Cuban President Raul Castro Was A 'No-Show' At The Airport When President Obama Arrived In Havana

USA Today: President Obama touches down in Cuba, launching history-making visit

HAVANA — The wheels of Air Force One touched down at Jose Marti International Airport for the first time ever at 4:19 p.m. Sunday, kicking off a history-making presidential visit and breaking decades of tense relations with communist Cuba.

It's the same single-runway airport the CIA once bombed in the 1960s, and whose broken-down Russian-built airplanes and colorful, antiquated terminals give testimony to the impact of 50 years of U.S. sanctions and diplomatic isolation.

But as he descended the stairway under an umbrella, President Obama was greeted warmly on the tarmac by Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, who presented First Lady Michelle Obama and her daughters with flowers. A small crowd gathered on the reviewing stand, but their cheers were subdued by the 84-degree drizzle.

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More News On President Obama's Visit To Cuba

The Latest: White House: Castro wasn’t expected at airport -- AP
Obama cheered in Havana at start of historic visit to Cuba -- Reuters
Obama arrives in Cuba for what he calls a “historic visit” -- AP
Obama begins historic visit to Cuba -- Washington Post
Obama Arrives in Havana, Looking to Engage -- WSJ
Obama's Cuba trip gets off to complicated start -- Politico
Obama Arrives in Havana to Cement Thaw in Cuba Relations -- Bloomberg
Cuba’s Message to Its People: Be on Your Best Behavior for Obama -- NYT
Cuba arrests dozens of human rights protesters before Obama's arrival -- USA Today

No President Obama - Fidel Castro Meeting

A picture of former Cuban President Fidel Castro is seen inside a private shop under refurbishment in Havana, February 24, 2016. REUTERS/ALEXANDRE MENEGHINI

Reuters: No Obama meeting with Fidel Castro, dissident talks on track: White House

The White House has ruled out an encounter between President Barack Obama and revolutionary leader Fidel Castro in Cuba this month and is confident the Cuban government will not create obstacles to a meeting between Obama and dissidents in Havana, a top adviser said on Wednesday.

Despite the goal of improving ties between former Cold War foes, deputy national security adviser Ben Rhodes said Obama would not use his trip to meet Cuba's demands that he shutter Radio and TV Marti, U.S. broadcasters created to transmit anti-communist programing to the island nation.

Obama plans to hold talks with Cuban President Raul Castro during his historic March 20-22 visit but will not meet with Castro's brother, a legendary figure who took power in a 1959 revolution and led Cuba for 49 years.

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WNU Editor: The cynic in me believes that this is the whole purpose of the trip .... meeting Fidel Castro. And while the White House has ruled out such a meeting .... I will still not be surprised if such a "photo-op" is arranged. In the meantime .... Cuba is making it very clear that they have no intention of changing any of their policies .... Cuba issues bristling editorial ahead of Obama visit (Reuters).

President Obama To Visit Cuba In March

NBC: President Obama to Make Historic Visit to Cuba, U.S. Official Says

Barack Obama will become the first sitting American president to visit Cuba in nearly 90 years, in what would be a crucial turning point between the Cold War rivals that recently shed their decades-old hostilities.

Obama will visit the communist island nation in the coming weeks, a senior administration official told NBC News, adding that the details would be announced Thursday as part of a larger tour by Obama of Latin America.

Plans for the presidential visit could also coincide with a trip by a Major League Baseball team, given the island's passion for the sport.

Read more .....

WNU Editor: I predicted when President Obama was elected President in 2008 that on his bucket list would be a visit to Cuba and meeting Fidel. It is just something about Fidel that many on the left have always had a fondness for .... including (of all people) my dad. So when I heard this announcement last night .... I knew that they will go out and spin the political and economic benefits of this trip .... but the real reason is that President Obama wants his photo with Fidel .... which I predict that the Cuban government will go out of its way to accommodate his wish. As for those who oppose this trip .... Cruz, Rubio Slam Obama For Cuba Trip (VOA).

More News On President Obama To Visit Cuba In March

Obama Plans Visit to Cuba, as Talks on Expanding Trade Begin -- NYT
Obama to visit Cuba, just eight months after embassy reopens in Havana -- Washington Post
President Obama Plans Historic Visit to Cuba in March, Official Says -- WSJ
Obama expected to visit Cuba in March -- AP
Obama to make historic trip to Cuba in coming weeks, official says -- Reuters
President Obama Will Visit Cuba in Historic Trip Next Month, Sources Say -- ABC News
President Obama to visit Cuba in coming weeks -- CBS
Sources: Obama to visit Cuba next month -- CNN
Barack Obama to make historic trip to Cuba in coming weeks -- The Guardian
Obama 'to make historic Cuba visit' -- BBC
Obama to Visit Cuba, Push Ahead With Detente -- VOA
Obama to visit Cuba -- Politico
President Obama to become the first sitting president to visit Cuba since 1928 -- FOX News Latino
Obama to make historic visit to Cuba -- DW
Obama will make historic visit to Cuba as soon as March, sources say -- USA

U.S., Cuba Announce Embassy Openings

Washington Post: U.S., Cuba plan to reopen embassies

President Obama on Wednesday announced that Cuba and the United States will establish diplomatic ties for the first time in more than 50 years, a breakthrough step in the process of normalizing relations between the two estranged countries.

“This is a historic step forward in our efforts to normalize relations with the Cuban government and people and begin a new chapter with our neighbors in the Americas,” Obama said during remarks in the White House Rose Garden.

“Nobody expects Cuba to be transformed overnight but I believe that American engagement through our embassy, our businesses and most of all through our people is the best way to advance our interests in support for democracy and human rights,” he said.

WNU Editor: What's may take .... I would have waited until after the Castros have gone .... but for president Obama .... this is all about his legacy, and he has 18 months left in his term.

More News On The U.S. And Cuba Announcing The Opening Of Their Embassies

U.S. Formally Resumes Diplomatic Ties With Cuba -- WSJ
Obama formally opens U.S. diplomatic ties with Cuba -- Reuters
Obama announces opening of US Embassy in Cuba -- FOX News
Obama announces reestablishment of U.S.-Cuba diplomatic ties -- CNN
Obama, Cuba announce embassy openings -- USA Today
Obama on U.S. Embassy in Cuba: 'This Is What Change Looks Like' -- NBC
President Obama: 'New Chapter' Begins as US, Cuba Will Open Embassies -- ABC News
2016 Republicans Denounce U.S.-Cuba Embassy Opening -- WSJ

U.S. Formally Removes Cuba From Its List Of State Sponsors Of Terrorism

New York Times: U.S. Removes Cuba From State-Sponsored Terrorism List

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration on Friday removed Cuba from a list of state sponsors of terrorism, a crucial step in normalizing ties between Washington and Havana and the latest progress in President Obama’s push to thaw relations between the United States and the island nation.

Secretary of State John F. Kerry rescinded Cuba’s designation as a terrorism sponsor at the end of a 45-day congressional notification period that began on April 14, when Mr. Obama announced his intention to remove Cuba from the list.

More News On The U.S. Formally Removes Cuba From Its List Of State Sponsors Of Terrorism

U.S. drops Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism -- Reuters
Cuba removed from US terror sponsor list -- FOX News/AP
U.S. takes Cuba off list of state sponsors of terrorism -- Washington Post
Cuba Officially Removed From U.S. State Sponsor of Terrorism List -- WSJ
Cuba officially off U.S. terror blacklist -- CNN
U.S. Takes Cuba off Terror List, Paving the Way for Normal Ties -- Bloomberg
US Drops Cuba from State Terrorism List, Paving the Way for Embassies -- ABC News
U.S. Officially Removes Cuba From State Sponsors of Terrorism List -- NBC News
US removes Cuba from list of state sponsors of terror -- BBC
US formally drops Cuba from terrorism 'black list' -- The Guardian

President Obama To Take Cuba Off The U.S. Terror List

Politico: Obama takes Cuba off terrorism list

The decision removes a major stumbling block in the two countries’ efforts to normalize relations.

President Barack Obama has decided to take Cuba off the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, removing a major stumbling block in the two countries’ efforts to normalize relations after more than five decades of estrangement.

The decision announced Tuesday was widely expected and comes after a review and recommendation from the State Department. It also follows a historic weekend meeting between Obama and Cuban President Raul Castro.

WNU Editor: Nothing is going to change in short term. Maybe more U.S. tourists, and definitely more legal battles by Cuban Americans who want a return and/or some form of compensation for business and properties that were seized by the Castros after the revolution .... but otherwise .... for the average Cuban .... nothing is going to change much in the next few years. On a personal note .... I would have made the gesture of restoring U.S. - Cuban relations only after the Castros were gone .... that family has caused enormous suffering in Cuba and giving them this type of U.S. legitimacy .... nope .... the timing is not right. But this is all academic now .... the Cuban door is now open (albeit slightly) .... let us hope that it will open even more in the months and years to come, starting with Cuban Americans returning to Cuba to help that nation progress into the 21rst century.

Update: Maybe the winds of change are coming sooner to Cuba than what we all may have thought .... Cuba fights public anger with reform in country's tense east (AP)

More News On President Obama Taking Cuba Off The U.S. Terror List

Obama to take Cuba off US terror list -- BBC
Obama to Remove Cuba From State Sponsor of Terror List -- ABC News/AP
Obama tells Congress he plans to remove Cuba from terrorism list -- Reuters
Obama removes Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism -- Washington Post
Obama Endorses Removing Cuba From Terrorism List -- NYT
Obama to Remove Cuba From Terror List -- WSJ
Obama drops Cuba from state terrorism list -- USA Today
Obama to remove Cuba from state sponsor of terror list -- FOX News
Obama to remove Cuba from list of state sponsors of terrorism -- The Guardian

Presidents Obama And Castro Meet In Panama

BBC: Obama says Castro meeting a 'turning point' in US-Cuba relations

US President Barack Obama has said that his meeting with Cuban President Raul Castro could be a "turning point".

He described the meeting on the fringes of the Summit of the Americas as "candid and fruitful".

Mr Obama said that the former foes would continue to have differences but that they could advance their mutual interests.

The meeting was the first formal talk between the two countries' leaders in half a century.

WNU Editor: Will the Castro brothers change and put Cuba on a different path .... nope .... that is not going to happen. And those in Cuba who are waiting in the wings to take over when the Castros are gone .... they are not going to implement the necessary reforms and policies that would transform Cuba from being one of the poorest nations in the Americas to one of the richest. My hope is on what will come after the next generation .... but that is far into the future.

More News On Presidents Obama And Castro Meeting In Panama

Obama meets Raul Castro in highest-level U.S.-Cuba talks in decades -- Reuters
In historic face to face, Obama, Castro vow to turn the page -- AP
President Obama, Cuban President Raul Castro Officially Meet For Substantive Talks In Panama -- ABC News
Obama, Raul Castro Historic Meeting At Summit Of The Americas -- CBS
Obama holds historic meeting with Cuba's Castro, pledges to 'turn the page' -- FOX News
Barack Obama and Raul Castro meet, launch new era of U.S.-Cuba ties -- CNN
Barack Obama and Cuban President Raúl Castro Hold Historic Meeting -- WSJ
Obama, Castro Have 'Historic' Face-to-Face Meeting -- VOA
Castro and Cuba show new side at Summit, and old tactics too -- Washington Post
Barack Obama: Cold War days with Cuba are over -- The Telegraph
Obama in historic talks with Castro but Cuban leader in no mood for a love-in -- The Guardian
What do Obama and Castro hope to accomplish by meeting? -- Samantha Laine, CSM
Castro and Obama’s New Bromance -- Daily Beast
U.S. and Cuba: from Cold War hostilities to a historic meeting -- Reuters

So They Shook Hands

U.S. President Barack Obama (L) and his Cuban counterpart Raul Castro shake hands as U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon (R) looks on, before the inauguration of the VII Summit of the Americas in Panama City April 10, 2015. Reuters/Panama Presidency/Handout via Reuters

President Obama Hints Of A Breakthrough As He Prepares To Meet Cuban President Castro

US secretary of state, John Kerry, (R) shakes hands with Cuban foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez, in Panama City, Panama. Photograph: Reuters

The Guardian: Obama hints at Cuba breakthrough as he flies south for Raúl Castro meeting

Havana expected to be dropped from list of state sponsors of terrorism, while John Kerry and Cuban counterpart sit down for highest-level talks in decades

Barack Obama is poised to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism, marking another important step toward rapprochement between the former cold war enemies.

The president said on Thursday that the State Department had finished the review of Cuba’s status that he ordered in December when he announced moves to normalise diplomatic relations.

More News On U.S. - Cuban Relations

US and Cuba hold highest-level meeting in over 50 years -- BBC
Top US and Cuban dignitaries meet for first time in decades -- Al Jazeera
US and Cuban officials meet in Panama amid historic thaw in relations -- CSM
President Obama, Cuban Leader Raul Castro Expected to Meet on Saturday -- ABC News
Obama, Castro 'spoke by phone before summit': US official -- AFP
Obama, Castro speak by phone amid bid to restore Cuba ties -- USA Today/AP
White House: Obama, Castro Spoke by Phone Before Americas Summit -- VOA
Obama Administration Launches Cuba Charm Offensive -- VOA
State Department recommends removing Cuba from terrorism list: Senate source -- Reuters
Historic US-Cuba Encounter Expected at Americas Summit -- VOA
Historic Obama-Castro handshake in Panama? -- CBS
Cuban Vice-president Says Normalization of US-Cuba Relations will Take Time -- Cuban News Agency

Cuban Leader Raoul Castro Demands That Before Restoration Of Relations The U.S. Must Pay Compensation For Economic Damages, Lift The Embargo, And Return Guantanamo Bay

Cuba's President Raul Castro speaks during the opening ceremony of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in San Antonio de Belen province of Heredia January 28, 2015. (Reuters/Costa Rica Presidency)

WSJ/AP: U.S. Must Return Guantanamo for Normal Relations With Cuba, Raúl Castro Says

WNU Editor: Something tells me that the White House never though about the possibility that Cuba may have a list of demands that must be met before any restoration of ties .... that all that they saw was a "bold announcement" that would make President Obama appear as a statesman .... praise from their friends in the media and on the left .... and support within the international community that the U.S. was now not only listening to ..... but also sympathetic to the needs and demands of Latin America.

Well .... Raoul Castro's demands have now changed all of that .... especially his demand for economic compensation .... and I can easily see the White House going into damage control in trying to explain what this is all about. My prediction .... this Castro demand has blindsided them .... and the fact that they have said nothing so far tells me that they were caught by surprise.

More News On Cuban Leader Raoul Castro Demands For Restoring Relations

Raul Castro: US Must Return Guantanamo for Normal Relations -- AP
Raul Castro demands U.S. pay back Cubans for 'damages,' return Guantanamo -- FOX News
Raúl Castro demands that US return Guantánamo base to Cuba -- The Guardian
Raul Castro demands U.S. return control of Guantanamo Bay -- Washington Times
Cuba urges US to end economic blockade, return Guantanamo -- RT
Raul Castro Urges US to Return Guantanamo Bay for Restoration of Relations -- Sputnik
Raúl Castro to US: Return Gitmo, end embargo -- Al Jazeera
Cuba's Raul Castro demands US return Guantanamo, lift embargo -- Deutsche welle
Raul Castro Says The US Must Return Guantanamo Bay Before Ties Are Normalized -- Business Insider
Raul Castro warns U.S. against meddling in Cuba's affairs -- Reuters

U.S. And Cuba To Begin Talks To Restore Full Diplomatic Relations

U.S. And Cuba To Start Talks On Normalizing Relations -- New York Times

WASHINGTON — The United States will open talks with Cuba aimed at restoring full diplomatic relations and opening an embassy in Havana for the first time in more than a half century after the release of an American contractor held in prison for five years, American officials said Wednesday.

President Obama plans to make a televised statement from the White House at noon about the breakthrough, which opens the door to a major international initiative that could help shape his legacy heading into his final two years in office.

Mr. Gross, who has been serving a 15-year sentence in a Cuban prison for trying to bring Internet services to Cuba, was released and put on an American government airplane bound for the United States, officials said. His captivity has been a longstanding obstacle to Mr. Obama’s desire to transform relations with the island nation.

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More News On U.S. And Cuba To Begin Talks To Restore Full Diplomatic Relations

US, Cuba seek to normalize relations -- AP
Obama to announce major Cuba policy overhaul; prisoners swapped -- Reuters
U.S. Moves to Normalize Cuba Relations as American Is Released -- WSJ
U.S. seeks to normalize relations with Cuba -- USA Today
Cuba releases American Alan Gross; Obama to overhaul relations -- CNN
Obama to Announce Easing in U.S.-Cuba Relations -- Bloomberg
US, Cuba seek to normalize relations after Alan Gross released -- FOX News
Obama to announce major Cuba policy change, US may open embassy -- RT

My Comment: I predicted when President Obama was first elected that one of his foreign policy priorities would be to move unconditionally in restoring full diplomatic ties with Cuba. With the release of Alan Gross, the dye has now been set for such a restoration of ties to begin.

U.S. Acknowledges The Creation Of A Cuban Twitter Feed To Stir Dissent

This sad Facebook page may be all that remains of the ‘Cuban Twitter’ created by the U.S. to stir unrest. A screenshot of ZunZuneo's Facebook page (Washington Post)

US Created 'Cuban Twitter' To Stir Uunrest -- BBC

The US created a text-message social network designed to foment unrest in Cuba, according to an investigation by the Associated Press news agency.

ZunZuneo, dubbed a "Cuban Twitter", had 40,000 subscribers at its height in a country with limited web access.

The project reportedly lasted from 2009-12 when the grant money ran out.

The US is said to have concealed its links to the network through a series of shell companies and by funnelling messages through other countries.

The BBC's Sarah Rainsford in the Cuban capital of Havana says the project appears to have taken advantage of the thirst for information on the island, where there is no independent media.

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More News On A U.S. Funded Cuban Twitter Feed Created To Stir Dissent

U.S. built secret 'Cuban Twitter' to stir unrest: AP -- Reuters
US funded secret Twitter app that has swept communist Cuba… to 'inspire dissent' -- Daily Mail
US Secretly Created Cuban Twitter-style ZunZuneo to' Undermine Communist Government' -- IBTimes
AP Report: US Secretly Created Cuban Social Media Network -- Voice of America
US government agency built 'Cuban Twitter' in failed social media attempt to spark regime change -- The Independent
US government 'financed secret Cuban Twitter' -- The Telegraph
US secretly created 'Cuban Twitter' to stir unrest and undermine government -- The Guardian
U.S. created a Cuban Twitter to overthrow government - report -- CNN
The U.S. Tried to Use Social Media to Overthrow the Cuban Regime -- Defense One/Quartz
The United States Secretly Set Up a ‘Cuban Twitter’ -- New York Magazine
The U.S. Government Secretly Built a 'Cuban Twitter' to Stir Dissent -- NextGov
US government harassed Castro with a fake Twitter service -- The Verge
The U.S. Allegedly Created A "Cuban Twitter" To Stir Dissent -- Fast Company
Exposed: How US created 'Cuban Twitter' to take down Castro -- RT

My Comment: Apparently this Twitter account only made 4 tweets in three years. Talk about amateur hour. And where did the money go?

The Obama-Castro Handshake

Raul Castro Reaches Out to Obama, But Don’t Call It A Thaw -- Eli Lake, Daily Beast

Tuesday’s handshake between Obama and Castro comes after six months of quiet diplomacy between the United States and Cuba—and Castro signaling he’s ready for bigger talks.

Since the Cuban revolution, the island’s ties with the United States have been marred by espionage, near war, sabotage, and deep distrust. But since President Obama came to office in 2009, Cuban leader Raul Castro has signaled that he is interested in a new relationship, according to current and former U.S. officials.

Earlier this year, Castro agreed to host peace talks between Colombia and the FARC, a Marxist rebel group that until recently Cuba and its most important ally, Venezuela, had supported. Last week, Obama praised the Cuban-brokered talks during a state visit with Colombia’s president, Juan Manuel Santos.

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More News On President Obama And Cuban President Raoul Castro Shaking Hands

White House says Obama-Castro handshake 'not planned' -- BBC
Cuba-U.S. handshake — 13 years in the making -- Miami Herald
Obama-Castro Handshake Draws Attention at Mandela Tribute -- Voice of America
Cuban-American lawmakers dismayed over Obama handshake with 'thug' Castro -- FOX News
Shaking out the Obama-Castro handshake -- Stephen Kurczy, Christian Science Monitor
Obama-Castro handshake more than just a gesture -- New York Daily News
Obama-Castro handshake - a sign of Mandela-like reconciliation? -- Rosa-Tania Valdes, Reuters
Obama and Castro shake hands: Could this indicate a new rapprochement? -- Jonathan Watts, The Guardian

U.S. President Obama Shakes Hands With Cuban President Castro At Mandela's Memorial Service (Video)

Pictured: The Moment Obama Shakes Hands With Raul Castro As He Takes The Stage At Mandela's Memorial Service -- Daily Mail

* Obama greeted a line of world leaders and heads of state in Johannesburg
* US President shook hands with Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, who has clashed with Obama over alleged National Security Agency spying

President Obama has shaken hands with Cuban President Raul Castro, an unprecedented gesture of friendship which occurred fittingly at the memorial service for Nelson Mandela today.

The handshake between the leaders of the two Cold War enemies came during a ceremony that's focused on the former South African President's legacy of reconciliation.

Obama was greeting a line of world leaders and heads of state attending the memorial in Johannesburg.

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My Comment: This is a historical moment.

After Iran Is A U.S. Cuba Rapprochement Next?

Could The Iran Deal Pave The Way For Diplomatic Talks With Cuba? -- Daniel Rivero, Fusion.com

It’s been 52 years since the U.S. withdrew recognition of the Castro regime, and refused to sit at a negotiating table with the Cuban government.

But considering this week’s landmark nuclear deal with Iran, there might be reason to think that the Cuban embargo, the United States’ single longest-standing foreign policy, could end.

When diplomatic relations were shut off in 1961, the Castro regime had just overseen the largest seizure of private US property in history, and was in the midst of exacting a brutal campaign to silence political dissent. More than 4,000 people were killed during the revolution, sending hundreds of thousands of political refugees to the U.S. shore.

The reasons for imposing the embargo and cutting off relations were understandable. Considering the similarities of the Iranian and Cuban situations, it’s not impossible to imagine a future where there is actual dialogue between the nations.

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My Comment: A full blown U.S. - Cuba rapprochement will happen one day .... but not if the Castro brothers are still around.

Cuba 'Willing To Talk To US'

"If they want to discuss the problems of democracy ... we will discuss them," Cuban President Raul Castro said Thursday.

Cuban President Raul Castro 'Willing To Talk To US' -- BBC

Cuban President Raul Castro has made a seemingly impromptu address at a Revolution Day ceremony and said he is willing to hold talks with the US.

Mr Castro, who had not spoken at the event for the past two years, grabbed the microphone to address the crowd in the eastern province of Guantanamo.

He said he would hold talks with the US, as long as it was "a conversation between equals".

The two countries have not had diplomatic relations for five decades.

President Castro said the offer had already been made through diplomatic channels and that no topic was off limits.

"Any day they want, the table is set," Mr Castro said.

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Update: Raul Castro again says Cuba willing to talk with U.S. -- CNN

My Comment: I know that he does not want to give anything ..... so it must be something that he wants in order to make this offer.

It's Always About Money And Oil

The US imposed embrago on Cuba is the world's longest running Photo: REUTERS

US Could Lift Cuba Embargo After Oil Discovery -- The Telegraph

The five decade-long United States embargo against Cuba could finally be lifted after the discovery of an enormous oil field in Cuban waters.

The world's longest-running embargo has endured in part because there was little the US wanted to buy from its impoverished neighbour.

But the discovery of between five and 20 billion barrels of oil in the deep waters off Cuba's north coast, only 60 miles away from Florida, has made American businessmen and politicians consider lifting the embargo.

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My Comment: At least these two brothers will be too old to enjoy it .... small consolation to the millions who have suffered because of them.

Cuba Protests U.S. Policy Placing the Country On A Terrorism List

PHOTO: Cuban-Americans arrive from Miami burdened with Christmas presents for their relatives at Havana's international airport. By STR/AFP/Getty Images

Angry Cuba Demands Removal From U.S. Terrorism List -- Reuters

HAVANA (Reuters) - Cuba angrily rejected on Friday U.S. accusations that it supports terrorist groups and demanded its removal from a U.S. list of "state sponsors of terrorism."

In the communist-led island's latest public criticism of the Obama administration, Cuba's government issued a statement disputing U.S. charges that it backs Basque and Colombian groups engaged in terrorist activities and that it illegally harbors fugitives from U.S. justice.

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More News On Placing Cuba On A Terrorism Watch List

US-Cuba tensions sharpen as Obama honeymoon ends -- AFP
Cuba Protests Inclusion on Tougher Airline Screening List -- FOX News
Cuba protests tighter U.S. airport screening -- Miami Herald/AP
Obama-Cuba honeymoon may be over -- CNN

My Comment: Cuba's support of guerrilla movements in Colombia and support for Basque separatist groups in Spain has finally caught up to them.

Yup .... the honeymoon between President Obama and Cuba appears to be over.

A U.S. - Cuba Detente?

Senior U.S. Official Holds Talks In Cuba -- CNN

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A senior American diplomat had high-level talks with the Cuban government in Havana, the State Department said Tuesday.

Bisa Williams, acting deputy assistant secretary, met this week with Deputy Foreign Minister Dagoberto Rodriguez during a six-day trip to Cuba, Assistant Secretary P.J. Crowley said.

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More U.S. - Cuba News

US, Cuba held unannounced talks -- AP
U.S., Cuban officials meet in high-level talks -- USA Today
U.S. Official Spent 6 Days in Cuba to Talk Postal Service, Ties -- Bloomberg
US and Cuba 'in high-level talks' -- BBC
Cuba plans luxury hotel for 'future American tourists' -- The Daily Mail

How An American Couple Came To Be Spies For Cuba

Kendall Myers, a retired intelligence analyst at State Department headquarters (pictured here) and his wife Gwendolyn Steingraber Myers, were arrested on charges of spying for Cuba. They used shortwave radio, Morse code, and grocery carts to pass US secrets to Cuban agents in a security breach one official described as "incredibly serious." (Scott Applewhite/AP/File)

From The Christian Science Monitor:

Kendall and Gwendolyn Myers were recruited from academia by Fidel Castro's intelligence service - one of the best in the world.

A retired State Department official — aided by a top security clearance, a shortwave radio, and his wife — passed on secret information to the Cuban Intelligence Service for nearly three decades.

That’s the gist of a grand jury indictment unsealed by federal prosecutors on Friday. The State Department is still working on a damage assessment, but federal prosecutor David Kris describes the alleged spy activity as “incredibly serious.”

The arrest of Kendall Myers and his wife, Gwendolyn Steingraber Myers, is the latest in a series of high-profile Cuban spying cases. This latest federal indictment, the result of a three-year joint investigation by the FBI and State Department, came just days after Cuba accepted a US offer to renew talks on immigration.

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More News On The Latest Cuban - U.S. Espionage Story

Accused spy's lecture raised flags -- Washington Times
Son of privilege accused of spying for Cuba -- San Francisco Chronicle
A Slow Burn Becomes a Raging Fire -- Washington Post
Fidel Castro's 'spies' used supermarket trolleys as tools of trade -- The Telegraph
American grandees ‘were thrilled to spy for Castro’ -- Times Online
Agents' stories have intrigue of spy novels -- Miami Herald
Spy Charges May Complicate Obama's Efforts to Engage Cuba -- FOX News
Fidel Castro calls U.S. spy case ridiculous -- Reuters
Castro questions timing of Cuban spy arrests -- AP
Martinez: Postpone Cuba talks -- Politico