America's Secret War Against Cuba

By Hal Stanton

Capitalist Conspiracy

9. The Bay of Pigs

In 1961, CIA-trained Cuban exiles invaded Cuba -- along with CIA operatives in a plane above. Fidel and his army successfully thwarted the invaders, resulting in U.S. and exiled fighter casualties and a serious humiliation for the young JFK.

But it didn't stop the Americans from planning violence against their Caribbean neighbor in subsequent years.

(By the way, little-known fact: rumors of the attack had been fluttering about for months, with the Washington Post reporting that the Soviets knew the exact date of the attack, informing the Cubans and not relaying this to the Americans.)

10. Operation Radio Swan

Much like its Radio Free Europe propaganda campaigns during WWII and the Cold War, Radio Swan was a station based on Swan Island operated solely by the CIA.

Given its proximity to Cuba, the AM and shortwave radio towers were used to disenchant the Castro regime in the minds of listening citizens.

11. Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba

A George W. Bush Administration program was created to "explore ways the U.S. can help hasten and ease a democratic transition in Cuba." The Administration believed Castro was in ill health and would soon pass away, thus bringing down his government.

The program's initial funding totaled $59 million, which others suspect was actually used to fund the overthrow Aristide's government in Haiti. The conclusion of the report claimed $80 million would be enough to secure a transition away from Communism once Castro was deceased.

12. Guantanamo Bay

Now used by the American government as a detention center for alleged terrorists, the 45 square miles of land and water are officially owned by Cuba but on perpetual lease to the United States via a 1903 Treaty after the Spanish-American War.

Cuba alleges the lease is illegal, but it seems Uncle Sam isn't going anywhere. Before the Cuban Revolution, the U.S. was paying from $2,000 to $4,000 per year. However, since Castro has been in power the recalcitrant leader has cashed just one check of Uncle Sam's money. It also may be the best land deal in the history.

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