Pope Francis Congratulates Cuba, US

Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, was instrumental in improving relations between these two former Cold War adversaries.

Statement by the cuban president Raúl Castro on December 17th, 2014 (English)

Fellow countrymen,

Since my election as President of the State Council and Council of Ministers I have reiterated in many occasions our willingness to hold a respectful dialogue with the United States on the basis of sovereign equality, in order to deal reciprocally with a wide variety of topics without detriment to the national Independence and self-determination of our people.

#Obama may limit drone use, discuss Guantanamo in major speech

By Jeff Mason

In a major foreign policy speech after some two weeks of dealing with domestic scandals, Obama will underline his support for civil liberties in the face of recent criticism that his administration is secretive and bullies opponents.

The use by the United States of armed drone aircraft to attack extremists has increased tensions with countries such as Pakistan and drawn criticism from human rights activists at home.

# U.S.Practiced Torture After 9/11, Nonpartisan Review Concludes.# U.S.A #Human rights

WASHINGTON — A nonpartisan, independent review of interrogation and detention programs in the years after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks concludes that “it is indisputable that the United States engaged in the practice of torture” and that the nation’s highest officials bore ultimate responsibility for it.

Silicon Valley to boost clout in Washington.

Silicon Valley companies wanted as little to do with Washington as possible. Hiring lobbyists to promote and protect their interests was about as far as they went.

Programa del 23 Festival Internacional de Ballet de La Habana, #Cuba.