Cuba embargo has its detractors, supporters

Washington's 50-year-old economic embargo of Cuba, which the island's leaders refer to as a "blockade," has its supporters and detractors. Here's what some people have said about it:

No cigar: Economic embargo on Cuba turns 50

When it started, American teenagers were doing "The Twist." The United States had yet to put a man into orbit around the Earth. And a first-class U.S. postage stamp cost 4 cents.

Fidel Castro presents 2-volume memoir

Fidel Castro spent six hours presenting a two-volume memoir to an audience at a Havana convention center, state media said Saturday. It was a rare appearance for the retired and increasingly reclusive former Cuban leader.

Cuba's Raul Castro visits Venezuela's Chavez

Cuban President Raul Castro flew to Caracas on Friday to attend a meeting with other allies of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez, who was at the airport for the arrival.

Cuban dissident blogger says exit visa denied

Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez says she has been denied permission attend a film festival in Brazil.

Cuban officials shown video warning on corruption

Cuban authorities are summoning bureaucrats and Communist Party members to watch a video about corruption investigations, a person who has seen the video said Thursday, as President Raul Castro's government sends a stern warning that it's serious about cracking down on graft.

Orlando gets permission for Cuba flights

Orlando International Airport has received permission to offer air service to Cuba.

Correction: Cuba-Oil Drilling story

In a Jan. 30 story on Cuba's efforts to drill for oil off its coast, The Associated Press erroneously described the type of documents the U.S. Coast Guard and private response teams have received to work with Cuba and its partners to clean up any potential spill. They received licenses from the U.S. government, not visas.

Brazil prez: Blogger's travel for Cuba to decide

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff said Tuesday that her country acted properly in granting an entry visa to Cuban dissident blogger Yoani Sanchez, but that it's an internal matter for Cuba as to whether Sanchez is allowed to leave the island.

Widow of Cuban prisoner confirms domestic violence

The widow of a Cuban prisoner who reportedly died after a 50-day hunger strike acknowledged Monday that his legal troubles stemmed from a domestic violence incident and that he aligned himself with the opposition only after he was detained for that, but accused the government of negligence leading to his death.

Raul Castro calls for openness in Communist Party -- up to a point

Cuba's Communist Party Sunday cleared the way for a long-term renovation of its Central Committee that might hint at the island's future leaders, while Raúl Castro issued a strong call for openness within the party and mass media — but only up to a point.

Experts, officials to testify on Cuba oil drilling at Sunny Isles Beach hearing

Members of the U.S. Coast Guard, experts and U.S. officials will testify on the risk of oil drilling off the coast of Cuba, and whether the U.S. is prepared for any possible spill.

The fight for Cuban-Americans is on in Florida

If Mitt Romney wins Tuesday's primary, a sliver of the GOP electorate in Florida may be one of the big reasons.

Raul Castro defends Cuba's one-party system

President Raul Castro delivered a full-throated defense of Cuba's one-party political system on Sunday, and a sharp warning to Communist Party delegates to fight corruption he said was a greater threat to the revolution than anything the United States could dream up.

Brazilian leader under pressure on rights ahead of Cuba trip

Dilma Rousseff arrives in Cuba on Monday on her first visit there as Brazil's president, and she's facing pressure to take a stronger and more public stance on human rights violations that continue under the Cuban government.

Details of Cuba's case against U.S. subcontractor Alan Gross leak out

A U.S. government subcontractor serving a 15-year prison sentence in Cuba slipped three satellite phones, three laptops and 13 Blackberry phones into the island, a court document in his case showed.

Jailed Cuban dissident Wilman Villar reportedly near death

A Cuban political prisoner is in a coma and near death from pneumonia he picked up when he refused to wear a prison uniform and went on a hunger strike, his wife said Monday.

AL JAZEERA

Slow pace of reform troubles Cubans

It is an uncanny thing when you are in Cuba. With no cameras around, most Cubans on the street will speak freely about their frustrations and complaints after more than 50 years of socialist revolution. If the camera goes on, however, almost everyone demurs.

CARIBBEAN CRM CENTRAL

Is Cuba Ready for a BPO Revolution?

The establishment of Cuba as an Nearshore services base for US corporations is not as outrageous as we might have thought only a year ago.

FLORIDA KEYS KEYNOTER

Key West flights to Cuba?

There are just three cities in the U.S. that have flights departing for Havana, Cuba, and Key West would like to be the fourth -- or at least the fifth

NPR

Author Tells Of A 90s Cuba

Whether at the beach, poolside, or on a city rooftop, summer is a great chance to grab a cool drink and relax with a good book. That's why throughout the hottest months Tell Me More has been recommending great reads. This week we speak to Cuban American author Achy Obejas. Obejas' latest book, Ruins, is an insightful look at Cuba in the mid-90's.

THE INDEPENDENT

Cuba is opening its doors to investment

For a communist country, Cuba has marketed itself pretty well over the years. It's almost impossible to hear the island's name without thinking of white rum, cigars, salsa, Ernest Hemingway and streets lined with battered 1950s American cars.

THE GUARDIAN

Che Guevara's daughter recalls her revolutionary father

Aleida Guevara talks about having to share her 'Papi' with the world – and her dislike of the commercialisation of his image

PR NEWS WIRE

Spanish court to hear Bacardi appeal on Havana Club

Bacardi Limited, the largest privately held spirits company in the world, today announced the Supreme Court of Spain has decided to hear its appeal in the case involving trademark rights to the Havana Club rum brand. The decision by the Spanish Supreme Court is a critically important and successful step in the case, as the Court is highly selective in what cases it reviews.