Independence Day in Cuba

The USIS held their Fourth of July party last week, despite threats from the kindler, gentler, more pragmatic raul castro regime:

There weren't any 4th of July fireworks in the skies over Havana last weekend, but if you listened closely you might have heard the sharp sound of Raul Castro's parting shots as the top U.S. diplomat in Cuba finished up his tour of duty there.

Every July, every U.S. embassy in the world throws a big Independence Day bash. Filling a diplomatic role similar to that of an embassy, the U.S. Interests Section in Havana (USIS) celebrates the occasion as well. Only here, as in few other places, the decision to attend the festivities can be tantamount to making an overt political statement.

In addition to the usual collection of foreign ambassadors and journalists, invites are also sent out to dissidents, artists and pro-democracy advocates who have been critical of the Castro version of a perfect society.

No one expects everybody on the guest list to show up, but in Cuba the promise of free food, an open bar and permission to speak freely are pretty tempting draws.

You can read the article right here.

Posted by Val Prieto at July 8, 2008 02:31 PM

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Posted by: j2tharome at July 8, 2008 07:51 PM

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