Report: Russia May Send Nukes To Cuba

Castro Commends New Leader's Silence On Report, Says Cuba Owes Washington No Explanations

(CBS/AP)  Ailing Fidel Castro said Wednesday that Cuba's president was right to adopt a "dignified silence" over a Moscow newspaper report that Russia may send nuclear bombers to the island, and said Cuba doesn't owe any explanation to Washington about the story.

In a brief, cryptic essay posted on a government Web site Wednesday night, the 81-year-old former president neither confirmed nor denied the Monday report in Izvestia newspaper.

Moscow is angry about U.S. plans for missile-defense sites in eastern Europe and Izvestia cited a "highly placed" military aviation source as saying, "While they are deploying the anti-missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, our long-range strategic aircraft already will be landing in Cuba." Izvestia said this apparently refers to long-range nuclear-capable bombers.

Izvestia points out that there would have to be a political decision on landing bombers in Cuba, and quoted the unnamed source as saying there have been such discussions.

Former Russian Air Force Commander-in-Chief Anatoly Kornukov told Russia's Interfax news agency Thursday that the country's "strategic bombers are entitled to use airfields in any country, including Cuba, as long as its leaders do not object."

A well informed military-diplomatic official in Moscow told CBS News Thursday that Russian strategic bombers "could use an airfield in Cuba for refueling during flights for air patrol over the Atlantic." The source spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic.

Kornukov's statement was made in response to remarks earlier in the week by the nominee for U.S. Air Force chief of staff, Gen. Norton Schwartz, who said a move by Moscow to position nuclear weapons on the Caribbean Island would cross "a red line for the United States of America".

The London-based AFX news wire quoted Schwartz as saying: "If they did I think we should stand strong and indicate that is something that crosses a threshold, crosses a red line for the United States."

"The statement by Gen. Schwartz cannot be called other than inadequate and childish," Kornukov said, according to Interfax, which, like all Russian media, is closely monitored by the Kremlin. "Gen. Schwartz, being a professional, must know that missile carriers have the right to fly over neutral waters in any part of the world, which, by the way, is what U.S. bombers are doing as well."

In Washington, U.S. State Department Acting Deputy spokesman Gonzalo R. Gallegos said that American officials had received no official confirmation from the Russian government about the newspaper report, and was unaware of any U.S. efforts to directly contact Moscow about it.

"We continue to continue to work with the Russians on this issue," Gallegos said Tuesday, referring to talks aimed at explaining the U.S. government's missile defense plan. "We have consistently made it clear to them that our proposed deployment of a limited missile defense system in Europe poses no threat to them or to their nuclear deterrent."

According to CBS News Foreign Affairs Analyst Pamela Falk, Russia may be using the report as another way to show its opposition to a missile defense system close to its borders.

“Although plans to begin a second 'Cuban Missile Crisis' were dispelled at the State Department, it is perfectly plausible that Russia would leak a report of Russian bombers to Cuba, even if it denies it later, in order to make the point about how it sees the U.S. plans for a missile defense system in eastern Europe,” said Falk.

“The next steps will be closely watched, because technology has changed significantly since 1962 and Washington would not risk allowing such a plan to move forward.

"The report is an indication, however, of how much the U.S. missile defense proposal has soured U.S.-Russian relations," Falk added, "and Castro's comments are a reflection that if any crisis occurred, he is still on the scene to deal with it."

While Castro said the president, his brother Raul Castro, was wise not to respond to the newspaper report, he did not make clear why he was commenting.

Fidel Castro also said Cuba is not obligated to offer the United States an explanation about the newspaper report, "nor ask for excuses or forgiveness."

Despite Cuba's one-time alliance with the former Soviet Union, it seems unlikely that Raul Castro would allow Russian bombers on the island and risk the ire of the U.S. government.

Raul Castro has been president only since February, securing a seamless transition from his brother, who ruled for nearly a half-century. He has repeatedly said he is willing to discuss the two countries' differences in talks held on equal terms with America's next president.

Soviet nuclear missiles stationed in Cuba during the height of the Cold War pushed the world to the brink of nuclear conflict on Oct. 22, 1962, after President John F. Kennedy announced their presence to the world. After a tense week of diplomacy, Soviet leader Nikita Krushchev removed them.

[mrathell]

I wondered about this scenerio over a year ago. As an American, I support Russia''s decision to do it. Bush obviously refuses to see things from Russia''s POV about U.S. missiles in Poland. Maybe now that he will be put in the same uncomfortable position he put Russia in, he will see things the way Russia sees it. But given Bush history, I doubt it.

[sistatee-2009]

At least we know where the Russian nukes ARE. Ours are flying all over the place and nobody even knows they''re on the plane!

[alpine42]

Can you say "Bay of Pigs". Looks like the great Obama, the main stream media darling, has the edge on the election right now. Let''''s see how he reacts to the question on nukes in Cuba when the media starts hammering him about it today.Posted by gameoverdems at 01:39 AM : Jul 24, 2008

Don''t forget. This is going on under Bush''s watch....Just like 9/11

[thericksterm]

This is bad stuff, people, politics aside.

I agree the Russians are doing this to counter our expansion of NATO and to bring attention to the fact that we have missiles at THEIR borders.

Its not Obama''s opinion that matters on this, the President now is George W Bush (43) and its his actions that will decide if we can survive this high wire act, again.

[tmn]

The Bush admin has more important things to attend to, like the issue of "ga-yz in the military"

[thericksterm]

This is also a result of a failed policy to isolate.

Had we been having some communication, instead of the embargo policies we have stuck to, this may not be happening now.

This is the result of decades of our decision to ignore them.

Obama isn''t looking so stupid now when he says he is willing to talk to anyone.

Keep your friends close and your enemies closer.

We should be talking to all country''s governments, whether we agree with them or not.

What we do now is plain childish, and as we now can see, quite dangerous.

This is all about those corporate lapdogs in Washington supporting the raytheon patriots and their profits. That''s the only reason for missiles in Poland.

[jgunther7]

Another example of the Bush foreign policy failures. We cannot expect to put missile bases around Russia and that they will not respond likewise. Starting with Cuba and Venezuela, the Russians could quickly spread their sphere of influence throughout South America. Russia is quietly regaining its world power status in both financial and military might, and can no longer be pushed around like it was in the 1990''s. China and India are not far behind. The limited mental capacity of George Bush is putting us in harms way, and in chess terms, our military expansion in the Eastern Block and in Eurasia has being checked. Our belligerent world policies are being thrown back in our face. Bush and McCain are dumb and dumber. We need an intelligent President, like Barack Obama, who can lead us to peace.

[terrorislams]

russia, in anticipation of aN inexperienced HUSSEIN win, plans to send nuke to cuba,,,

just like they did an inexperienced JFK,,,

marxist hussein will not protect you,,,

[terrorislams]

DEJA VU

russia, in anticipation of aN inexperienced HUSSEIN win, plans to send nuke to cuba,,,

just like they did an inexperienced JFK,,,

marxist hussein will not protect you,,,

[brianbwb-2009]

For more than a half century, the US has continued a policy of hate, isolation, and blatant ignorance about Cuba.

It is no wonder that the Cubans let the Bush administration stew in uncertainty about the Russians.

It is only logical that to the Russians, as well as most of the rest of the world, the US has absolutely no credibility when it says "We have consistently made it clear to them that our proposed deployment of a limited missile defense system in Europe poses no threat to them or to their nuclear deterrent."

This is a statement from a country that has invaded, and occupies Iraq on the basis of lies, and in the process causing more than a million deaths, posted CIA-Al Qaeda plants in Afghanistan as the "boogie-man" excuse for invading and occupying that country, and still aids and condones the subjugation of Palestinians.

Anyone noting that the US would plant missiles around their country, and then believing the US spokespeople who say they are no threat, is a fool, the intent is obviously hostile, history shows the US actions to be directly opposite of it''s word, and such people would be endangering the lives of their fellow citizens by believing such.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by terrorislams at 02:24 AM

LOL! You are such a joke. Obama isn''t even president and you dittohead cult members have blamed him for everything as if he''d been president for the last 8 years. How stupid is that, really? About as stupid as watching the threats against Iran when all along Russian has been building their nuclear technology. Get a grip.

[brianbwb-2009]

"marxist hussein will not protect you,,," Posted by terrorislams

We don''t need "protecting", and we don''t need your continuous war mongering. Since you hate the Russians so much, as well as Islam, "Black" people, and the others about whom you have posted your genocidal tripe, pick up your gun, and go for it, put your own life where your death worship is.

As far as being a "Marxist", it is our right to choose the type of government we want, and if an overwhelming majority choose Mr. Obama, and you believe him to be a "Marxist", then it is your problem, and yours alone.

[terrorislams]

Posted by brianbwb at 02:25 AM : Jul 24, 2008

this from the shill for inbred retarded radical fascist nazi terrorislamic jihadists muslim slavers, murderers and rapists

safe in indonesia,,,

does not know the difference between offensive weapons and defensive weapons,,,

good one,,,

[terrorislams]

Posted by brianbwb at 02:32 AM : Jul 24, 2008

posting LIES again i c,,,

BTW,,, eliminating groups that have sworn to exterminate you is not hate,,,

it is just good sense,,,

got it

[retiredusaf3]

brianbwb WOW!!! Folks can tell you have never read any history except what CBS has poured down your throat. Oh Yea the Bush folks are standing at your door ready to put a bullet in your head because you don''t agree with their policies. Get a life, Try living in Cuba under their Government and expressing your views. ***.

[tbweb]

All the United States needs to do is play its own game, not worry about anybody elses game, not let Russia, Cuba, Iran, North Korea or Venezuela press our buttons. The United States is the best and the best will take care of itself! The U.S. still has the best infrastructure and only needs to use and exploit it under the right leadership! In a political context, Americas enemies see an opening, lets face it, Pres. Bush is extremely weak politically, especially with the Speaker of the U.S. House now trashing him in public. Its not in the U.S. best interest to have a weak President and we should Impeach Bush or support him, having a weak President is a national security risk our enemies can, will are are exploiting!

[rudy654-2009]

The U.S. still has the best infrastructure
********
What infrastructure are you referring to specifically?

[tbweb]

The U.S. still has the best infrastructure
********
What infrastructure are you referring to specifically?

Posted by rudy654 at 02:51 AM : Jul 24, 2008,,,

There is only one infrastructure and while it may be coming apart at the seams its still superior to the oppositions!

[rudy654-2009]

There is only one infrastructure and while it may be coming apart at the seams its still superior to the oppositions!



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Posted by tbweb at 02:55 AM

Oppositions? Are you referring to Russia''s and Iran''s? How do you understand the word?

It''s time to take those clowns out. All any of them understand is bombing. Let the carnage begin.

[tbweb]

There is only one infrastructure and while it may be coming apart at the seams its still superior to the oppositions!

--------------------
----------------------------------------
--------------------

Posted by tbweb at 02:55 AM

Oppositions? Are you referring to Russia''s and Iran''s? How do you understand the word?

Posted by rudy654 at 02:56 AM : Jul 24, 2008,,,

The U.S. infrastructure is superior to Russia''s and Irans, both are in opposition to the U.S., what is your point?

[andor3]

brianbwb said: "it is our right to choose the type of government we want, and if an overwhelming majority choose Mr. Obama, and you believe him to be a "Marxist", then it is your problem, and yours alone. "

Bravo! another thoughtful post. It is almost amusing how people are trying to be anti-Obama through inaccurate labels that do not stick to him. The labels to stick to the labelers though...

[terrorislams]

Posted by tbweb at 02:49 AM : Jul 24, 2008

rightttttt

isolationism,,,

so naive,,, like hussein,,,

[tbweb]

Posted by tbweb at 02:49 AM : Jul 24, 2008

rightttttt

isolationism,,,

nso naive,,, like hussein,,,

Posted by terrorislams at 03:03 AM : Jul 24, 2008,,,

lars, Pres. Bush is responsible for isolationism! Pres. Bush''s cowboy approach and bring em on style isolated the U.S., the U.S. is already isolated after squandering Worldwide sympathy and support after 9/11 to zero! Former Pres. H.W. Bush understood the value of building broad Worldwide coalitions, but obviously none of that rubbed off on his son who took a go it alone cowboy approach! Don''t preach isolationism to me lars, especially when the U.S. is already isolated under Pres. Bush''s watch!

[terrorislams]

Posted by andor3 at 03:01 AM : Jul 24, 2008

it is intuitively obvious to the most casual observer that hussein is a marxist,,,

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=obama+marxism

[endofempire]

andor3: Americans may choose to keep their heads firmly planted in the sand (pun was intentional) about the fact that Obama is a Marxist-Leninist Muslim. His own half brother recently spoke about how good of a Muslim Barack was/is and we all know how he votes... So, no surprise there. Once again, the old adage will prove true: People deserve the leaders they elect.
Russia is already exercising their military might, knowing fully well that Obama will be a reenactment of Carter and America will do absolutely nothing. It is a scary world out there and all we have to do is read just a little about 911, the attacks on our embassies during the Clinton era, Somalia etc. Doing nothing, while it is an option, has never worked out when the bad guys are out to take you out of the game, which since we are infidels according to their holy Quran, it is their sworn duty to do so.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by tbweb at 03:00 AM

I''ll tell you my point as soon as you get around to fully answering my question. Otherwise, I have no idea what you are talking about when you refer to infrastructure. Suddenly you are evasive.

Regardless, if it is that you think Iran is this third world country, then duh! That''s what it is. But Russia on the other hand, has always had extremely worrisome technology, and I wouldn''t dismiss them as suddenly "third world." Not by a long shot.

[terrorislams]

Posted by tbweb at 03:10 AM : Jul 24, 2008

hahaha

wronggggggggg

[rudy654-2009]

about the fact that Obama is a Marxist-Leninist Muslim
**********

If Obama is is Marxist Leninist Muslim (quite the oxymoron) then you must be just to the right of Hitler himself. Obama is by no means a Marxist Leninists, and definitely could be those things plus a Muslim at the same time. Try again.

[brianbwb-2009]

"it is intuitively obvious to the most casual observer that hussein is a marxist,,,"
Posted by terrorislams

It is also irrelevant.

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by brianbwb at 03:21 AM

When these people throw around these labels willy nilly, it becomes painfully obvious that they have little to no education about the realities of this world. I guess Limbaugh and Hannity is about the limit of their experience.

[stn_sage]

Oh, boy! This isn''t good news!

You know, for every action there is a reaction! And, it would be nice---just for a change---if someone in the Bush administration were aware of that!

So, when they decide to ''tweak somebodies'' nose'', or ''bad-mouth'' them, or invade another countries'' historical sphere of hegemony there''s more at stake than bravado! Ego! Or, who''s the biggest, toughest
gunslinger in town! There are LIVES, communities, and whole cultures at stake! And, it would be nice, if someone in the Bush administration acted as if they were aware of that!

But, the Russians'' actions should remind us, the American public, what we get when we help place into power a party whose leaders are incapable or unwilling to represent the publics'' best interest but instead represent THEIR OWN!

[tbweb]

Posted by tbweb at 03:00 AM

I''ll tell you my point as soon as you get around to fully answering my question. Otherwise, I have no idea what you are talking about when you refer to infrastructure. Suddenly you are evasive.

Regardless, if it is that you think Iran is this third world country, then duh! That''s what it is. But Russia on the other hand, has always had extremely worrisome technology, and I wouldn''t dismiss them as suddenly "third world." Not by a long shot.

Posted by rudy654 at 03:18 AM : Jul 24, 2008,,,

I am not evading anything, I don''t understand your infrastructure lack of understanding, infrastructure includes everything, roads, communications, airports, everything, infrastructure is what it is, what is your misunderstanding about it?, there are not many interpretations. In my view Russia s`ucks! The Russians are 2 faced back stabbers who when down and out gave the impression they wanted real Democracy and the West helped Russia up to a point, hampered by the Russian Mafia and corruption! Then once Russia took over Gasprom and profited from the windfall oil revenues and murdered over 200 journalist and Reporters, Russia started to show its true colors again now flush with money! The new Russian boom industry is the s`e`x slave trade, Russia is totally corrupt and the World is in for a wild ride! With all the Reporters who matter dead, nobody really knows whats going on inside Russia!

[tapsettle]

Congratulations George Bush, and the stupid population that elected him for 8 years. Bush has rolled back world peace to pre-second world war levels. He has undone half a century of advances in human rights, civil liberties and collaborative relations with the east. Congratulations Bush electors of america for taking us back to a second catastrophic Cuban crisis, and a world on the brink of nuclear war. Your precious oil will be irrelevant in a radioactive wasteland.

[samthetvcat]

Right as Barack''s taking a trip to the Middle East and Europe which by all accounts appears to have made him a ''player'' on the world scene, suddenly we''re seeing Russia, Cuba, and Pakistan putting stuff out there (Russian nukes to Cuba, Pakistani alarm over Indian nukes) to get a reaction the same day Bush has basically made it known that they''re clocking out of the foreign policy stage so people need to take it up with the next person in line . . .

Anybody else feel like the world is reaching out to find out what they can expect out of Barack? I''m curious too . . .

[brianbwb-2009]

"Anybody else feel like the world is reaching out to find out what they can expect out of Barack? I''''m curious too . . ." Posted by SamTheTVCat

As for Russia''s bombers to Cuba, it is *** for tat, we talk about putting nuclear missiles in their neighborhood, so they talk about putting bombers in ours. This can be undone also *** for tat, they take theirs out of our neighborhood, and we take ours out of their neighborhood. This is what the Russians are creating, and will most likely happen.

Pakistan and India have been saber rattling over each others'' nuclear capabilities even before Bushit''s time, and this is a matter of no concern to us, except if India and Pakistan get into a nuclear war, some American companies will lose some of the outsourcing firms. Neither country possesses the means to deliver to American soil, and so it is not our business what they do to each other.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Fidel Castro also said Cuba is not obligated to offer the United States an explanation about the newspaper report, "nor ask for excuses or forgiveness."

Say what you will about Castro, but no sane person can dispute the truth of those words.

[jetman4u-2009]

i think we should blow cuba off the face of the earth
then tell russia that they are next if the want to play

[oneworldusa]

Other nations are trying to test our strengths. Dare we show them? Of course, Bush is to blame for all this. We know that.

[jetman4u-2009]

cuba tried this ploy back in the early 1960''s.. let''s send them a message......

[patriot12436]

mrathel
For bush to do that he would have to make a rational and conscious decision. I am sure you uderstand that that isn''t possible.

[brianbwb-2009]

Btw, the photo is definitely NOT a TU-160 "Blackjack", or "white Swan".

To jetman4u

This is why you are not a leader, your ego would get everyone, including the US killed.

[patriot12436]

jetmandu
We started this mine is bigger than yours game, they are only responding.

[patriot12436]

tapmantle
Only bush could accomplish so much in 8 years.

[love_jean]

to jetshitman...
Listen, you piece of Nazi scum... Don''t be so sure about the American military superioty...
Blow out Cuba and Russia out of earth''s face!?
Why don''t you just do it you Yankee Nazi idiot! What are you waiting for?
Americans must understand that they are not capable of and they will not rule the world... If they continue to assault the nations on the planet they are the first ones that will be blow out petty soon... and Russia will host this blowing process.. very soon...

[patriot12436]

jetmandu
Di you star in the movie and ride the nuclear bomb all the way down ? You are slim pickens, right ?

[patriot12436]

love-jean
Don''t worry, noone would trust jet with a nuclear bomb.

[brianbwb-2009]

"Other nations are trying to test our strengths. Dare we show them? Of course, Bush is to blame for all this. We know that." Posted by OneWorldUSA

That is old warhawk thinking. The rest of the world already knows the US weakness, the greed and corruption will destroy it from within, and if we become too belligerent, they can simply switch to euros as payment for oil, then watch the US economy collapse.

And there is nothing that all of our weaponry can do about it.

[donnie1050]

Why would Russia have to have nukes in Cuba? Their nukes can go anywhere in the world. They don''t need no Cuba to land the USA. Are they giving nukes to the Cubans? And if so, why? Who did we give nukes to?