Reuters: U.S. expels 15 Cuban diplomats, drawing protest from Havana
WASHINGTON/HAVANA (Reuters) - The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered the expulsion of 15 Cuban diplomats after pulling more than half of its own embassy staff out of Havana last week, drawing an angry protest from the Cuban government.
With U.S.-Cuba tensions escalating, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the latest decision was made due to Cuba’s “failure to take appropriate steps” to protect American personnel in Cuba who have been targeted in mysterious “attacks” that have damaged their health.
The steps taken by President Donald Trump’s administration mark another blow to his predecessor Barack Obama’s policy of rapprochement between Washington and Havana, former Cold War foes.
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WNU Editor: As diplomatic expulsions go .... this is a unique one. It is not in Cuba's interest to have bad relations with the U.S. (my explanation is here). But these attacks have happened, and Cuba's response has not satisfied anyone. What's my take .... we should not forget that Cuba is a Communist dictatorship .... surveillance of foreign personnel .... especially U.S. personnel .... is a given. So why the attacks now .... and Castro's denials? Putting on my "speculation hat" .... I would say that there are some in Cuba who do not want good relations with the U.S., and this is a convenient way of showing it. Raoul Castro is retiring in a few months, and his successor has been chosen with the promise of continuing his policies .... closer ties with the U.S. being one of them. This may actually be the beginning of a fracture within Cuba's political elite .... and where this may lead is anyone's guess.
More News On The U.S. Expelling 15 Cuban Diplomats From Their Embassy In Washington Over Acoustic Attacks
US Cuba: Washington expels diplomats over 'acoustic attacks' -- BBC
The Latest: Cuba decries 'hasty' US actions on diplomats -- Miami Herald
US Expels 15 Cuban Diplomats From Embassy in Washington -- New York Times
US will expel 15 Cuban diplomats, escalating tensions over mystery illnesses -- Washington Post
Cuban government: US expulsion of diplomats 'irresponsible' -- The Hill
"Raoul Castro is retiring in a few months, and his successor has been chosen with the promise of continuing his policies .... closer ties with the U.S. being one of them. This may actually be the beginning of a fracture within Cuba's political elite .... and where this may lead is anyone's guess."
ReplyDeleteNow that was a good tea leaf reading. If it does not come to pass I understand, but it was worth the time to read.