WHEN IT COMES TO ANTI-COMMUNISM...:

U.S. and Vatican urge Raúl Castro to loosen state's grip on people's lives (Reuters, February 25, 2008)

The new Cuban president, Raúl Castro, came under international pressure to release political prisoners and allow more dissent on Monday, after taking over from his ailing brother, Fidel, who ruled for almost half a century.

Raúl Castro, 76, is expected to open Cuba's economy somewhat, but hopes of radical change were dashed when he vowed to stick to socialism and to consult his brother on important issues and named members of the old guard to top posts.

Cuba's archfoe, the United States, and the Vatican started to lean on the former guerrilla fighter to ease the government's grip on life, turning the spotlight on dozens of prisoners jailed for disagreeing with the Castros.

"U.S. and Vatican" is such a natural pairing.

Posted by Orrin Judd at February 25, 2008 4:47 PM