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Obama y el imperio
Fidel Castro discusses Barack Obama, the eleventh US president to confront the reality of the Cuban revolution, reviewing a wide range of political issues including the global financial crisis, climate change and the environmental crisis, Washington's orientation to Latin America, and the continued US occupation of the Guantanamo naval base.
152 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2010
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About the author
Fidel Castro
578 books286 followersCuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro overthrew the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959, established a Communist state, served as prime minister until 1976 and then as president of the government and first secretary of the party, in declining health passed control de facto in 2006 to Raúl Castro, his younger brother, and officially retired in 2008.
Fidel Castro led a revolutionary movement that overthrew corrupt authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar on New Year's Day, 1 January 1959.
Raúl Castro assisted Fidel Castro, his brother, in overthrowing the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959.
United States in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro trained a force of 1,500 guerrilla troops, who landed at Bay of Pigs, the site, in an ill-fated invasion on 17 April 1961.
Castro, the illegitimate son of a wealthy farmer, adopted leftist anti-imperialist politics and meanwhile studied law at the University of Havana. He participated in rebellions against right wing in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, afterward failed in an attack on the barracks of Moncada, planned against the military junta, which the United States of America backed, and served imprisonment for a year in 1953. On release, he went to Mexico, formed the movement of 26 July as a group with Ernesto Guevara, his friend and doctor.
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, a politician, also served as the commander in chief of the armed forces. This politically Marxist-Leninist administered the socialist republic. People nationalized industry and businesses and implemented socialist reforms in all parts of society. Castro returned, ousted rivals in 1959, and brought his own assumption of military and political power.
Credentials of Castro and cordial relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics alarmed the Administrations of Dwight David Eisenhower and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who unsuccessfully attempted economic blockade, assassination, and even the invasion at Bay of Pigs of 1961 to remove him. In 1961, Castro proclaimed the socialist nature of his administration under rule of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The press and suppression of internal dissent accompanied socialist reforms that introduced central economic planning and expanded care and education.
Castro countered these threats, formed an economic and military alliance with the Soviets, allowed them to place nuclear weapons on the island, and thus sparked sparking the missile crisis in 1962.
Internationally, Castro also served as general of the nonaligned movement from 1979 to 1983.
Abroad, Castro supported foreign groups in the expectation of toppling world capitalism, sent troops to fight in the wars of Yom Kippur, Ogaden, and Angola.
Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991, Castro went into economic "special period" and afterward forged alliances in the Latin American pink tide, namely with Venezuela of Hugo Chávez, and joined the Bolivarian alliance in 2006.
Due to failing, Castro in 2006 transferred his responsibilities to his vice, who assumed in 2008.
Supporters lauded Castro, a controversial and divisive world figure, as a champion of socialism, humanitarianism, and environmentalism against imperialism; critics viewed him as a dictator, who oversaw multiple rights abuses, an exodus of more than a million persons, and the impoverishment of the economy of the country. Through actions and writings, he significantly influenced the politics of various individuals and groups across the world.
Fidel Castro led a revolutionary movement that overthrew corrupt authoritarian regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar on New Year's Day, 1 January 1959.
Raúl Castro assisted Fidel Castro, his brother, in overthrowing the regime of Fulgencio Batista y Zaldívar in 1959.
United States in an attempt to overthrow the government of Fidel Castro trained a force of 1,500 guerrilla troops, who landed at Bay of Pigs, the site, in an ill-fated invasion on 17 April 1961.
Castro, the illegitimate son of a wealthy farmer, adopted leftist anti-imperialist politics and meanwhile studied law at the University of Havana. He participated in rebellions against right wing in the Dominican Republic and Colombia, afterward failed in an attack on the barracks of Moncada, planned against the military junta, which the United States of America backed, and served imprisonment for a year in 1953. On release, he went to Mexico, formed the movement of 26 July as a group with Ernesto Guevara, his friend and doctor.
Fidel Alejandro Castro Ruz, a politician, also served as the commander in chief of the armed forces. This politically Marxist-Leninist administered the socialist republic. People nationalized industry and businesses and implemented socialist reforms in all parts of society. Castro returned, ousted rivals in 1959, and brought his own assumption of military and political power.
Credentials of Castro and cordial relations with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics alarmed the Administrations of Dwight David Eisenhower and John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who unsuccessfully attempted economic blockade, assassination, and even the invasion at Bay of Pigs of 1961 to remove him. In 1961, Castro proclaimed the socialist nature of his administration under rule of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. The press and suppression of internal dissent accompanied socialist reforms that introduced central economic planning and expanded care and education.
Castro countered these threats, formed an economic and military alliance with the Soviets, allowed them to place nuclear weapons on the island, and thus sparked sparking the missile crisis in 1962.
Internationally, Castro also served as general of the nonaligned movement from 1979 to 1983.
Abroad, Castro supported foreign groups in the expectation of toppling world capitalism, sent troops to fight in the wars of Yom Kippur, Ogaden, and Angola.
Following the dissolution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics in 1991, Castro went into economic "special period" and afterward forged alliances in the Latin American pink tide, namely with Venezuela of Hugo Chávez, and joined the Bolivarian alliance in 2006.
Due to failing, Castro in 2006 transferred his responsibilities to his vice, who assumed in 2008.
Supporters lauded Castro, a controversial and divisive world figure, as a champion of socialism, humanitarianism, and environmentalism against imperialism; critics viewed him as a dictator, who oversaw multiple rights abuses, an exodus of more than a million persons, and the impoverishment of the economy of the country. Through actions and writings, he significantly influenced the politics of various individuals and groups across the world.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 15, 2014
"I have said several times that Obama is a clever and cultivated man in a social and political system he believes in. He wishes to bring healthcare to nearly 50 million Americans, to rescue the economy from its profound crisis and to improve the image of the United States, which has deteriorated as a result of genocidal wars and torture. He neither plans nor wishes to change his country's political and economic system; nor could he do it."
April 4, 2015
Fidel's social and political observations are evidently made by a man who is very intelligent, very well informed and very well versed in history, politics and macro economics; in spite of this, these articles read easily and are not difficult to understand. Comments are refreshingly direct, at times humorously so. Anyone open-minded enough to give honest consideration to Fidel's thoughts will find him or herself agreeing with at least some of his conclusions.
April 2, 2012
Written largely in the first 2 years of Obama's tenancy of the White House, these short "reflections" show Castro in a reasoned and calm mode that is not how he is usually portrayed through Western media. He seems optimistic about the arrival of Obama, but not wanting to give his enemies ammunition by speaking overly positive of him, then disappointed by Obama's actions, particularly over climate change and his dealings with the Cuban blockade by the USA. Hopeful, then disappointed, just like the rest of us I suppose.
March 11, 2021
Reading Castro's contemporary reflections on Obama is a trip and a half. He begins by being quite optimistic about Obama (as we all were, I imagine), and then as time passes, he realizes how Obama was neither interested in changing the system he was successful within, nor capable of doing so.
I enjoyed it, it felt like a time capsule back to 2009 and I feel like it's great to read Fidel's own resolute and calm words instead of the narrative still propagated against him by the capitalist sources of media we rely on.
I enjoyed it, it felt like a time capsule back to 2009 and I feel like it's great to read Fidel's own resolute and calm words instead of the narrative still propagated against him by the capitalist sources of media we rely on.
August 21, 2022
This book is a collection of different letters written by Fidel Castro about the Obama presidency.
Someone on tumblr posted a photo of a man that looked like Mao and another user commented 'would be interesting to see a movie concept about Mao waking up and seeing modern China and what he would think of it'. I feel like this book is that in a way but with Cuba.
It's so interesting to see the leader of the Cuban revolution in the 1950's share his views on topics such as climate change, immigration, the American empire, iran and nuclear weapons, the assassination of Osama Bin Laden etc. His analysis of 'The two Obama's' is spot on. Someone who grew up in the system which they believe in will never dismantle it even if they cloud our view by condemning certain aspects of the American empire.
After reading this book you will find me on marxists.org reading everything he wrote about after his presidency.
¡Qué Viva Fidel! ¡Qué Viva la Revolución Cubana!
Someone on tumblr posted a photo of a man that looked like Mao and another user commented 'would be interesting to see a movie concept about Mao waking up and seeing modern China and what he would think of it'. I feel like this book is that in a way but with Cuba.
It's so interesting to see the leader of the Cuban revolution in the 1950's share his views on topics such as climate change, immigration, the American empire, iran and nuclear weapons, the assassination of Osama Bin Laden etc. His analysis of 'The two Obama's' is spot on. Someone who grew up in the system which they believe in will never dismantle it even if they cloud our view by condemning certain aspects of the American empire.
After reading this book you will find me on marxists.org reading everything he wrote about after his presidency.
¡Qué Viva Fidel! ¡Qué Viva la Revolución Cubana!
March 9, 2024
A fascinating read. My only issue with this book is that it wasn’t written as a book or structured as one afterwards; this is a collection of Castro’s “Reflections” essays during the early Obama years. They focus primarily on the blockade, healthcare reform, climate change, and the US’ double standards when discussing acts of war and violence.
Because of the structure and origin of these texts, this doesn’t always flow smoothly, and it’s often repetitive. It’s still worth a read if it falls into any areas of your focus.
Because of the structure and origin of these texts, this doesn’t always flow smoothly, and it’s often repetitive. It’s still worth a read if it falls into any areas of your focus.
January 5, 2023
Book about great hopes Castro’s regime had in Obama, as well as the rest of the world, but it describes how Obama became just another politician with no real capacity to make changes in the world. Castro knows very well that political system is stronger then any individual, and shows us what are the real things that happened during Obama’s presidency.
February 23, 2025
Great collection of essays from the former leader of the Republic of Cuba. The insights of a man who led a revolution of his own against the desires of the United States are informative, to say the least. The perspective of F. Castro's is also made more valuable by the fact that he has also (obviously first-hand) seen the effects of the United States' embargo on nations like Cuba and the devastating effect it has on the masses.
Truly, his style of writing is one that is straight-forward while also being rich in details, as F. Castro is sure to include quoted material to give context to readers. We see this whenever he mentions any speech of Obama's; rather than merely mention it, he includes excerpts and dissects such excerpts with precision.
Truly, his style of writing is one that is straight-forward while also being rich in details, as F. Castro is sure to include quoted material to give context to readers. We see this whenever he mentions any speech of Obama's; rather than merely mention it, he includes excerpts and dissects such excerpts with precision.
September 7, 2023
Very intelligent, thoughtful and insightful essays on Obama's impact as President of the United States. It is obvious after the first few essays Castro was a fan of Obama and how Obama approached his job. Ultimately. Castro believed Obama's actions were well intentioned, and ultimately caused more good than harm in countries with majority people of color, unlike previous Presidents. Castro was a student of history and economics, and it showed in his political observations of U.S, international affairs.
May 14, 2025
Castro is such an impressive figure. These essays read with such thoughtfulness and prescience.
Barack Obama is a fanatical believer in the imperialist capitalist system imposed by the United States on the world. He ends his speeches with "God bless the United States”… President Obama should check out the pertinent information on his computer and converse with his most eminent scientists; he will see how far his country is from being the model for humanity he extols.
Barack Obama is a fanatical believer in the imperialist capitalist system imposed by the United States on the world. He ends his speeches with "God bless the United States”… President Obama should check out the pertinent information on his computer and converse with his most eminent scientists; he will see how far his country is from being the model for humanity he extols.
May 4, 2024
what more can i say he was right
September 8, 2011
A collection of Castro's "reflections" wrote between May 2008 and June 2010 on the election and office of Obama. This was my first encounter with Castro as a writer and I didn't know what to expect. I was both surprised and amused by what I found.
This is by no means the best example of persuasive argument I've seen but there were also numerous times that I found myself impressed by the clarity of his critiques and insights. Though Castro does have the propensity of going off topic and repeating certain rhetorics, his views from an international, developing-nation's perspective offer a refreshing lens to examine world politics that's usually dominated by a Western agenda. On the one hand, Castro's obvious bias in glossing over Cuba's own failings and somewhat underhanded personal digs at past US presidents (Bush being his favorite) undermines the authority of his voice. On the other, his observations such as that towards the dangers of US's hyperconsumerism and it's implications on other nations, Obama's controversial Nobel Prize, US's military presence, America's disregard for other nations' political/economic agenda, US's reluctance towards environmental protectionism, etc. etc. were decidedly sound.
I DO recommend PoliSci students and enthusiasts to read this book. Too often North Americans, ignorant towards the intricacies of US-international relations, buy into the B***s*** and stereotyping the US media proliferate. This book is a start to seeing the other side of the bias. ...Just take what this old man says with a grain of salt.
This is by no means the best example of persuasive argument I've seen but there were also numerous times that I found myself impressed by the clarity of his critiques and insights. Though Castro does have the propensity of going off topic and repeating certain rhetorics, his views from an international, developing-nation's perspective offer a refreshing lens to examine world politics that's usually dominated by a Western agenda. On the one hand, Castro's obvious bias in glossing over Cuba's own failings and somewhat underhanded personal digs at past US presidents (Bush being his favorite) undermines the authority of his voice. On the other, his observations such as that towards the dangers of US's hyperconsumerism and it's implications on other nations, Obama's controversial Nobel Prize, US's military presence, America's disregard for other nations' political/economic agenda, US's reluctance towards environmental protectionism, etc. etc. were decidedly sound.
I DO recommend PoliSci students and enthusiasts to read this book. Too often North Americans, ignorant towards the intricacies of US-international relations, buy into the B***s*** and stereotyping the US media proliferate. This book is a start to seeing the other side of the bias. ...Just take what this old man says with a grain of salt.
July 18, 2011
Castro has lost his fastball. He becomes scattered at times and has to go back to some "tried and true" rhetoric. But, with little to no change in US policy, it's not hard to see why. This is a collection of Fidel's "reflections" which can be obtained online for free. He is still a powerful voice with moments of pure brilliance and the old fire, but like everything, his skill to craft intellectual arguments is fading. It's clear from the writings that Castro saw some glimmers of "hope" w/ Obama's election (and clearly saw him as a better alternative to McCain), but his opinion regarding Obama's real ability to create "change" fades (rightfully so) throughout the book. Love or hate Fidel, his voice has been and will continue to be heard (and will resonate). I recommend the online version simply b/c it is free and updated to reflect current events.
March 28, 2016
Especially interesting right now.
June 27, 2018
interesting read. I have questions about the original purpose of these essays by Castro - was he writing with the intention of releasing a book? were these released to his countrymen in a newspaper? were these compiled later (I doubt this based on how often he quotes his own earlier essays)? the past 2 years have absolutely taught me to delve and listen to multiple opinions of each political and economic situation, because no one side possesses all the truths. I enjoyed reading the thoughtful, while not unbiased, reviews of Obama's actions and speeches in 2009. food for thought.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews