american spanish audio born august commonly known cuban politician revolutionary governed prime minister president politically cuban nationalist served secretary communist_party cuba administration cuba party communist state industry business state socialist reforms implemented society born son wealthy farmer adopted leftist anti politics studying law participating rebellions right wing governments planned overthrow cuban president launching failed attack year imprisonment traveled mexico formed revolutionary group 26th july movement brother returning cuba took key role cuban revolution leading movement guerrilla war forces overthrow assumed military political power cuba prime minister united_states alarmed friendly relations soviet_union unsuccessfully attempted remove assassination economic blockade counter revolution including invasion threats formed alliance soviets allowed place nuclear weapons island sparking cuban missile crisis defining incident cold war adopting model development converted cuba party socialist state communist_party rule western hemisphere reforms introducing central economic planning expanding healthcare education accompanied state control press suppression internal dissent abroad supported anti revolutionary groups backing establishment governments chile nicaragua sending troops aid allies war civil war actions coupled leadership cuba medical increased cuba profile world stage earned leader great respect developing world following soviet_union dissolution led cuba special period embraced anti ideas 2000s forged alliances venezuela signed cuba americas transferred responsibilities vice president formally assumed presidency controversial divisive world figure decorated international awards supporters champion socialism anti revolutionary regime secured cuba independence american conversely critics view dictator administration oversaw multiple human rights abuses exodus million country economy actions writings significantly influenced politics individuals groups world early life youth born father farm august father cuba financially successful growing sugar cane las farm collapse marriage took household servant spanish origin mistress later second wife seven children aged sent live teacher baptized roman_catholic_church aged baptized enabled attend boarding school regularly sent privately funded jesuit run transferred prestigious jesuit run havana took interest history geography debating academically instead time playing sport began studying law admitting politically embroiled student activism violent culture university passionate anti opposing intervention caribbean unsuccessfully campaigned presidency platform honesty justice critical corruption violence president government delivering public speech subject november received coverage page newspapers joined founded veteran politician charismatic figure advocated social justice honest government political freedom party exposed corruption demanded reform lost election remained committed working behalf student violence escalated employed gang leaders police officers soon received death threat urging leave university refusing began carrying gun surrounding armed friends later years accused committing gang related time remain rebellion june learned planned expedition invade dominican_republic overthrow right wing military ally president dominican_republic joined expedition invasion force consisted troops exiled intended sail cuba july pressure government stopped invasion comrades evaded arrest returning havana took leading role student protests killing high school pupil government protests accompanied crackdown considered communists led violent clashes activists police february badly beaten point public speeches took distinctly leftist slant condemning social economic inequality cuba contrast public criticisms centered condemning corruption april traveled colombia cuban student group sponsored president argentine government assassination popular leftist leader led widespread rioting clashes governing conservatives backed army leftist liberals joined liberal cause stealing guns police station subsequent police investigations concluded involved killings returning cuba prominent figure protests government attempts raise bus year married student wealthy family exposed lifestyle cuban elite relationship love match disapproved families father gave tens thousands dollars spend month new_york_city honeymoon year decided stand election instead won new candidate faced widespread protests members allied police force assassinated socialist friend response agreed quell gangs found powerful control moved left influenced writings came interpret cuba problems integral capitalist society dictatorship corrupt politicians adopted view meaningful political change brought revolution visiting havana neighborhoods active student anti racist campaign september gave birth son couple moved larger havana flat continued risk staying active city politics joining september movement contained communists members group purpose oppose influence violent gangs university despite promises failed control situation instead offering senior members jobs government volunteered deliver speech movement november exposing government secret deals gangs identifying key members attracting attention national press speech angered gangs fled hiding countryside returning havana weeks later lay low focused university studies graduating doctor law september career law politics founded legal partnership primarily poor proved financial failure caring little money material goods failed pay bills furniture electricity cut wife took high school protest november fighting police protest ban student associations arrested charged violent conduct magistrate dismissed charges hopes cuba centered present politically motivated suicide seeing heir wanted run congress june elections senior members feared radical reputation refused nominate instead nominated candidate house_of_representatives party members havana districts began campaigning considerable support predicted election campaign met general president returned politics opposing administration meeting got march seized power military coup fleeing mexico declaring president cancelled planned presidential elections describing new system disciplined democracy like considered man dictatorship moved right ties wealthy elite united_states diplomatic relations soviet_union suppressing trade unions cuban socialist groups intent opposing brought legal cases government came began thinking alternate ways regime cuban revolution movement barracks attack formed group called movement operated clandestine cell system publishing underground newspaper training recruits july went recruitment drive gaining members year majority havana poorer districts revolutionary socialist avoided alliance communist fearing away political kept contact members like brother weapons planned attack military garrison outside intended dress army uniforms arrive base july seizing control raiding reinforcements arrived supplied new weaponry intended spark revolution impoverished cane promote uprisings plan emulated 19th century cuban independence fighters raided spanish barracks saw heir independence leader gathered revolutionaries mission ordering troops cause met armed resistance attack took place july ran trouble cars set failed reaching barracks alarm raised rebels pinned machine gun fire killed ordered retreat rebels suffered fatalities casualties whilst army suffered dead wounded rebels took civilian hospital subsequently stormed government soldiers rebels rounded tortured executed trial accompanied comrades set rugged mountains miles north establish guerrilla base responding attack government proclaimed martial law ordering violent crackdown dissent imposing strict media censorship government broadcast event claiming rebels communists killed hospital patients news photographs army use torture summary executions soon spread causing widespread public governmental disapproval following days rebels rounded executed including transported prison north incapable planning attack government accused politicians involvement putting defendants trial september palace justice acting defense counsel cited intellectual author attack convinced judges army decision defendants court proceeding argue charge accused organizing uprising armed persons incorrect risen seized power unconstitutional manner trial embarrassed army revealing tortured suspects tried unsuccessfully prevent claiming ill trial ended october defendants sentenced prison terms months years sentenced october delivered speech printed title history sentenced years imprisonment hospital wing model prison relatively comfortable modern institution imprisonment 26th july movement imprisoned comrades renamed group 26th july movement memory attack date formed school prisoners read widely enjoying works reading books shakespeare analyzing framework corresponding supporters maintained control movement organized publication history initially permitted relative freedom prison locked solitary confinement inmates sang songs visit president february wife gained employment discovered radio announcement appalled die thousand times suffer insult initiated divorce proceedings taking custody son angered want son growing environment government held presidential elections politician stood election widely considered fraudulent allowed political opposition voiced supporters agitated amnesty incident perpetrators politicians suggested amnesty good publicity congress agreed backed major corporations believed threat prisoners released returning havana gave radio interviews press conferences government closely monitored activities divorced sexual affairs female supporters child setting strengthening established person retained control labeling dictator argued successful revolution run committee required strong leader bombings violent demonstrations led crackdown dissent fleeing country evade arrest sent letter press declaring leaving cuba doors peaceful struggle closed follower believe hour come rights fight instead pleading comrades traveled mexico befriended argentine doctor named liked later describing advanced revolutionary associated agreed teach rebels necessary skills guerrilla warfare requiring funding toured search wealthy monitored agents allegedly orchestrated failed assassination attempt kept contact cuba gained large support base militant groups sprung primarily student movement notable founded met mexico_city opposed student support assassination purchasing yacht november set sail veracruz armed revolutionaries mile crossing cuba harsh food running low suffering points bail water caused leak man fell overboard delaying journey plan crossing days scheduled day arrival november members led armed uprising journey ultimately lasted days men unable provide reinforcements dispersed days intermittent attacks guerrilla war ran aground swamp close december fleeing inland crew headed forested mountain range repeatedly attacked troops arrival discovered rebels destination rest having killed captured setting survivors included began launching raids small army posts obtain weaponry january overran outpost treating soldiers wounded executing local mayoral land company despised local peasants boasted killing rebels execution aided rebels gaining trust locals largely remained suspicious revolutionaries trust grew locals joined rebels new recruits came urban areas volunteers rebel forces july divided army columns commanded brother members operating urban areas continued sending supplies february met senior members discuss tactics met close friend cuba groups carried bombings sabotage police responded mass arrests torture executions march launched failed attack presidential palace shot dead killed leaving leader known views hid hoping gain support radical revolutionaries met leading members demanded provisional civilian government set implement moderate reform literacy campaign holding elections cuba press censored contacted foreign media spread message celebrity interviewed journalist new_york_times reporters cbs soon followed increased attacks military outposts forcing government withdraw sierra region spring rebels controlled hospital schools printing press land factory cigar making factory increasing pressure result military failures coupled increasing domestic foreign criticism surrounding administration press censorship torture executions influenced sentiment citizens government ceased supplying weaponry opposition called general strike accompanied armed attacks beginning april received strong support central eastern cuba little responded attack army bombarded forested areas villages suspected aiding soldiers commanded general surrounded driving north rebel despite numerical technological superiority army experience guerrilla warfare halted offensive land mines soldiers defected rebels benefited local popular support summer went offensive pushing army mountains columns movement surround main army concentration november forces controlled divided cuba closing major roads rail lines severely socialist instructed secretly agreed promising tried war criminal warned fled exile december entered havana presidential palace proclaimed supreme_court judge president began appointing new government furious ended ordered arrest sympathetic figures army accompanying celebrations news downfall january ordered prevent widespread looting vandalism led columns havana january entered gave speech wars independence heading havana greeted cheering crowds town giving press conferences interviews provisional government command politically moderate lawyer proclaimed provisional president erroneously announcing selected popular election cabinet members entering havana proclaimed representative rebel armed forces presidency setting home office exercised great deal influence regime ruling decree ensured government implemented policies cut corruption fight attempted remove positions power dismissing congress barring elected rigged elections future office pushed issue temporary ban political parties repeatedly said eventually hold elections repeatedly denying communist press began meeting members discuss creation socialist state suppressing revolution government killed thousands time influential sectors press death toll recent estimates place response popular demanded responsible brought justice helped set trials resulting hundreds executions widely popular domestically critics particular press argued fair trials responded revolutionary justice based legal moral conviction acclaimed latin_america traveled venezuela met president elect unsuccessfully requesting loan new deal oil returning home argument senior government figures broke infuriated government left thousands unemployed closing result prime minister resigned going exile joining anti movement consolidating leadership february sworn prime minister cuba april visited charm offensive met vice president richard_nixon instantly disliked proceeding canada trinidad brazil argentina attended economic conference buenos_aires unsuccessfully proposing billion marshall plan latin_america signed law reform setting cap acres owner prohibiting foreigners obtaining cuban land ownership peasants received title deeds large land holdings broken popular working class alienated richer landowners appointed president introducing unsuccessful measures encourage african american tourists visit advertising cuba tropical paradise free racial discrimination judges politicians pay reduced low level civil servants saw theirs raised march declared paid month refusing regime socialist repeatedly denying communist appointed senior government military positions notably governor minister industries appalled air_force commander defected president denounced expressed concern rising influence angered turn announced resignation prime minister blaming government anti communism supporters surrounded demanding resignation submitted july resumed appointed president government emphasised social projects improve cuba standard living economic development major emphasis placed education months government classrooms opened previous years cuban primary education system offered work study program half time spent classroom half productive activity health care expanded rural health centers urban opening island offer free medical aid universal childhood diseases implemented infant mortality rates reduced dramatically social program improvement infrastructure months government miles roads built island million spent water projects houses constructed month early years administration effort cut day care centers opened children centers opened disabled elderly radio television develop dialogue people posing questions making provocative statements regime remained popular workers peasants students constituted majority country population opposition came primarily middle class thousands doctors engineers professionals emigrated florida causing economic brain drain productivity decreased country financial reserves drained years conservative press expressed hostility government pro trade union disrupted editorial staff january government ordered publish written union end articles critical government government arrested hundreds counter revolutionaries subjected solitary confinement rough treatment threatening behavior militant groups funded cia dominican government undertook armed attacks set guerrilla bases cuba mountains leading year war cold war united_states capitalist liberal democracy soviet_union ussr socialist state ruled communist_party expressing contempt shared ideological views ussr establishing relations states meeting soviet deputy premier agreed provide ussr sugar fruit fibers hides return crude oil industrial goods million loan cuba government ordered country controlled corporations shell standard oil process soviet oil pressure refused responded cancelled import cuban sugar provoking assets island including banks sugar mills relations cuba strained following explosion french vessel havana harbor march ship carried weapons purchased belgium cause explosion determined publicly government guilty sabotage ended speech death proclamation use ensuing years inspired earlier success coup état march president authorized cia overthrow government provided budget million permitted ally mafia government closed casino businesses cuba october prohibited majority exports cuba initiating economic retaliation took control private run businesses october october companies operating cuba premises seized december ended import cuban sugar country primary export september flew new_york_city general_assembly united_nations staying hotel harlem met journalists anti establishment figures like met soviet premier publicly condemning poverty racism faced americans areas like harlem relations warm led applause speeches general_assembly subsequently visited polish secretary bulgarian chairman egyptian president indian premier received evening reception fair play cuba committee cuba feared coup regime spent million soviet french belgian weaponry early doubled size cuba armed forces fearing counter revolutionary elements army government created arm citizens favorable revolution training civilians combat techniques september created committees defense revolution nationwide civilian organization implemented neighborhood detect counter revolutionary activities organizing health education campaigns public complaints population involved come rise proclaimed new administration direct democracy assemble demonstrations express democratic result rejected need elections claiming representative democratic systems served interests socio economic secretary state christian announced cuba adopting soviet model rule party state government control trade unions suppression civil liberties absence freedom speech press socialist cuba january ordered havana reduce staff spies responded ending diplomatic relations increasing cia funding exiled began attacking ships trading cuba bombed factories shops sugar mills successor supported cia plan aid militia invade cuba overthrow plan resulted april april cia supplied bombed cuban military airfields announced perpetrators cuban air force pilots exposed claims false flag fearing invasion ordered arrest suspected counter revolutionaries publicly proclaiming forgive socialist revolution announcement government socialist cia based strong army nicaragua night april landed cuba bay pigs engaged local revolutionary militia ordered captain launch counter offensive taking personal control bombing invaders ships bringing reinforcements forced brigade surrender april ordered captured rebels interrogated panel journalists live television personally taking questioning april trial crimes allegedly committed revolution returned exchange medicine food valued million victory powerful symbol latin_america increased internal opposition primarily middle class detained run invasion freed days fled establishing florida consolidating socialist cuba united governing party based principle democratic renamed ussr hesitant embrace socialism relations soviets deepened sent moscow schooling soviet technicians arrived island awarded peace prize december admitted years second declaration havana called latin_america rise revolution response successfully pushed expel cuba soviets privately received praise china despite ideological affinity china sino soviet split cuba allied soviets offered economic military aid began shaping cuba soviet model political opponents perceived social prostitutes considered sex sexual activity trait gay men forced military units aid production revolutionary intellectuals camps closed gay men continued imprisoned took responsibility persecution great injustice cuba economy steep decline result poor economic management low productivity coupled trade food shortages led resulting protests security reports indicated associated old communists considered number loyal moscow march removed prominent old communists office personal level increasingly lonely relations strained increasingly anti soviet pro chinese cuban missile crisis socialism militarily weaker nato wanted install soviet nuclear missiles cuba power balance conflicted agreed believing guarantee cuba safety enhance cause socialism undertaken secrecy brothers security chief knew plan discovering aerial reconnaissance october implemented island wide search vessels headed cuba sparking cuban missile crisis saw missiles offensive insisted defense urged threaten nuclear strike cuba attacked desperate avoid nuclear war left negotiations agreed remove missiles exchange commitment invade cuba understanding remove turkey italy feeling betrayed furious soon fell ill proposing point plan demanded end withdraw bay naval base cease supporting stop violating cuban air space territorial waters presenting demands visiting secretary general united_nations ignored turn refused allow inspection team cuba visited ussr personal invitation touring cities addressing red square rally awarded honorary doctorate permitted sign soviet intercontinental missile returned cuba new ideas inspired soviet newspaper amalgamated new daily oversaw large investment cuban sport resulted increased international sporting reputation seeking consolidate control government cracked protestant cuba labeling counter revolutionary instruments found guilty illegal imprisoned measures implemented force perceived idle youths work primarily introduction mandatory military service september government temporarily permitted emigration males aged government thousands critics upper middle class backgrounds mother died time private life reported cuba press january returned moscow officially sign new year sugar trade agreement discuss assassination deeply concerned assassination believing far right conspiracy blamed october officially renamed published membership despite soviet continued calling global revolution funding militant engaged national liberation struggles cuba foreign policy anti believing nation control natural resources supported project unsuccessful plan set guerrilla movement highlands peru argentina allowed revolutionary groups world train cuba considered western dominated africa revolution sent troops aid socialist regime algeria sand war allied socialist government authorized travel train revolutionaries western backed government personally devastated subsequently killed cia backed troops october publicly attributed disregard safety staged asia latin_america havana establishing significant player world stage conference created adopted slogan duty revolution revolution signifying havana leadership latin_america revolutionary movement increasing role world stage strained relationship ussr leadership asserting cuba independence refused sign treaty declaring soviet attempt dominate world soviet doctrine suggested cuban society evolve straight pure communism progressing stages socialism turn soviet loyalist began organizing government network opposition january supporters arrested allegedly passing state secrets moscow recognising cuba economic dependence soviets relented pressure august denounced leaders prague spring praised warsaw pact invasion czechoslovakia influenced china great leap forward proclaimed great revolutionary offensive closing remaining privately owned shops businesses denouncing owners capitalist counter revolutionaries severe lack consumer goods purchase led productivity decline large sectors population felt little incentive work hard exacerbated perception revolutionary elite emerged consisting connected administration access better housing private transportation servants ability purchase luxury goods abroad economic world politics publicly celebrated administration 10th anniversary january celebratory speech warned sugar rations reflecting nation economic problems crop heavily damaged hurricane meet export government drafted army implemented seven day working week postponed public holidays harvest year production met offered resign public speech assembled crowds insisted remain despite economic issues social reforms popular population largely supportive achievements revolution education medical care housing road construction policies direct democratic public consultation seeking soviet help soviet organized cuba economy founding cuban soviet commission economic scientific technical collaboration soviet premier visited july cuba joined economic organization socialist states limited cuba economy agricultural production crews cuban fishing boats kidnapped florida based group alpha demanded cuba release imprisoned pressure hostages released welcomed heroes april internationally condemned ordering arrest poet freed government established ensure intellectuals artists supported administration visited chile president elected head left wing coalition supported socialist reforms warned right wing elements chile military military led coup état established military led proceeded guinea meet socialist president praising africa greatest leader received people went seven week tour visiting leftist allies algeria bulgaria hungary poland czechoslovakia soviet_union given awards trip eager visit factory farm workers publicly praising governments privately urged regimes aid revolutionary movements particularly fighting vietnam war september returned attend fourth summit members critical attendance claiming cuba aligned warsaw pact conference conference publicly broke relations israel citing government close relationship treatment earned respect arab world particular leader friend ally war broke october israel arab coalition led egypt syria cuba sent troops defend syrian territory israeli incursions visited iraq cuba economy grew result high international sugar prices new credits argentina canada parts western_europe number latin american states called cuba finally conceding advice cuba government underwent restructuring soviet lines claiming power away officially announcing cuba identity socialist state national congress held new constitution adopted abolished position president prime minister remained dominant figure governance taking presidency newly created making head state head government presidency foreign wars presidency considered africa weakest link chain request president ordered military advisers november aid south_africa stepped support opposition ordered troops played major role forcing south african retreat traveling celebrated guinea president agreed support government february visited algeria libya spent days oversaw establishment system governance attending talks government proceeded greeted crowds hero cuba role opposing south_africa africa hailed friend national liberation foreign dominance followed visits berlin moscow broke disputed region invaded ally president warned action cuba sided government sent troops command general aid overwhelmed army forcing ordered suppress measure refused support extended support latin american revolutionary movements overthrow government july critics accused government cuban lives military endeavors free cuba claimed estimated killed foreign cuban military actions state critics claimed right interfere nations highlighted cuba invited pointing involvement foreign nations conference non aligned movement held havana selected president position held till capacity president cuba appeared october gave speech world rich poor speech greeted applause world leaders standing damaged cuba general_assembly condemnation soviet war afghanistan cuba relations north_america improved mexican president canadian prime minister president carter continued criticizing cuba human rights abuses adopted respectful approach gained attention considering carter meaning sincere freed certain political prisoners allowed cuban visit relatives island hoping turn carter abolish economic stop cia support militant conversely relationship china declined accused chinese government revolutionary principles initiating trade links attacking vietnam reagan 1980s cuba economy trouble following decline market price sugar harvest time unemployment problem cuba government sending unemployed youth countries primarily work desperate money cuba government secretly sold paintings national collections traded electronic goods panama increasing numbers fled florida labelled supporters incident stormed requesting asylum agreed accept refugees conceded wanted leave port hundreds boats arrived leading mass exodus government took advantage situation loading criminals mentally ill suspected boats destined florida event carter administration right wing ronald_reagan elected president reagan administration adopted hard line approach making desire overthrow regime clear late publicly accused biological warfare cuba fever epidemic argentina right wing military supported war britain offered military aid supported leftist seized power president sending doctors teachers technicians aid country development bishop executed soviet backed coup hard line october condemned killing retained support government coup basis invading island cuban soldiers died conflict denouncing invasion comparing nazi_germany july speech marking 30th anniversary cuban revolution condemned reagan administration openly fascist foreign policy feared invasion nicaragua sent train governing guerrilla warfare received little support ussr secretary general reformer implemented measures increase freedom press economic attempt strengthen socialism like orthodox critics feared reforms weaken socialist state allow capitalist elements regain control conceded demands reduce support cuba soviet cuban relations deteriorating visited cuba april informed meant end subsidies cuba ignoring calls accordance soviet example continued clamp internal particular kept military primary threat government number senior military officers including investigated corruption cocaine smuggling tried executed despite calls medical advice given october gave regularly smoking cuban helping set example rest populace passionate world debt problem arguing world escape debt world banks governments imposed havana hosted international conferences world debt problem november began spending time fallen retreat president dos successfully appealed cuban troops later admitting devoted time domestic situation believing victory lead collapse called negotiated end conflict organized talks ussr cuba south_africa agreed foreign troops pull angered approach believing abandoning plight world poor favor eastern_europe socialist governments fell capitalist western observers expected cuba increasingly isolated cuba improved relations right wing government panama despite personal hatred overthrown invasion december february allies nicaragua president defeated election collapse soviet secured majority vote resolution condemning cuba human rights violations geneva switzerland cuba asserted manifestation refused allow investigative delegation enter country special period favourable trade soviet ended publicly declared cuba entering special period time peace petrol rations dramatically reduced chinese imported replace cars factories performing non essential tasks shut began replace began cooking electricity cuts introduced lasted hours day admitted cuba faced worst situation short open war country resort farming cuba economy declined years major food shortages widespread lack basic goods hoped restoration ussr backing coup country regained control cuba soviet relations deteriorated soviet troops withdrawn september december soviet_union officially dismantled abolished communist_party soviet_union introducing capitalist democracy despised developed links miami based tried improving relations capitalist nations welcomed western politicians investors cuba befriended took particular interest policies believing cuban socialism learn emphasis low taxation personal initiative ceased support foreign praising visit colombia called negotiated settlement mexican government publicly presented moderate world stage havana hosted involved construction stadium accommodation athletes admitted expensive error success cuba government crowds regularly shouted foreign journalists cuba latin american nation beat gold medal table support remained strong small anti government demonstrations cuban opposition rejected exile community calls armed uprising august havana witnessed largest demonstration cuban history young men threw stones police demanding allowed miami larger crowd confronted joined informed media men anti protests dispersed recorded injuries fearing groups invade government organised war people defense strategy planning widespread guerrilla warfare campaign unemployed given jobs building network tunnels country believed need reform cuban socialism survive world dominated capitalist free markets october held number important changes government announced step head government replaced younger remain head communist_party commander chief armed forces older members government retired replaced younger counterparts number economic changes proposed subsequently national referendum free farmers markets small scale private enterprises attempt stimulate economic growth dollars legal tender certain restrictions emigration eased allowing cuban citizens united_states brought having members elected directly people municipal provincial assemblies welcomed debate proponents opponents reforms time began increasingly opponent positions arguing reforms delayed government economy tourism cuba sugar industry primary source revenue arrival thousands mexican spanish tourists led increasing numbers turning prostitution officially illegal cracking prostitution fearing political backlash economic led religion form long thinking religious belief backward approach religious institutions religious people permitted time join communist_party viewed roman_catholic_church pro capitalist institution organized visit cuba pope january strengthened position government early 1990s embraced campaigning global warming waste natural resources accusing world primary ministry dedicated environment established new laws established promoted awareness environmental issues cuba stressed sustainable use natural resources cuba world nation met definition sustainable development ecological hectares capita human development index proponent anti movement criticizing global control exerted maintained devout anti beliefs july celebrations joined onstage south african political activist recently released prison praised cuba involvement battling south_africa thanked personally later attended inauguration president south_africa attended south_africa global spread racial stereotypes film pink tide economic problems cuba aided election socialist anti presidency developed close friendship acting mentor father figure built alliance repercussions latin_america signed agreement cuba send venezuela return receiving barrels oil day rates trade stepped cuba sending venezuela providing barrels day year initiated joint medical project aimed provide free eye operations individuals nation alliance boosted cuban economy doubled minimum wage million workers raised delivered new kitchen cuba residents economic problems remained shut factories including steel plants sugar mills paper compensate crisis fuel shortages cuba venezuela founding members americas sought wealth evenly member countries protect region agriculture oppose economic origins lay december agreement signed countries signed april calling greater caribbean integration late 1990s saying strengthened cooperation caribbean countries prevent domination rich nations global economy cuba opened additional including antigua development makes cuba country independent countries contrast improved relations cuba number leftist latin american states broke diplomatic ties panama president pardoned cuban accused attempting assassinate diplomatic ties following election leftist president improving relations latin_america accompanied continuing animosity massive damage caused hurricane successfully proposed time cash purchase food declining government offer humanitarian aid expressed solidarity following september attacks condemning offering cuban airports emergency diversion planes recognized attacks foreign policy aggressive believed counter productive canadian prime minister arrived cuba meet highlight close ties canadian government leader visit island havana president visited cuba highlighted lack civil liberties country urged government pay attention stepping underwent surgery bleeding july delegated presidential duties february announced health improving taking important issues government later month called radio april met visiting august september month held 14th summit havana agreeing appoint organisation president year term commenting recovery president said day good lord away hearing ironically replied understand survived bush plans plans presidents ordered assassination good lord protected quote subsequently picked world media february letter announced accept positions president commander chief month meetings remarking conscience responsibility requires mobility total devotion physical condition offer february unanimously voted president describing brother proposed continue consulted matters great importance motion unanimously approved members later years retirement present following retirement health deteriorated international press speculated cuba government refused continued interact cuban people published opinion column titled reflections twitter account gave occasional public lectures january asked worry lack recent news columns failing health disturbed future death continued meeting foreign leaders dignitaries month photographs released meeting argentine president july public appearance falling ill science center workers giving television interview discussed tensions iran north_korea august gave speech years urging military actions nations warning nuclear holocaust asked entering government culture minister told bbc think cuba political life government careful big battle international affairs april resigned communist_party central committee stepping party leader selected successor official role country government took role elder statesman march pope visited cuba days time briefly met despite pope vocal opposition cuba government later year revealed played significant scenes role peace talks government far left guerrilla movement end conflict north_korea crisis urged north korean governments restraint calling situation incredible absurd maintained war benefit represented risks nuclear war cuban missile crisis december awarded chinese peace prize seeking peaceful solutions nation conflict post retirement efforts prevent nuclear war january publicly commented cuban increased cuba relations stating positive establishing peace region government political ideology proclaimed socialist publicly identified december sought cuba capitalist state dominated foreign socialist society ultimately communist society influenced suggested cuba evade stages socialism progress straight communism government declaring nationalists patriots remarked keys success ability utilize twin themes socialism nationalism play describes cuban nationalist main political influences believed ultimately remained important politics described political ideas philosophy independence exceptional philosophy supporters repeatedly claimed great similarity figures described government highly individual socialist nationalist system approach viewing blend european socialism latin american revolutionary tradition political scientist described approach politics style leadership drew wider latin american phenomenon took relatively socially conservative stance issues opposing drug use gambling prostitution viewed moral instead advocated hard work family values integrity self discipline personal public life biographer described fiercely hard working dedicated loyal generous noted asserted keen sense humor laugh equally bad loser act ferocious rage thought known throwing snap refused biographer noted suffers poorly younger years share views claimed liked meet ordinary citizens cuba abroad took particularly paternal attitude treating giant family british historian commented ruthless patriot man profound sense mission save cuban people known busy working hours going bed preferred meet foreign diplomats early hours believing tired gain upper hand negotiations described favorite writer enjoyed reading music sports fan spent time trying fit undertaking regular exercise took great interest wine cuban leader known kitchen discuss lifelong love guns preference life countryside city sources state enriched instead living life modest latin american presidents bodyguard alleged lived great luxury houses hidden cuban populace religious beliefs matter debate baptized raised roman catholic commented criticized use bible justify oppression women commented christianity exhibited group humane gave world ethical values sense social justice relating people christian standpoint religion standpoint social vision declare christian espoused idea jesus christ communist citing feeding story jesus rich young man evidence public image political scientist characterized charismatic appeal functional role public power unlike number soviet era communist leaders government intentionally construct cult personality popularity segments cuban populace led developing early years administration bbc reported image frequently found cuban stores classrooms national television administration large supporters gathered cheer fiery speeches typically lasted hours delivered use written notes speeches regularly cited reports books read wide variety subjects including military matters plant cultivation filmmaking chess strategies years publicly wore olive green military emphasizing role perpetual revolutionary mid-1990s began wearing dark civilian suits publicly cuba nicknamed horse label attributed cuban entertainer alludes known 1950s early 1960s period widely recognized sex symbol cuba family friends details private life particularly involving family members scarce information censored state media biographer noted life cuban leader unable form lasting sexual relationship female wife married october son born september divorced moved spain allegedly returned cuba live grew cuba time ran cuba atomic energy commission removed post father sons second wife alexander alex married affair gave birth daughter left cuba disguised spanish tourist sought asylum criticized father policies unnamed woman son daughter born result night affair husband live miami engaged night stands women specially selected visiting foreign allies sister living united_states early 1960s opponent brother regime power closest male friends mayor havana personal physician death headed team advisers deep friendship fellow revolutionary accompanied 1960s controlled access leader good friend novelist reception legacy historian journalist considered extraordinary political figures twentieth century noting world hero mould people developing world anti efforts described influential world leader commanded great respect individuals political developing world chief havana noted early 21st century met warm applause opposition socio political dominance transforming cuba banana republic nation significant international influence awarded wide variety awards honors foreign governments cited inspiration foreign leaders like subsequently awarded south_africa highest civilian award foreigners president described grandfather latin american revolutionaries biographer stated history revolutionaries remained true principles heavily criticized governments human rights organizations western world widely despised widely described dictator publicly refuted label stating held power heads state insisting regime allowed greater democratic involvement policy making western liberal critics claim significant unofficial influence aside official duties stated absolute power cuba albeit legal constitutional manner claimed power cuba completely invested adding rare country people completely dominated personality man suggested leading political system largely creation bearing stamp leadership style comparisons leaders like adolf_hitler human rights advocacy groups criticized administration committing human rights abuses human rights watch stated government constructed machinery deprived basic rights defended government record human rights stating state limit freedoms individuals involved counter revolutionary activity order protect rights collective populace right employment education health care
Fidel Castro