Since the tragic events of September 11th, and its continuing aftermath, we are confronted with the fact that Cuba being on the U.S. State Department list of 'nations that sponsor terrorism' has an entirely different connotation than it did before September 11th. Even the Pentagon agrees that Cuba is not a national security threat to the U.S. Cuba has no place on any 'enemies' of the U.S. list, no matter what political differences there are between our governments.

U.S. policy towards Cuba has not been officially reviewed for four decades. Today's policy of hostility and embargo are built on its original foundation. Even after the collapse of the Soviet Union the administration declined to review its policy -- mainly as a concession to several small, but politically influential Cuban American exile organizations. Administration after administration has lacked the moral and political courage to bring US-Cuba policy into the 'real world' and so we have 'inherited' Cuba being on the terrorist list.

To advance our work and our protect people-to-people relationships, it must come off. 

And we must be the constituent force to make it happen. Genuine national security issues need to take precedent over special interest constituent groups -- even if the President's brother is depending on their support to hold his position as governor.

The American people, poll after poll, show their willingness to normalize relations with Cuba. We represent that majority, and we must find the ways to reclaim our country and have its foreign policy reflect the will of the majority.

To that end, and so that we are not all caught up as 'organizations that support nations that support terrorism,' we need to see that Cuba is removed from the list. If we don't our work could be set back. And we are not stepping back!

Therefore, I recommend that everyone check out this informative paper by Anya Landeau and Wayne Smith on the topic of Cuba and Terrorism. I also recommend, those groups with study groups use this paper for a study guide, and others think about presenting this information to your community in the form of a teach-in. Local newspaper editorial boards should also be given this information, as we all know the media misrepresents Cuba 98% of the time.

You might also want to see that your elected representatives get copies, or make a crib sheet for them - its about 42 pages in Geneva 12 point) but this is a definitive guide and answer to many of the questions you will be asked.

Now more than ever, its time to push forward, one more reason to let Cuba live.

*******************

Cuba and International Terrorism

Wayne Smith and Anya Landau have expanded and updated their research on Cuba and the question of international terrorism. This version is far longer, more detailed and documented than the previous edition. Smith and Landau intend to continually update the material as the events warrant. The previous version comprised 5,000 words. This one is over 14,000 words. It contains comprehensive references and links to material accessible on the internet.

It will be of incalculable value to all who want to marshall and present the facts about Cuba's record in this area. Readers should study this document carefully.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on the WTC and Pentagon on 9-11, the extremist right-wing minority of the Cuban American community has been shrieking that Cuba is a terrorist state and should remain on the US-promulgated list of states it accuses of terrorism. This document could not be more timely or valuable.

Sincerely,

Lisa Valanti
President

US-CUBA Sister Cities Association, Inc.

=============================================

November 7, 2001

Dear Colleagues,

We have just released an extensive report on Cuba and the question of international terrorism, which we think you will find most useful. The report is based on research from more than eighty-five sources and seeks to contextualize Cuba policy in light of recent events that have shifted the nation's focus from domestic to foreign policy.

In addition to addressing the question of whether Cuba is a "terrorist nation," the paper also documents in great detail the long-standing history of terror and intimidation -- that continues today -- among the most extreme of Cuban exiles living in Miami and elsewhere in the United States.

U.S. policy toward Cuba must face this unpleasant reality not only in its policy toward Cuba, but in order to maintain credibility in urging all nations to take a clear stand on terrorism.

We invite you to view the entire document at:

We will continue our research and update this paper as events unfold.

Sincerely,

Wayne S. Smith
Senior Fellow

Anya K. Landau
Associate

Center for International Policy
1755 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Tel 202.232.3317
Fax 202.232.3440

http://www.ciponline.org

Dear Editor:

The events of 9-11 were obvious terrorist attacks - but how is terrorism defined and by whom? For instance, along with Iran, Iraq, Lybia, N. Korea, Syria, and Sudan, Cuba is considered by the US government to be a nation that sponsors terrorism.

However, Cuba does not presently pose a military security threat nor has it been convicted of any terrorist activity. On the contrary, Cuba is known for exporting doctors as international relief workers, training medical students from poor countries for free, having exemplary public health care, high literacy rates, and low infant mortality rates.

Cuba's achievements as well as her failures can serves as models for other countries. Including Cuba on a list of terrorist nations and thereby preventing Americans from traveling to Cuba is clearly a policy that deserves to be questioned.

The Seattle Cuba Sister Cities Association has had positive contacts with democratically elected local Cuban officials for the last 1.5 years. Members of our group have traveled to Cuban towns, communicated openly with anyone we cared to talk to (in Spanish),

visited schools, medical institutions, churches, community centers as well as the homes of local residents. We have been pleased to discover a dynamic culture with eloquent and energetic people who have invariably welcomed us. We are presently working

toward establishing a formal "sister" relationship between King County and Granma Province. Our goal is to continue to foster people-to-people exchanges so that Americans can see for themselves what life is like in Cuba and create an open dialogue.

Without such current information based on personal experience, Americans will continue to be susceptible to propaganda about Cuba and will be unable to engage in intelligent debate about its role in "terrorism".

We encourage your readers (and their government representatives) to learn about Cuba, travel to Cuba or talk to those who have, listen to multiple viewpoints, and make their own decisions.

Seattle Cuba Sister Cities Association

Contact information:

Christine Rousseau (206)632-4501 (evening)
(206)667-6049 (day)
Dale Rector (206)365-5316

__________________________________

Sincerely,

Lisa Valanti
President
US-CUBA Sister Cities Association, Inc.