U.S.-Cuban Relations

Lawmakers push to open travel to Cuba
Many lawmakers are pushing to remove the travel restrictions to Cuba, and ultimately, to remove the trade embargo that has been in place for over half a century. The bill, which is titled the Dorgan Bill, would allow American's the right to travel to Cuba, only to be stopped by the President in times of war or if there's an "imminent danger."

Click here to read the article.

Biden says no plans to scrap trade embargo
Contradictory to moves being made by legislators towards the removal of the U.S.-Cuban trade embargo, Vice President Joe Biden stated that the Obama Administration isn't going to overturn the trade embargo.

Click here to read the article.

Fidel Castro criticizes Biden for embargo support
In response to Biden's statement, Fidel Castro criticizes the American Government for refusing to move forward in its trade relations with Cuba.

Click here to read the article.

U.S.-Cuba Relations

Shock Cabinet Shakeup jolts core of Cuba's leadership
http://www.tribune.net.ph/commentary/20090307com3.html


Congress votes to ease Cuban travel
Congress passed the bill which makes it easier for Cuban Americans to visit their families in Cuba. The bill removes limitations on the amount of time that Cuban Americans can spend in Cuba, restrictions that were previously put in place by the Bush Administration.

Click here to read the article


Cuba policy 'showdown' is far from over
This article looks at the controversy brewing over the passage of the bill that allows Cubans to visit Cuba without time limitations. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner along with two Senators Menendez and Nelson, promised to "interpret the law so strictly that it would be rendered ineffective." Whereas, House Rep. Serrano promised to not allow those in opposition to the bill behave "'just like the Bush Administration did.'"

Clikc here to read the article


Cuban official rules out any Obama preconditions for improved relations
Cuba says they're willing to talk, but makes it very clear that they're unwilling to take any U.S. preconditions. Josefina Vidal Ferrerio, the director of the North American division of the Cuban Foerign Ministry, speaks on what it is that Cuba needs and wants from the U.S.

Click here to read the article.


Online radio show on Cuba and the U.S.
On this episode of WorldFocus, the history of U.S.-Cuban relations is discussed along with the future of U.S.-Cuban relations. The speakers include the director for the Cuban division of the Center for International Policy, and a former political analyst for the Cuban government.
Click here to listen to the radio session.

U.S.-Cuba Foreign Policy

Cuba bill opens Obama-Menendez rift

This article discusses Senator Robert Menendez's attempts to prevent the U.S. from relaxing it's travel restrictions on Cuban Americans who wish to visit Cuba, by holding up two of Obama's nominations. Menendez, who is the only Cuban-American Democrat in the Senate, asserts that passing this bill would be "extending a hand while the Castro regime maintains its iron-handed clenched fist."

Click here to read the article.

Cuba shake-up raises questions about US relations

This article examines Raul Castro's decision to replace the Cuban foreign minister and Cabinet Secretary, both of whom are labeled "Fidel loyalists," and the impact that might have on future relations between the U.S. and Cuba.

Click here to read the article.