A place in the sun: Russian navy seeks to set up first base abroad since 1991 – and shortlists Cuba, Vietnam and Seychelles

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2179917/Russian-navy-shortlists-Cuba-Vietnam-Seychelles-potential-base-abroad.html Russia has been sending warships further afield in a bid to increase the reach of its navy in recent years By Kerry Mcqueeney PUBLISHED: 11:24 EST, 27 July 2012 | UPDATED: 11:39 EST, 27 July 2012 Russia is hoping to establish its first naval base abroad since the collapse of the Soviet Union in […]

43 arrested in post-papal visit Cuba crackdown

http://ca.news.yahoo.com/43-arrested-post-papal-visit-cuba-crackdown-213447808.html At least 43 Cuban dissidents have been arrested in areas near where Pope Benedict XVI visited last week, dissidents said Tuesday, as the United States urged their immediate release. “We have been able to confirm that 43 opposition members have been detained — 10 women and 33 men — in a crackdown on Monday […]

Cuba declares Good Friday a holiday at Pope’s request… 53 years after Fidel Castro banned religious holidays

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2123485/Cuba-declares-Good-Friday-holiday-Popes-request–53-years-Fidel-Castro-banned-religious-holidays.html Pope Benedict requested the holiday during his visit to Cuba last week Communist government will decide whether to make Good Friday a permanent holiday By Rachel Rickard Straus PUBLISHED: 03:52 EST, 1 April 2012 | UPDATED: 03:55 EST, 1 April 2012 Cuba will celebrate next week’s Good Friday for the first time since the […]

Pope Benedict takes softer stance with Castro regime during first papal visit to Cuba in 14 years

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2120797/Pope-Benedict-visits-Cuba-takes-softer-stance-Castro-regime.html By Associated Press PUBLISHED: 17:38 EST, 26 March 2012 | UPDATED: 17:38 EST, 26 March 2012 Pope Benedict XVI arrived in Cuba on Monday, taking a softer approach to the communist regime than his predessor did during his historic visit 14 years ago. The pontiff, who last week said Marxism ‘no longer responds to […]

A dangerous alliance: U.S. warning over Ahmadinejad’s meeting with Cuban president

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2085482/A-dangerous-alliance-U-S-warning-Ahmadinejads-meeting-Cuban-president.html Congresswoman describes both nations as threat to national security Ahmadinejad uses speech to ask why his country is being ‘punished’ Claims capitalism is the root of war during address at Havana University Iranian President to meet Cuban President Raul Castro By Chris Slack Last updated at 1:54 AM on 12th January 2012 Congresswoman Ileana […]