CUBA BRIEF: THE WHITE HOUSE NEW TENANT AND THE RUSSIANS ARE BACK

RAUL CASTRO AND THE NEW TENANT: Just in case the Cuban dictator had not realized fully the implications of the new tenant in the White House, the U.S. missile attack against a Syrian air force base, and the unanimous Congressional support it has receivedhas reminded him of the new reality. The shorthand for what has happened in Havana, Tehran and Pyongyang is that “Trump is not Obama.”   

CUBA BRIEF: FINANCIAL TIMES REPORTS RAUL'S REFORMS GRIND TO A HALT/ WILL OBAMA LISTEN TO AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL AND CALL RAUL?

WHAT HAPPENED TO RAUL CASTRO’S REFORMS? TheFinancial Times reports today that “Havana has allowed its domestic reform drive to grind to a halt…”  FT says “Raul Castro sought to decentralize the economy and boost productivity by allowing self-employment, slashing state bureaucracy, welcoming foreing investment and unifying Cuba’s dual currency system.”  But the promises made by General Castro when he inherited power have come to naught.