Hugo Chavez

Key political risks to watch

January 4, 2012

Reuters‘ near term alert to key politcal risks to monitor in Cuba: Resolution of outstanding short-term debt. Signs of increased interest in foreign investment. U.S. inspection of drilling rig. Results of Repsol’s exploratory well. U.S. pressure to stop the drilling. Furthermore, on international relations: A planned Papal visit in March and improved ties with Brazil are bright [...]

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Cuba in 2012

November 30, 2011

I received today The Economist‘s The World in 2012 issue, whereby it forecasts the following for Cuba: Market forces and private enterprise will take on a greater role in the economy, under the strict guidance of Cuba’s Communist Party. It aims to shift 1m workers off state payrolls over the coming years, phase out rationing [...]

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Key political risks to watch in Cuba

October 10, 2011

Reuters lists in its early October Factbox, key political risks to watch in the island: The pace and final version of reforms. The numbers and performance of the newly self-employed. Agricultural production. Resolution of bank account access for foreign businesses. Effects of global economic problems. The growth of American travel to Cuba. Arrival of drilling rig. Results [...]

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Chávez’s health keeps Castro brothers awake

August 6, 2011

“Chávez’s cancer has been terrible news for Fidel Castro. Now, Havana tries to control a Venezuela, where Chávez could die. Such a scenario keeps them awake. The primary task of Cuban services, which are very clever for that matter, and their best strategists, in the event of Chávez passing away, is preventing that endless source [...]

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3,000 Cuban intelligence experts in Venezuela

July 20, 2011

Today’s The Wall Street Journal explores the consequences of Cuba’s deep penetration in Venezuela’s internal politics: During his tenure, Mr. Chávez has tried to indoctrinate the Venezuelan military, bringing on thousands of advisers to replicate Cuban military doctrine, and to deal with security and intelligence issues. Cuban officers are deeply involved in intelligence and security matters in Venezuela, from [...]

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De-Cubanization of Venezuela

July 11, 2011

Ambassador Jaime Daremblum, Director of the Hudson Institute’s Center for Latin American Studies, wrote an op-ed for Pajamas Media on the need for Venezuela to de-cubanize: In so many ways, the Cubanization of Venezuela has contributed to greater instability and uncertainty, while increasing the likelihood of violence. Chávez has essentially allowed his country to be colonized by Communist apparatchiks, [...]

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