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Castro Visits New York

Cuban leader Fidel Castro was booed--and cheered--when he visited New York City last week. Leaders from almost every country in the world came to the United Nations' 50th-anniversary celebration. But Castro, who heads a country of only 42,800 square miles, got the most attention.

Protesters shouted "killer," while supporters at the U.N. and at a church and a restaurant cheered his speeches. President Bill Clinton and New York's Mayor Rudolph Giuliani did not invite Castro to their parties. But business leaders entertained him. Why did he cause such a stir?

When Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba 36 years ago, many people hailed him as a hero. He promised Cubans democracy. Instead Castro canceled free elections and imprisoned those who disagreed with him.

The U.S. punished Castro by imposing a trade embargo on Cuba. For 34 years U.S. companies have not been allowed to do business there.

Now Castro wants the U.S. to lift the embargo. Cuba's economy is in bad shape. Food is so scarce that milk is given only to babies. Cuba needs the dollars that trade with the U.S. will bring.

Is Castro willing to change and move toward democracy in exchange for trade? Don't count on it. Said Castro: "This is not a business deal. This is not about bargaining."

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