tried exporting their revolution?
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