Cuba

Assata Shakur Dies in Cuba: Reactions to Black Liberation Army Figure’s Death

Assata Shakur, a name that resonates with both reverence and controversy, has passed away in Cuba at the age of 78. Her life was a tapestry woven with threads of activism, struggle, and unwavering conviction, marked by her involvement in the Black Liberation Army and her subsequent exile. The news of her death has sparked a wide range of reactions, from heartfelt tributes to dissenting voices, reflecting the complex legacy she leaves behind.

Assata Shakur’s story is inextricably linked to the turbulent era of the 1960s and 70s, a time of intense racial tension and the fight for civil rights in America.… Continue reading

Florida Cubans Divided on Trump: “He Acts Like Fidel”

The article draws comparisons between the policies of the Trump administration and the Cuban government, citing actions like aggressive immigration checks and attacks on the LGBTQ+ community. These similarities, along with economic concerns, have led some Cuban-Americans in Florida to reconsider their support for the former president. Despite this, polls suggest that many Cuban-Americans still support Trump, even as deportations and restrictions on travel to Cuba impact their community. Ultimately, the community is facing a range of challenges, including fears about deportation, asylum denials, and questions surrounding the Cuban Adjustment Act.

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Cuban Minister Resigns After Denying Beggars’ Existence

Cuban Minister for Labour, Marta Elena Feitó Cabrera, resigned after stating that there are no beggars in Cuba, and that those rummaging through rubbish were doing so for “easy money,” which caused widespread public criticism. The comments, made in parliament, were seen as tone-deaf, especially considering the country’s worsening economic crisis, food shortages, and increased poverty levels. President Díaz-Canel also rebuked her comments, which was unusual in the Communist-run island. The resignation was a result of the outcry against her insensitive remarks and the government’s perceived disconnect from the reality of the Cuban people.

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US Orders 500,000 Legal Immigrants From Four Nations to Leave

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has ordered the departure of over 500,000 citizens from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela, reversing a Biden-era policy granting them temporary protected status. This decision, which is expected to face legal challenges, terminates the “humanitarian parole” program that allowed these individuals to remain in the U.S. for two years. The Trump administration cites concerns about fraudulent claims and negative impacts on American workers, while offering financial assistance for voluntary departures. The reversal follows a Supreme Court ruling upholding the suspension of the program.

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Trump’s Guantanamo Migrant Plan: Cuba Condemns Brutal Detention Proposal

President Trump ordered the Pentagon and DHS to prepare a Guantanamo Bay facility to house up to 30,000 immigrants, expanding the military’s role in immigration enforcement. This existing facility, separate from the detention center for terrorism suspects, will reportedly hold “the worst criminal illegal aliens.” The announcement coincided with the signing of the Laken Riley Act, enabling pre-trial detention for undocumented migrants charged with violent crimes. Cuban President Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the plan, citing the base’s history and illegal occupation of Cuban territory.

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Cuba Condemns Trump’s Guantanamo Migrant Detention Plan as Brutal

President Trump ordered the Pentagon and DHS to prepare a Guantanamo Bay facility to house up to 30,000 immigrants, expanding the military’s role in immigration enforcement. This facility, separate from the detention center for terrorism suspects, has been used for migrants in the past. The move, announced alongside the signing of the Laken Riley Act, aims to significantly increase detention capacity for undocumented immigrants charged with serious crimes. Cuban President Díaz-Canel strongly condemned the plan, citing the base’s history and its location on illegally occupied Cuban territory.

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Trump Reinstates Cuba as State Sponsor of Terrorism

Trump revoking Biden’s removal of Cuba from the US state sponsors of terrorism list highlights the volatile nature of US foreign policy. This 180-degree shift every four years makes international negotiations incredibly difficult; how can any nation trust agreements with a country whose policies change so drastically with each administration? The sheer unpredictability undermines international relations and creates an atmosphere of distrust.

Trump’s action underscores a deeply partisan and spiteful brand of politics within the US. The simple act of reversing a previous administration’s decision, regardless of its merit, becomes a priority, demonstrating a lack of continuity and a focus on symbolic gestures over substantive policy.… Continue reading

Cuba Frees Prisoners After US Removes it From Terrorist List: A Necessary Step or a Costly Mistake?

Following negotiations facilitated by the Catholic Church, the Biden administration removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, resulting in the release of 553 political prisoners. This action, coupled with waivers on Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and the rescission of National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, aimed to ease economic pressure and improve human rights conditions in Cuba. The decision, however, faced immediate criticism from Republican members of Congress, who argued that Cuba’s actions did not warrant such concessions. The administration asserted that the changes would provide immediate relief to imprisoned protesters and their families.

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US Removes Cuba From Terrorist List: A Temporary Victory?

President Biden will remove Cuba from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, reversing a Trump-era decision. This action, part of a prisoner release deal facilitated by the Catholic Church, is intended to normalize relations and alleviate Cuba’s economic hardship. The deal includes the release of hundreds of prisoners, potentially including those detained following 2021 anti-government protests. While Cuba welcomes the move, the decision’s long-term impact remains uncertain, particularly given potential future administrations’ policies.

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Biden Lifts Cuba Terrorism Designation, Frees Prisoners in Last-Minute Deal

President Biden notified Congress of his intention to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a decision facilitated by the Catholic Church and intended to secure the release of numerous political prisoners. This action, coupled with eased economic pressure on Cuba, reverses aspects of the Trump administration’s stricter policies. The Biden administration cited a lack of credible evidence of Cuban support for international terrorism in recent months. However, the incoming Trump administration may overturn this decision given its previously stated positions on Cuba and the expected appointments of Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio and Mauricio Claver-Carone.

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