The Cuba Wars: Fidel Castro, the United States, and the Next Revolution

Something for Everyone

The Cuba Wars has something for everyone. If you are an avid follower of the island, the book will bring you up to date on the latest travails to promote democratic change to Cuba. While author Daniel Erikson¿s position is quite clear (and few could argue with the logic his analysis), he does not caricaturize those who support and shape U.S. policy, particularly the embargo. If you are a recent student of Latin America, this book will provide you with a quick, but entertaining, review of the Revolution and its aftermath, both in Cuba and the United States.

Erikson¿s chapters shift from Cuba, Miami and Washington, D.C., as he interviews average citizens, military officials, political leaders and opinion makers in the polarized world of Cuban politics. Erickson shows the folly of U.S. policy, but does not pull any punches in describing the political contradictions and economical distortions of the Revolution, which has fallen short of its rhetoric on almost all accounts. He weaves a nice narrative and conveys an acute sense of observation and humor.

A case in point is the chapter on Guatanamo Bay, "The Least Worst Place," Donald Rumsfeld¿s characterization of the U.S. naval base as a holding place for enemy combatants from Afghanistan. Erikson links the war on terror with the politics of the island and in the process uncovers an unlikely dialogue taking place between the militaries of the United States and Cuba. Bimonthly ¿fence meetings,¿ address local, military-to-military issues in an attempt to avoid any misunderstandings that could exacerbate a tense situation.

Unfortunately, these little known encounters constitute one of only three areas of sustained official communications between the two countries. According to the author, it is this lack of communication that has sustained the ¿Cuban Wars,¿ his encapsulation of policies from both sides of the Florida Strait, which ¿have endured far too long, damaged the lives of too many people and achieved far too little to justify making this conflict the inheritance of future generations.¿ I have no doubt that The Cuba Wars will soon find the wide audience it deserves.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Catherine

Se spits the pill out and groans in pain. NO. She cant push him off and she spots a pack of beer an tries to bre it but he gets to it first.