Fearing U.S. Attack, Cuba Readies Troops

AP via SFGate.com ^ | 08/05/2006 | By VANESSA ARRINGTON

[oxcart]

HAVANA, Cuba (AP) --

Former revolutionaries promised to keep fighting for Cuba on Saturday as the island beefed up security, saying it fears a U.S. attack during Fidel Castro's health crisis. The government, under the control of Castro's brother, Defense Minister Raul Castro, has mobilized citizen defense militias and asked military reservists to check in daily.

The White House has insisted no such threat exists, with press secretary Tony Snow dismissing the suggestion that the United States would attack the island as "absurd."

The Communist Party daily newspaper Granma issued a statement by the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution on its front page.

"We will continue working with the same revolutionary fervor that you taught us," the veterans' group assured Castro. It also expressed confidence that Castro would be back on his feet soon.

Cubans interviewed on state-run media also said Friday they would fight to the death against any invaders from the north, while the Communist Party daily Granma said, "We Cubans are prepared for the defense" of the island.

[Dr Snide]

I suspect the Cuban dictator (whoever that is at this time) needs an excuse to call up the military in preparation for the civil disturbance sure to arise upon the announcement of Castro's death. Finger crossed that that will be soon. I quit smoking five years ago but am willing to break down once for a cigar from a free Cuba.

[shield]

Still a couple of stupid and ignorant commie's.

[Toidylop]

Yeah... second that. I can't wait to take a real vacation to a free Cuba to search for the best cigars when thing said and done.

[gafusa]

Not sure it is all paranoia. Mobilizing the militias primarily to crush any sort of uprising. This is not about defense, but oppression. Still it is funny. Especially that Cuba claims they could fight us. I am all for invading Cuba, in good time, Iran is what we need to worry about now.

[Hot Tabasco]

looking for parts!

I plum forgot about that industry.......

Cuba is a virtual cornucopia of stuff to pillage....and the women aren't bad looking either.

[Right_in_Virginia]

...saying it fears a U.S. attack during Fidel Castro's health crisis.

Someone should tell Cuba the 1960s are over.

[Billthedrill]

Former revolutionaries promised to keep fighting for Cuba...

Former what? Those guys average about 75 years old. What are they going to do, shake their walkers at us?

[TheBattman]

Thanks - you beat me to it. WE have FAR larger problems to deal with right now.

But I do wonder what in the world is fueling the paranoia...

[Boogieman]

[hinckley buzzard]

Hauling out the threat of the cursed Yanqui is a timeworn diversion from the domestic crisis which must be coming to a simmer. NoKorea does exact same thing when they need to help their people forget they are being starved and consumed by their diseased government.

[AdvisorB]

I don't think many Cubans would have the stomach to defend this tropical gulag...

[The Cuban]

Yea thats why there mobilizing troops. Idiots. They are trying to PREVENT INSURRECTION you MSM idiots.

[BIGLOOK]

When I asked why there were so many guards, I was told it was not to defend the Swiss from potential protesters, but they were there to prevent Cubans from, "going over the wall" to seek asylum.

Gitmo has the same problem. Locals try to launch their kids over the wire for asylum. There's a name for them........just don't recall it.

[Democratshavenobrains]

They are just taking their paranoia cues from American lefties.

[Chi-townChief]

You mean Kennedy.

[shield]

Especially that Cuba claims they could fight us.

Kinda like Saddamn telling many of the middle east leaders, he could easily beat the American military. They all choked on what they were eating and drinking...telling Saddamn he was NUTS and delusional. [That was the heroin talking we found him to be addicted to.]

[Muzzle_em]

Exactly!
I guess they have been whipped up into a frenzy by that nutcase, Chavez, who also believes he is SOOOO IMPORTANT to the U.S.! The BEST THING that could ever happen to the Cubans is to be invaded by the U.S.

In their dreams.

Yes, the U.S. has much bigger fish to fry.
I predict some other superpower (i.e. Russia or China) will gobble up Cuba in the next few weeks. I'm sure the UN will have NO PROBLEM with that if it happened.

[Muzzle_em]

I wonder if they have pedals they push like Fred Flintsone to turn the turbines. That would be so cool!!!