Diplomatic corner

• U.S. president makes recess appointment of U.S. ambassador to El Salvador, who had questionable ties to Cuban diplomats/agents. [El Nuevo Herald]

• Cuba has “exported” doctors, nurses and health technicians to earn diplomatic influence in poor countries and hard cash for its floundering economy. [Wall Street Journal]

• North Korea’s Kim Jong-il has a taste for Cuban cigars. [Luxist]

• Cuban advisors’ influence permeates Chavez’s decision to reject U.S. ambassador-designate. [Heritage Foundation]

• Is there a mass exodus from Cuban on the horizon?  [Miami Herald]

(Image: Diplomacy board game from Avalon Hill.)