Suspicion over US role in other countries after 'Cuban Twitter' revelation

Many online wonder if USAID is working to undermine other countries.

Storified by AJAMStream· Thu, Apr 03 2014 15:24:24

US use of social media to build opposition other countries. How much are opponents manipulated in #cuba #venezuela? http://t.co/ikGuvXwnsSPaul Taylor

US created 'Cuban Twitter' to stir unrest http://t.co/71RNicV4iD same tactics used in Ukraine and Venezuela?GCHQ Target

#USAID is tool of US imperalism, always has been.Saw it in #Bolivia, #Venezuela. Behind Cuba destabilisation plot http://t.co/8BsR3wlWm5Matt Kennard

this is not really news, now, if they are doing this in cuba..what are they doing in venezuela.. most of you believe that the venezuelan opposition is organic. you guys believe that no one is behind the protest.facebook.com



The cable mentions USAID programs playing an integral role in accomplishing the embassy's goals in Venezuela.

Between 2004 and 2006, USAID spent an estimated $15 million dollars to "strengthen democratic institutions" in the country. About $1 million was allocated to organizing 3,000 forums which aimed to distance Chavez supporters from the late president's left-leaning political ideology.

In 2007, Chavez threatened to kick out the U.S. ambassador for meddling in his country's affairs. Some would argue that the speculation is not unfounded. In 2011, WikiLeaks released a secret 2006 cable from the U.S. Embassy in Caracas which stated some of its objectives were to penetrate Chavez's political base, divide Chavismo and isolate Chavez internationally.

Some defended the USAID's program in Cuba:

to be fair, it sounds like the unrest was already there. They just gave them the platform to express it.facebook.com

Yeah, how dare us give people a way of communicating freely. For shame.Dan Vera

Others, however, continued to criticize the U.S. government and called for an end to programs that they say are aimed to subvert and destabilize other sovereign countries:

#CubanTwitter no suprise: USA has financed invasions, assasinations or coups in almost every #LATAM country. http://t.co/xwMRTar2RMTony Roberts

Please, Washington. When the Latin America left says there are US imperialist plots everywhere, we'd like to say they're wrong #CubantwitterVincent Bevins

What do you think about USAID's program in Cuba? Leave a comment below.