Category: Latin America
Russian Petroleum: Partnerships and Influence
In a world in which the calculus of power is increasingly complex, the only element of power that clearly serves Russian interest is energy resources. While Putin has done much to restore his country’s military capacity, its raw materials have … Continue reading
The Actualization of Cuban Socialism
The dismal state of the Cuban economic model succinctly depicted by the old Soviet joke that described their centrally planned economic system as one in which “We pretend to work, and they pretend to pay us.” The bankrupt Cuban system … Continue reading
Castro’s Killing Fields: A Pattern of Disregard for Human Life Lasting Six Decades (February)
Cuba Archive has documented numerous cases of extrajudicial killings by state authorities against persons attempting to escape their Cuban Island prison “illegally” over six decades. By Maria C. Werlau l February 28, 2018 Following are selected cases of death or … Continue reading
Cuba’s Economic Surrealism
In his economic dreamland of surrealist juxtapositions and non-sequiturs, with visions free from conscious rationality, General Castro believes that improved state management is the way to save Cuba’s communist system. The hostility toward individual freedoms and success embodied in his … Continue reading
Thoughts at the End of an Important Year
The questions are: Who is behind globalization and why is America continuing to embrace it? Worse still, some people liken the current trend with the defunct policy of global Communism advanced in the past by the USSR. Hopefully, such people … Continue reading
Lessons From the Cuban Missile Crisis
The single most important event encouraging and accelerating Soviet involvement in Cuba was the Bay of Pigs fiasco in 1961. The U.S. failure to act decisively against Castro gave the Soviets illusions about U.S. determination and interest in the island. … Continue reading
Back to the Future: Liberation Theology Rehabilitated
Liberation Theology began as a movement within the Latin American Catholic Church. The intellectual methodology of Liberation Theology relies heavily on Marxism. In its present form, it is a varied inter-denominational, international movement. The origin of the Latin American brand … Continue reading
Economic Sanctions and Private Property Rights
Fifty-six years ago, President John F. Kennedy sent a reasonable message to the international community that governments choosing to expropriate the properties of U. S. citizens need to compensate them for their losses. Governments that choose to simply steal the … Continue reading
Trump’s ‘Active Leadership’ Reverses Obama’s Cuba Policy
“To the Cuban government, I say: Put an end to the abuse of dissidents. Release the political prisoners. Stop jailing innocent people. Open yourselves to political and economic freedoms. Return the fugitives from American justice – including the cop-killer Joanne … Continue reading
Trump’s New Foreign Policy of “Principled Realism”
The new U.S.-Cuba policy emphasizes our democratic values, but allows for negotiations responsive to the requirements of U.S. national interests. It is a policy of principled realism. The symbolism of a change to a policy that now embraces our values … Continue reading
Myths About Cuba
Raul is no Gorbachev or Deng Xiaoping and no friend of the United States, presiding over the worst periods of political repression and economic centralization in Cuba. Raul has been a loyal follower and cheerleader of Fidel’s anti-American policies and … Continue reading
The Trump Administration’s Latin American Opportunity
The Trump administration, with its business acumen, intuitively understands that a Latin America that is entrepreneurial, prosperous, and free market oriented is in the national interest of the United States on multiple fronts: it limits the influence in the region … Continue reading
Fidel Castro, the Number One Enemy of Democratic Venezuela, is Dead
In Venezuela Fidel Castro is inextricably linked to Hugo Chavez and rejected by the majority of the population. For most Venezuelans, Chavez and Castro are both physically and politically dead. By Gustavo Coronel l December 6, 2016 When Fidel Castro … Continue reading
Castro, Obama and the Prisoner’s Dilemma
Cuba, the non-cooperative betraying criminal, received the favorable treatment of being rewarded with U.S. diplomatic relations. And, the accommodatingly silent Obama administration ought to be harshly sentenced in the court of public opinion for its failure to act in the … Continue reading
Fidel Castro Hated America
“Today, we offer condolences to Fidel Castro’s family, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Cuban people. In the days ahead, they will recall the past and also look to the future. As they do, the Cuban people must … Continue reading
Fidel Castro: Death of a Communist Dictator
“The world marks the passing of a brutal dictator who oppressed his own people for nearly six decades. Fidel Castro’s legacy is one of firing squads, theft, unimaginable suffering, poverty and the denial of fundamental human rights.” President-elect Donald J. … Continue reading
Russia’s Pre-election, Cold War-Era Posturing in America’s Backyard: Cuba-Nicaragua-Venezuela
It is ironic that the U.S. victory in forcing Soviet land based missiles out of Cuba in 1962, will now be reversed with Russian nuclear submarines in Cuban waters. Continue reading
History Lessons for the Architects of the New US-Cuba Policy
The self-employment Cuba allows consists of work permits to provide services in 205 subsistence activities, such as repairing umbrellas and peeling fruits. Its participants are mostly individuals born after 1959 with no living memories of political freedoms. So, on what grounds do supporters of the new U.S. policy formulate change championed by the newly self-employed Continue reading
Castro’s American Victims
Obama would not have put in this much effort into aiding the Castro regime if the Communist dictatorship weren’t such an inspiration to the American left. Castro understood that for the bargain price of providing a refuge for left-wing terrorists, he would secure the undying loyalty of extremists like Obama. After Castro provided aid and comfort to left-wing American terrorists, the American left is finally in a position to bail out the Castros. Continue reading
Investors “With” Cuba, Beware!
In Cuba, foreign investors must partner with the Cuban government. The Cuban government expects foreign investments to generate revenue for the state on its terms. If the venture fails to meet the expectations of the state, the government may arbitrarily terminate the agreements and seek another naive investor for the project and there is no independent judicial system to adjudicate any investor claims. Continue reading
President Obama’s Visit to “Perfidious Cuba”
Fidel Castro has repeatedly sought to deceitfully assuage the international community, as evidenced by excerpts from his 1959 speeches. Three years later, in December 1961 Castro finally admitted, “I am a Marxist-Leninist and shall be one until the end of my life.” The following year, Castro urged the Soviet Union to launch a preemptive nuclear attack on the United States, with missiles from Cuba. President Obama is cavalier in dismissing history noting that “I am not interested in having battles that started before I was born.” Continue reading
Russia in Syria Reminds us of Soviet Actions in Cuba
Russian/Iranian actions in Syria represent a major gamble based on the perception of American weakness. An initial strong and swift response now will prevent the need for a riskier response in the future. Continue reading
Consequences of Obama’s New Cuba Policy
The Castro regime is re-asserting its close relationship with and allegiance to Cuba’s old allies, Russia, Iran and Venezuela. Agreements between Castro and Putin call for more visits by Russian navy and air force to Cuba. Raul Castro continues to support Iran’s nuclear ambitions as well as to maintain his commitment to the survival of the Maduro regime in Venezuela. Continue reading
Another Castro in the Wings
In January, Alejandro Castro Espin also traveled, with Raul, to Costa Rica for a conclave of Latin American and Caribbean leaders, presumably interacting with many of them. A month later he led a Cuban delegation to Moscow where he signed a joint defense agreement. Married in the mid-1980s, he honeymooned in Leningrad around the time of Mikhail Gorbachev’s ascent to power.
The Iran-Cuba-Venezuela Nexus and the Castro Regime’s Continuous Support for Terrorism
In an attempt to obtain unilateral concession from the U.S., General Raul Castro’s regime has toned down some of the violent anti-U.S. propaganda of older brother Fidel. Yet, his commitments to and interrelationships with anti-American terrorist groups have not disappeared.
Venezuelan Armed Forces Establish State of Terror
Maduro’s regime, with the help of the Cubans, has turned Venezuela into a rogue state and the international community and democratic governments of the world should no longer delude themselves about its abusive, corrupt and illegitimate nature.
Foreign Investors Face Corruption, Government Control of Property and Labor Issues in Cuba
All Cuban workers in the tourist industry or any industry that comes into contact with foreigners are carefully screened and selected by the government. Lighter skin workers and those loyal to the revolution are picked for hotel, resorts, and other tourist destinations.
Fidel Castro’s Testament
Oddly, there is no mention in the letter of the release of the three convicted Cuban intelligence agents from American penitentiaries. The key figures of the large Cuban spy ring that operated in the United States had been heralded as national heroes by Fidel before his retirement.
Obama Throws Comrade Castro a Lifeline
Obama began his Castro speech with a lie, declaring, “The United States of America is changing its relationship with the people of Cuba.” The Cuban people have no relationship with the United States because they have no free elections and no say in how they are governed.
More Questions about Cuban Spy Ana Belen Montes
Despite the importance of her case, some of the most tantalizing questions about her spying have never been publicly answered. Could the calamity of her treason have been avoided? What was learned about Cuban intelligence tradecraft? How was she discovered?
Appeasement: From Munich to Crimea and Caracas
As in Munich, many observers of the Venezuelan situation felt dialogue was the correct route. The Pope asked for it. So did the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry and many Latin American political leaders. MUD, echoing Chamberlain, must have felt that they were interpreting correctly the desires of the people for peaceful co-existence and for attempting to change the policies of the regime, not changing the regime.
U.S. Economic Determinism in Dealing with Cuba
The views toward Cuba of many in the U.S. policy establishment have been influenced by a variety of assumptions. First and foremost, there is the strong belief that economic considerations could influence Cuban policy decisions and that an economically deteriorating situation would force the Castro brothers to move Cuba toward a market economy and eventually toward political reforms.
Cuban Intelligence in Strategic Alliance with Iran against the United States
While one may argue that factors such as Iran’s limited military capabilities and sheer distance diminish any conventional concerns, one should expect that Tehran, in case of a U.S.-Iran conflict would launch an asymmetrical offensive against the U.S. and its European allies through surrogate terrorist states and paramilitary organizations, where Cuban intelligence would become an invaluable asset to Tehran.
Putin’s military moves in Latin America
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said he is seeking to establish a military presence in Venezuela, Nicaragua and Cuba. Now with Obama’s weak response to Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine, it may act as a stimulus for Putin’s further imperialistic moves.
Cuban Strategy in Venezuela
Sunday, February 23rd Raul Castro set out the essence of Cuban policy toward the increasingly volatile situation in Venezuela. Speaking to the Cuban labor confederation he described it as “a complex crisis,” indicating considerable alarm in Havana about how Cuba’s vital economic and security interests might be affected.
Turmoil in post-Chavez Venezuela
For 15 years Venezuela has been in the grip of an authoritarian regime, first under the late Hugo Chavez and currently under his anointed successor, Nicolas Maduro. From the beginning, the regime developed a pathological political dependence on Fidel Castro’s Cuba, one which has made it possible for the Castro regime to actually dictate Venezuelan policy. On Thursday, February 20th, Members of Congress… Continue reading
Honduran election over, but legacy of 2009 constitutional ouster endures
Just two months after the presidential election in Honduras was held and President-elect Juan Orlando Hernandez prepares to take office today, it is clear that the Honduran people as well as the international community have accepted the outcome.
Cuba’s Suspension of U.S. Consular Services
Cuba’s suspension of consular services in the U.S. may have little to do with finances and much to do with Gen. Raul Castro’s interest in slowing down visits by Cuban-Americans to the island.
Will Kerry Keep U.S. Sanctions on Cuba?
In his November 18 speech at the Organization of American States, Secretary John Kerry failed to make a compelling case for keeping U.S. sanctions on Cuba. While correctly pointing out that the Monroe Doctrine is no longer valid, Secretary Kerry insisted that “people-to-people” travel, the visits by Americans under U.S. license to Cuba, is having an impact in penetrating the Communist system.
Killing Castro: Code Name AMLASH
Fidel Castro knew that the CIA was trying to kill him. There was no doubt; his sources were reliable. “For three years,” he told investigators from the House of Representatives in 1978, “we had known there were plots against us.” The history of Kennedy era attempts against Castro’s life is well known. There were several plots and bizarre schemes, two featuring Mafia kingpins, ones involving incendiary cigars, an explosive sea shell, and a poisoned diving suit. But the most promising of the killing plans ripened in a Paris safe house fifty years ago last month.
Cuba and North Korea: Brothers in “Arms”
Panama’s recent capture of a North Korean vessel carrying 240 tons of weapons from Cuba, including rockets, missile systems and two MIG 21s hidden among sacks of Cuban sugar, raises numerous questions and provides few answers.
Hugo Chavez: Not a Mandela but a Mugabe
In later years, already gravely ill, Hugo Chavez delivered himself and his country into the hands of the Cuban government, surrendering to Cuban advisors sensitive areas of public administration. By Gustavo Coronel | March 11, 2013 Hugo Chavez could have … Continue reading
Cuba behind the wheel: Fulton Armstrong & Co.
The infiltration and manipulation of United States intelligence and policy circles by Communist dictatorships has a long, tangled and often embarrassing history.
The Cuban-American Vote
For liberal media, academia and others of a leftist persuasion, Cuban-Americans are not so much “Hispanic voters” as they are a persistent irritant and a symbol of a minority hijacked, in the broadminded opinion, by the Republicans.
American Intelligence and the Cuban Missile Crisis
Just before noon on October 16, with a carefully-chosen team of hawk and dove advisers arrayed before him in the White House Cabinet Room, the president was told by a senior CIA briefer the precise nature of the threat posed by a Soviet missile installation under construction in Cuba.
The Cuban Missile Crisis: Fifty Years Later
Fifty years ago, in the autumn of 1962, the Soviet Union surreptitiously introduced nuclear missiles into Cuba.
Cuba: 52 Years of the Same Old Bad Behavior
The Cuban regime has been conducting a public relations campaign in the past couple of years promoting its so-called economic reforms in an effort to attract foreign investment and, more importantly, foreign loans that the regime has no intention of paying.
Bay of Pigs: 50 Years Later
Many Americans alive today know nothing at all about the Bay of Pigs invasion, yet its reverberations have had lasting effects on the United States, Cuba, and the world.
