Highlighted Story – "Change but More of the Same in Cuba." On February 20, 2008, Fidel Castro posted an e-mail to the world. The ruthless, revolutionary dictator, who has ruled Cuba for almost fifty years, took to the Internet to announce he would not be returning to his post as President of the Republic.
The message was anticlimactic as "Raúl, the Young" has been acting President of the Republic since July, 2006. Seventy six year old General Raúl Castro is Fidel Castro's younger brother and head of Cuba's armed forces. Despite some recent propaganda pronouncements, he has made no significant changes in how Cuba is run. To learn more about Frank Calzon's insights,the Executive Director of 'The Center for a Free Cuba,' please open the attachment.
Main News –
- US leaves Venezuela out of the list of countries that sponsor terrorism.
- Argentinian economy minister resigns. Smoke chokes Argentina's capital. Argentina's country risk reaches highest since June 2005.
- Excellent article: Friends of Terror in Peru. Peru's congress rejects European Parliament's MRTA terrorist group decision.
- France pushes for FARC hostage release.
- Cuba to Raise Pension Payments, Some Government Worker Salaries.
- Major blackout hits most regions in Venezuela. Chávez threatens to expropriate Sidor. Venezuelan Congress declares Sidor a public utility. Pdvsa is not transparent according to report. Belarus to help build socialist towns in Venezuela. Venezuela's inflation takes off. Newborn 2D Movement wants referendum results to be observed.
- Colombia: most wanted "drug lord" killed.
- Brazil: Colombia's FARC will be met with bullets.
- Thousands Protest Mexico Energy Reform Plan.
- Laptop reveals ties to leading member of National Assembly in Ecuador.