“We are ready to talk about everything, but not to negotiate our political and social system.”
On Saturday, Raúl Castro spoke these words at a National Assembly meeting, and further explained, “It’s true there has been a diminution of the aggression and anti-Cuban rhetoric on the part of the [Obama] administration.”
President Castro had previously indicated that Cuba would be willing to talk to U.S. officials about “anything and everything,” but delivering the message to the National Assembly—as he did on Saturday—gives his words added weight and importance.
The United States will almost certainly not spurn his offer, as the Obama administration has been open rhetorically to talks. But the response might not be immediate.
Jeers for the day: Larry Birns, director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs (COHA), for his uncharacteristically patronizing remark—
“From the U.S. viewpoint, Cuba has been on good behavior.”
Let us remember that Cuba is a country (whether or not we tend to get along on many issues) and not a child to be swatted or patted on the head. The dangers of such paternalistic metaphor cannot be exaggerated.
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