Raúl Castro
Cuba expands rights but rejects radical change in updated constitution
Cuba has rejected a proposal to legalize same-sex marriage in its new and revised constitution, a move that disappointed some gay rights activists. But marriage equality is not totally off the table in Cuba. Progress comes slowly and cloaked in moderation.
The US flag doesn’t fly from poles in Cuba, but it’s the latest fashion trend
Fashion may not always be an indication of broader geopolitical trends, but Cubans have been spotted recently around Havana sporting the US flag on their clothes. If you’re inclined to read between the lines, these photos seem to suggest Cubans are hopeful of the US and Cuba improving diplomatic relations.
No cigar just yet: Many obstacles remain before complete normalization with Cuba
President Barack Obama’s December 17 announcement that he would begin normalizing relations with Cuba sparked hot debate on both sides of the Florida Strait. It also began a political process that won’t end until a highly fractious Congress can agree on new legislation, not likely to happen any time soon. Among other obstacles is the long-questioned human rights record of the Castro regime. Independent watchdog organization Freedom House says Cuba falls just shy of its “worst of the worst list” for denying its citizens political rights and civil liberties.
How a US aid agency hoped hip-hop might fuel a Cuban revolution
The US Agency for International Development does development and aid work around the world, but it’s also sometimes accused of carrying out clandestine programs for the government. A new AP report says its latest effort was an attempt to topple the Castros with hip-hop.
Long, dangerous journeys aren’t stopping Cubans from trying to come to the US
Cubans may not be jamming into fleets of makeshift rafts like they did in 1994, but the number of people trying to leave the island for the US is still surprisingly high. That’s even despite routes that may take them as far south as Ecuador in their quest to enter the US.
Mandela brings people together, even in death
World leaders and regular people gathered Tuesday in South Africa to honor Nelson Mandela — a man who was labelled a terrorist by the US until 8 years ago, a friend of China and Cuba, and now a symbol of hope and reconciliation for millions. We also look at Saudi Arabia’s interest in its own human genome project, one of the most extreme zipline rides in the world, and a video game where the villian is alcoholism. All that and more, in today’s Global Scan.