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Loco? US Lawmakers Meet With Fidel Castro
It's not quite time to break out the cigars, but it looks like the US and Cuba may soon be friendlier neighbors.
US members of Congress met with longtime Cuban dictator Fidel Castro yesterday in Havana, sending a signal that we might see a drastic shift in US-Cuban relations. On Monday, the same members of the Black Caucus met with Castro's brother, and current Cuban leader, Raúl.
Fidel Castro's Resignation Marks an End of an Era
Here's one more look at the resignation of Fidel Castro. It marks the end of an era, which has lasted since the communist rebel took power in 1959. Castro outlasted nine US presidents.
Headline: Raul Castro Takes Over as Cuba's New President
Following Fidel Castro's resignation last week, Cuba's National Assembly has named Fidel's brother, Raul, to be Cuba's new president. Yesterday, the National Assembly that is Cuba's 614-member legislature cast secret ballots to choose the 31-member Council of State, which acts as the Assembly when it is not in session. The vote included Raul Castro's new job.
Headline: Fidel Castro Resigns as President of Cuba
Fidel Castro, 81, this morning ended one of the longest tenures as one of the most well-known communist heads of state.
Citing ill health, Castro said in a letter to the nation posted on the Granma website:
“I will not aspire to neither will I accept — I repeat I will not aspire to neither will I accept — the position of President of the Council of State and Commander in chief."
"It would betray my conscience to occupy a responsibility that requires mobility and the total commitment that I am not in the physical condition to offer.”
Hearing the news of Castro's retirement while on his trip through Africa, President Bush said, “The United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty,” adding that this is a new beginning and chance for a democratic transition.
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Cubans Now Allowed to Build Homes With Their Own Money
Ever since he assumed power from his brother Fidel last year, Raul Castro, has rolled out some symbolic economic efforts that are changing the face of Cuba. The latest move allows Cubans to build their own homes using private money. It may sound like a basic right, but it's a big step for the country and aims to alleviate a housing shortage that was made worse with last year's devastating hurricane, which wrecked more than 1 million homes.
Cuba Hopes Obama Will Lift Embargo: Do You?
Leading up to the US presidential elections, 90 miles off the coast of Florida most people were rooting for Barack Obama. Now that he's won, Cubans hope that the new president will take steps to soften the 46-year-old US-Cuba trade embargo.
Way back in August 2007, then long-shot Obama got heat for saying he would meet personally with Cuban dictator Fidel Castro.
Front Page: Blagojevich Announces Pick for Obama Seat
- Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's selection of former state Attorney General Roland Burris to Barack Obama's Senate seat brings race into the drama surrounding the embattled governor, who is facing impeachment for trying to sell the Obama seat. With Obama out, Burris would be the only African American in the Senate. — Chicago Sun Times
- Israel has rejected the proposal of a 48-hour cease-fire in Gaza after five straight days of air attacks.
Briefing Book! Knowing Is Half the Battle . . .
- Oil: Borrow money from China to buy oil from the Persian Gulf? The Pentagon uses as much oil as the entire country of Greece. — Politico
- Castro: Is Fidel on the ticket?
Front Page: Alaska's Ted Stevens Loses Tight Reelection Bid
- Alaskan Senator Ted Stevens has officially lost his reelection bid, bringing the Democrats only two seats away from a filibuster-proof 60-seat majority. Stevens was the longest serving Republican ever to serve in the Senate, and his recent federal corruption conviction led to his fall from power. — New York Times
- China's president Hu Jinato visited Cuba yesterday bringing hope of Chinese aid to the island and closer trade ties.
Radical Raul? Cuba Commutes Death Sentences
Raul Castro has commuted all but three death sentences handed down in Cuba. Every death-row inmate, besides three convicted terrorists, will now face 30 years in prison, instead of death by firing squad.
Raul, who officially took over for his brother Fidel Castro this past February, said that humanitarian concerns, not international pressure, motivated his decision.
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