Topic: Raul Castro

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Cuban Missile Crisis: 5 ways leftist ideology lives on in Latin America

This week marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuban Missile Crisis, when the US and the Soviet Union were on the brink of nuclear war over the installation of Soviet missiles in Cuba.
Sixth Summit of the Americas: 8 things to watch

Yes, the Summit of the Americas in Cartagena will debate drug policy and Cuba. Here are eight other topics to be discussed at the Summit.
5 countries with the longest ongoing US sanctions

Sanctions are once again leading the news with trade embargoes tightening around Iran and debates over whether to loosen US restrictions on Cuba and Myanmar.
Are you up on Latin American news? Try our quiz.
In Pictures: Urban gardens

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Pope schedules last-minute meeting with Fidel Castro

Pope Benedict XVI's decision to meet with the former Cuban leader angered Castro critics because, they say, it gives the Cuban government legitimacy.
Latin America Monitor Pope in Cuba: Will he raise case of jailed American?

Many are watching to see if the pope mentions the case of imprisoned US aid worker Alan Gross. But the delicacy of his trip to Cuba makes it unlikely, writes guest blogger Girish Gupta.
Catholicism in a communist land: Pope Benedict XVI travels to Cuba

Cuba was declared an atheist state after the 1959 revolution, but many dissidents are looking to Pope Benedict XVI to help bring more political reform to the island.
Why the pope wants stronger ties with Mexico and Cuba

While the Catholic church is bolstering the faithful in Mexico and Cuba, it is also seeking closer ties with national governments during Pope Benedict XVI's first visit to these countries.
Latin America Monitor Obama administration 'gets real' on Cuba

Congressman David Rivera pressed Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Cuba this week. Her response showed an awareness of "what is really going on in Cuba," writes a guest blogger.
Latin America Monitor Summit of the Americas standoff: Cuba wants in

President Obama could take the high road and allow Cuban President Raul Castro to observe the Summit of the America's in Cartagena, writes guest blogger Anya Landau French.
Latin America Monitor Bash America? The Castros play to their base in Cuba

Cuba's Raul Castro attacked imperialism at last weekend's Communist Party conference, while Fidel Castro earlier criticized US Republican candidates.
5 countries with the longest ongoing US sanctions

Sanctions are once again leading the news with trade embargoes tightening around Iran and debates over whether to loosen US restrictions on Cuba and Myanmar.
US foes unite: Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega cozies up to Iran's Ahmadinejad

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran will be the guest of honor at the inauguration of Nicaragua's newly-reelected president, Daniel Ortega.
Latin America Monitor Fidel Castro death rumor shows paradoxes in Cuba

As 2012 kicks off, blogger Anya Landau French weighs in on the Cuban economic and social developments that she will assess as she visits Havana next week.
Are you up on Latin American news? Try our quiz.

It's been a big year in Latin America, and the Monitor has brought you on-the-ground reports from Mexico to Manitoba Colony, Bolivia. You probably know that Brazil is booming and former dictator Manuel Noriega arrived in Panama. But beyond the headlines, how closely did you follow the big events of 2011? Test your comprehension in this 2011 year-end quiz.
Is it time for Obama to simply ask Cuba's President Castro to free Alan Gross?

US officials are proposing new measures to force Cuba to release USAID worker Alan Gross from prison, but guest blogger Anya Landau French suggests trying something different.
Burma sanctions should be model for Cuba embargo

The byzantine Cuba embargo in many ways ties the US's hands, says guest blogger Anya Landau French, so maybe it’s time to apply the Burma sanctions model – defend it or lose it – to Cuba.
For Cubans, new property rights – and the return of an old anxiety

President Raúl Castro's latest reform lets Cubans buy and sell property for the first time in decades. But the reform has some worried that it could reintroduce pre-revolution class divisions.
How the IMF and World Bank could save Cuba's economy – defying the US embargo

A new Brookings Institution report from Richard Feinberg offers a plan for the international community to aid Cuba's economic reforms, even in the face of US opposition.
Freedom may be messy, but it beats despotism

The Arab Spring toppled dictators in Tunisia, Egypt, and Libya. Yemen and Syria may be next. Though trials remain, we are witnessing an extraordinary fight for freedom. What emerges may not be the kind of democracy Westerners want, but it beats tyranny.
New optimism in Cuba about economic reforms, Freedom House study reveals

The Freedom House report on Cuba released today finds that Cubans see real economic change there, and more Cubans now would rather work for themselves than hold once-prized state jobs.
Cuba wrap-up: US fugitives, prisoner swaps, and a spike in illegal immigration

The US Coast Guard reports that illegal migration from Cuba is up; meanwhile, hope is dim that the release of the first 'Cuban Five' from jail would pave the way for Cuba to free American Alan Gross.
One of 'Cuban Five' spies to walk free today in Florida

But where will Rene Gonzalez, convicted of spying for the Cuban government, go? A Florida judge has ordered he must serve three years of probation in the US, after spending 13 years behind bars.
In Pictures: Urban gardens
Venezuelan supporters pray for Hugo Chávez amid health concerns [VIDEO]

Venezuela's leftist President Hugo Chávez remains quiet in Cuba weeks after receiving surgery there. As rumors of his health swirl throughout Venezuela, supporters rally to deflect opposition criticism.
In Cuba, Castro's communist hard-liners dash hopes of reform

Raúl Castro has freed some political prisoners, talked of term limits, and announced plans to lay off half a million government workers. But he's chosen for his inner circle senior hard-liners who resist change. Until they leave, change will be limited.
Cubans may no longer be stuck on Caribbean isle

President Raúl Castro's economic reforms in Cuba appear set to deliver long-sought freedom, even if few can afford to go anywhere.
Castro hails 'new generation' of Cuba leaders, but appoints old guard

José Ramón Machado Ventura, 80, will fill Raul Castro's old spot as No. 2 in power, while Ramiro Valdes will take over the No. 3 role. Both have collaborated with the Fidel and Raul Castro since at least the 1950s.
As Fidel Castro steps down, a political shakeup in Cuba?

Delegates since Saturday have debated more than 300 proposals to overhaul the struggling economy. Details on who will fill leadership roles are expected to emerge later today.