With Better Relations Will Cuba And the U.S. End Their 'Spy Wars'?

U.S. President Barack Obama extends his hand to Cuban President Raul Castro at the start of their meeting at the United Nations General Assembly in New York September 29, 2015. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Alfonso Chardy, Miami Herald: Will spy wars between Cuba and the U.S. end with restored relations?

* Since Fidel Castro seized power in January 1959, and over the next five decades, Havana built one of the world’s most active intelligence services
* Some of the biggest crises in U.S.-Cuba relations can be traced to the involvement of Cuban spies and agents
* Cuban espionage against the United States intensified in the 1980s when President Ronald Reagan stepped up rhetoric against Cuba at the height of the Cold War

Though the United States has restored relations with Cuba, and President Barack Obama is planning to visit the island later this month, it’s unclear if the two countries have declared a truce in the spy wars they have waged for more than 50 years.

Lawmakers in Congress have warned the Obama administration that allowing Cuba to operate an embassy in Washington and consulates throughout the country will only make it easier for Havana to deploy spies and agents in the United States.

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WNU Editor: The Cuban regime maintains power because of their intelligence apparatus. They spy on their citizens within Cuba .... and outside. They are not going to change any of this just because relations are becoming better between Washington and Havana. If anything .... a more open border coupled with better communications will probably result in the Cuban government expanding their intelligence agencies beyond what they have today. As for the U.S. .... I am sure they will continue to maintain their intelligence networks on Cuba ..... especially if this continues .... Russia To Modernize And Train Cuba's Military.