• United Nations Condemns US Trade Restrictions Against Cuba, Votes With Near Unanimity

    The United Nations voted with near unanimously in favor, on Tuesday, of a resolution criticizing the United States embargo on Cuba, with only two opposing votes. The United States, along with its close ally Israel, both voted "no" on the resolution. Many had hoped the United States would take a softer stance considering the recent diplomatic strides taken by each nation, however, the U.S. cast the "no" vote because it felt the language did not reflect the spirit of "opening" between the two countries according to CNN.

  • [WATCH] 'Cubanacán: A Revolution of Forms,' First New Cuban Opera in 50 Years

    'Cubanacán: A Revolution of Forms' is indeed the first new Cuban opera in nearly five decades. Itself some twelve years in the making, this new production comes to fruition via American filmmaker Charles Koppleman to kick off the 2015 Havana Biennial on May 22, under the curious theme “Between the Idea and the Experience.” Featuring a libretto by Koppleman, music by Cuban composer Roberto Valera (who will also conduct) and stage direction by the Parisian upstart Charles Chemin, 'Cubanacán' looks at moment in the history of Castro’s reign that you've likely never read about before.

  • After 5 Years in Captivity, Cuba Has Released American Alan Gross in Prisoner Swap

    Just a few short weeks after learning that the United States launched a failed attempt to rescue one of our hostages, Luke Somers, who was being held in Yemen, we are now hearing of another hostage who has been released. Alan Gross, 65, was working as a U.S. contractor in Cuba in 2009 when he was arrested for bringing telecommunications devices into the country. He was later convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison, but as of this morning, Dec. 17, Gross is on a plane bound for Washington, D.C. According to ABC News, Gross has been in poor health for some time and has refused medical care. Gross is said to now be blind in one eye, suffering from arthritis in one hip and nearly toothless. He was also staging a hunger strike, which he promised would ultimately lead to his death if he was not released this year. In exchange for Gross, the U.S. has agreed to hand over three Cuban agents who were convicted of espionage back in the 1990s. Sources say all three have been housed at a federal medical facility in North Carolina.
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