Cuba From the Other Side

Karen Lee Wald / Truthdig Apr 9, 2011 I thought it would be helpful if people who are always hearing and reading about the “repression of dissidents” in Cuba and jump to their defense could also hear the other side: What happened to the thousands of people whose lives were affected by the actions of terrorists from inside and outside the country.I thought it would be helpful if people who are always hearing and reading about the “repression of dissidents” in Cuba and jump to their defense could also hear the other side. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

The Forever Fidel Obsession

Saul Landau / Truthdig Sep 20, 2010 After three hours of conversation, it is clear that Fidel Castro has definitely retired and now spends his time underlining President Obama's books and reflecting on decades of revolution. Anyone who thinks Cuba is going capitalist, however, should check more carefully with the facts.Fidel Castro has definitely retired, but anyone who thinks Cuba is going capitalist should check more carefully with the facts. Dig deeper ( 7 Min. Read )

The Tears of Gaza Must Be Our Tears

Chris Hedges / Truthdig Aug 9, 2010 Muslim, Christian or Jew, we ignore this suffering at the peril of our own humanity. As Rachel Corrie wrote in her last letter to her parents, "I could live a comfortable life and possibly, with no effort at all, exist in complete unawareness of my participation in genocide."Muslim, Christian or Jew, we ignore this suffering at the peril of our own humanity. Dig deeper ( 9 Min. Read )

Pack Your Bags, We’re Going to Cuba

Staff / Truthdig Jul 1, 2010 Well, not really. But American tourists are one tiny step closer to Cuba's fine cigars and sandy beaches, thanks to a House Agriculture Committee vote narrowly recommending an end to the decades-old travel ban. Pro-embargo lawmakers in the House and Senate are expected to work their usual magic to defeat the measure. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Do as I Say, Not as I Pay

Staff / Truthdig Mar 7, 2010 Despite the fact that Washington has forcefully discouraged investment in Iran for the past decade, the federal government has given more than $107 billion in contract payments to companies that dealt with Iran or are doing business there. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Castro Hails Obama Actions, Wants More

Staff / Truthdig Apr 15, 2009 Barack Obama is so good at making friends. First Iran, of axis-of-evil fame, embraced the president's flirtations, and now Cuba's revolutionary in chief has warmed to El Diablo del Norte. Fidel Castro on Tuesday praised Obama's recent overtures, but said many other U.S. policy changes are needed. His brother and president, Raul, is open to negotiations. Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Castro’s Racial-Paradise Myth

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Apr 14, 2009 In 10 trips to Cuba, I have met Afro-Cubans who told me with conviction of their opportunities under the Castro regime. But I've also heard bitter complaints about deep-seated racism that many black Cubans believe is getting worse. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

A Changing Community Now Wants Softer U.S. Policy on Cuba

Reese Erlich / Truthdig Mar 12, 2009 A majority of Florida's Cuban-Americans, including many former hard-liners, have come to oppose a U.S. embargo strategy that has proved futile over the decades. Dig deeper ( 4 Min. Read )

Cubans Hoping for a Thaw

Staff / Truthdig Jan 8, 2009 The 50-year U.S. relationship with revolutionary Cuba may warm up this winter, with some on the island seeing an Obama presidency as an indicator of potential change in the two countries' diplomatic and trade status. A Havana barber is quoted as holding hope for reconciliation despite the fact that Obama "is a capitalist and likely an imperialist." Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

Our Cuba Policy: A Failure at 50

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig Jan 2, 2009 President-elect Obama will have more urgent matters to deal with after he takes the oath of office. But somewhere on his long to-do list, he should make a note to finally bring five decades of counterproductive American policy toward Cuba to a definitive end. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )

Cuban Windfall: Billions of Barrels of Black Gold

Staff / Truthdig Oct 20, 2008 Cuba may have just hit the oil jackpot, with a revised estimate of its reserves doubling. That means the small island nation has about as much oil as the United States. American conservatives may soon have to choose between their love of oil and the half-century-old embargo that would keep Cuba's petroleum away. How do you say "drill, baby, drill" en Español? Dig deeper ( 1 Min. Read )

America’s Insane Cuba Policy

Eugene Robinson / Truthdig May 27, 2008 Other than providing Fidel Castro with a convenient antagonist to help him whip up nationalist fervor -- and thus prolong his rule -- the U.S. trade embargo and other sanctions have accomplished precisely nothing. Dig deeper ( 3 Min. Read )