HAVANA (AP) — Fidel Castro criticized Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad for what he called his anti-Semitic attitudes and questioned his own actions during the Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 during interviews with an American journalist he summoned to Havana to discuss fears of global nuclear war.
Jeffrey Goldberg, a national correspondent for The Atlantic, blogged on the magazine’s website Tuesday that he was on vacation last month when the head of the Cuban Interests Section in Washington — which Cuba maintains there instead of an embassy — called to say Castro had read his recent article about Israel and Iran and wanted him to come to Cuba.
Goldberg asked Julia Sweig, a Cuba-U.S. policy expert at the Council on Foreign Relations, to accompany him, and the pair spent portions of three days talking with Castro.
Cuba’s state-controlled media reported Aug. 31 that Goldberg and Sweig met with Castro and attended the dolphin show at Havana’s aquarium, but the blog was the first to reveal details of what they discussed.
Goldberg said their first meeting lasted five hours and featured appearances by Castro’s wife, Dalia, his son Antonio, and several bodyguards, two of which held his elbow to steady Castro when he moved.
“His body may be frail, but his mind is acute, his energy level is high,” wrote Goldberg, who also noted Castro’s self-deprecating humor.
The 84-year-old ex-president wore full military fatigues and an olive-green cap while addressing university students last week, and had previously appeared in public in a military shirt. But Goldberg saw Castro in a red shirt, sweat pants, and black New Balance sneakers.
He said Castro, who himself has been a fierce critic of Israel, “repeatedly returned to his excoriation of anti-Semitism,” chiding Ahmadinejad for denying the Holocaust. Castro said that Iran could further the cause of peace by “acknowledging the ‘unique’ history of anti-Semitism and trying to understand why Israelis fear for their existence.”
The gray-bearded revolutionary related to Goldberg a story from his childhood that has been detailed by some biographers: that he overheard classmates saying Jews killed Jesus Christ.
“I didn’t know what a Jew was. I knew of a bird that was a called a ‘Jew,’ and so for me the Jews were those birds,” Goldberg quoted Castro as telling him. Castro later added, “This is how ignorant the entire population was.”
According to Goldberg, Castro said, “I don’t think anyone has been slandered more than the Jews. I would say much more than the Muslims.”
Castro also said that the Iranian government should understand that the Jews “were expelled from their land, persecuted and mistreated all over the world, as the ones who killed God.”
After undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July 2006, giving up Cuba’s presidency and dropping out of sight for four years, Castro has begun making near-daily public appearances to warn of a nuclear war pitting the U.S. and Israel against Iran and also featuring a Washington-led attack on North Korea.
“This problem is not going to get resolved, because the Iranians are not going to back down in the face of threats,” Castro told Goldberg.
Goldberg also said he revisited the Cuban Missile Crisis with Castro, asking if once “it seemed logical for you to recommend that the Soviets bomb the U.S.”
“Does what you recommended still seem logical now?”
Castro’s answer surprised him: “After I‘ve seen what I’ve seen, and knowing what I know now, it wasn’t worth it all.”
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Reagan was Right
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 1:07pmThere is a new web site for the Conservative Right.
http://rightnetwork.com/
Check it out.
Report Post »ready4
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 12:55pmI don‘t think it’s shenanigan’s. As we age, we review our successes and failures. Our hindsight gives us perspective to celebrate the things we accomplished and accept our failings. I wouldn’t necessarily call it an epiphany, more of just a person that is accomplishing the tasks of aging in preparation for death.
Report Post »I hope that he has gained clarity and wisdom and will share what he has learned with his son so that the people of Cuba can gain their God given individual rights.
Debra-Chicago
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 9:23amtest
Report Post »Debra-Chicago
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 9:21am@mr. butcher, great moniker by the way, fitting..*wink
Your comment that the Holy Bible is similiar to the Koran makes sense considering Mohammed plagarized the Bible and twisted the story of Isaac and Ishmael to make Ishmael the chosen one on the Arab side via Hagar, instead of the Biblical story of Isaac being chosen by God from the Jewish lineage via Sarah.
Report Post »firethecommunityorganizer
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 11:29pmFidel needs to come clean with the actual number of people who were executed during his reign so Michael Moore will know who the real SICKO is.
Report Post »adifftake
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 10:39pmFirst off did anyone else catch that phrase, Castro summoned him? Does that make the reporter a slave of socialistic communism and one of it’s kings? If he had refused could he have lost his life?
Report Post »sjwanderer
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 11:10pmI did notice that and then I question this article some. I do think that he realized that the communist state he built will not last. Just look at the state of Cuba today, but hey he lived very well during his time. Isn’t that kind of the goal of communists?
Report Post »WaltzingMtilda
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 10:36pmOh, please. I call shenanigans.
No way did Castro say all this.
Report Post »Joseph
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 10:45pmI think the shenanigans.are over for Castro. He played the whole world with his shenanigans and now sees Obama. I think Obama woke him up to playing shenanigans on the world.
Report Post »Joseph
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 10:33pmCastro knows he is near his death bed, and what may be left of his Christian childhood is catching up with him. Still most likly there is little sencerity in his heart or mind, because leftist generaly have the oppinion they can fool god with sack cloth and ashes. He needs to come clean with himself, God, and the cuban people in admitting he chose the wrong side out of arrogance. Also he needs to admit of instead of having a prosperous and free Cuba with the aide of the U.S., he chose a perverted sespool for his people by siding with the USSR. He is nothing more than a very little sad man now. Lao Tsu wrote, ” A violent man, will die a violent death.” He’s afraid of this, very afraid. Yet we need to find it in our hearts no matter how difficult it may seem to pray for him. HERE ME FIDEL…I’ll pray for you to see the light…
Report Post »notimeforthis
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 9:37pmInferno you could be right or Castro is old enough to see a young fool (Ahmadinejad) who is willing to do something really foolish to Isreal. I hope it’s only about money and hnot him really being concerned about nuclear war. At his age your priorities are not usually about more money and power.
Report Post »inferno
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 9:11pmCastro see what coming. He is expecting a change in his relationship as part of Obama’s foreign policy. He is anxious for American dollars pouring into Cuba when that happens. Why else he cahange his attitude about Iran and anything that has to do with our policy toward his island ?
Report Post »I would suggest he is receiving behind the scene signals from Obama and our State Department.
Doc_Slammin
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 9:00pmAll I can say is WOW!
Report Post »Pittsburgh Rich
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 8:28pm(sarcasm) Travel and trade restrictions have further been tightened between the US and Cuba due to recent ideological changes the nation’s leader, Castro has openly shared about about antisemitism and the historical Cuban Missile Crisis. It seems Castro has taken to a radical idea called “common sense”, which doesn’t reflect the values that of the current US administration.
Report Post »dudeman4
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:19pmI would love it if Fidel will read some books like The Naked Communist and say something like “Oh man…! This communism thing is idiotic!” I’m probably being too unrealistic, though.
Report Post »sccm52
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:06pmI agree with GREENDOGJ/ When people get old and are going to die, they usually have these epiphany, because GOD is waiting on them. GOOD LUCK CASTRO!!!
Report Post »pscully17
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 6:59pmi think its being NEAR DEATH, and within the shackles of Communism, there is NO RELIGION, and with NO religious beliefs, the Day you die makes you nervous about where you’re going– sounds to me like Castro is repenting and fearing for his soul!!
Report Post »Ruler4You
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 6:24pmNo, Castro hasn’t had an epiphany. The west is replete with examples of idealism as it’s motivation. Castro, in this instance, reflects a strong grasp of reality, cause and effect and actual results. Truth is truth. And as such, in NOT an epiphany.
Report Post »VM
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 6:16pmComrade Fidel Castro is no doubt a well informed leader when compared to the thugs and barbarians like Hugo Chavez and Ahmedinijad of Iran. All Arab leaders know the fact that Israelis were driven out of their home land and now the call for wiping out Israel from the map is nothing but stupidity at the highest. In fact, it is the Palestinians that are to be cleared out of the whole area and make Jerusalem the capital city of Israel.
Report Post »dorothea
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 6:16pmFidel Castro is not a LEADER. He is a a BLOODY MURDER!!!!! and Chavez is another bloody DICTATOR!!
Report Post »FoundersKeeperUSA
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 6:03pmWow it took him 84 years to finally use sum common sense.The Cuban missle crisis and everything he put his country through with Che’ and all his crap.Looking back on his life he says “Eh maybe it wasnt worth it after all”.At least i can say hes right about Iran, they will not back down.I think Israel should attack soon with Us backing them 100%.But judging by Obamas actions when it comes to Israel he’ll probaly go to the U.N. and bash them and saying peace talks could have worked.
Report Post »Damn_Lucky
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:50pmOff topic
Report Post »Grade Obama’s First Year in Office – CBSNews
URL: http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-6116297-503544.html
pass it on
greendogj
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:49pmfunny how people change when they finaly see their own mortality and understand that they might have to explain their life to a higher authority
Report Post »elysummers
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 11:36amAmen Greendogj!
Report Post »countryman
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:44pmhe just knows he has noone to run his country (that he trusts) and might as well give it up to the americans. You know i wonder why he never bought the angles (baseball) and just played when he had the money and ability.
Report Post »joshua
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:33pmwe ALL killed the Messiah, for it was Intelligent-Mankind whom the Messiah got off of His Throne in Glory, put on shoes, and “snuck” into Creation….to Offer Salvation to All through the Law of the Spirit. Repentance being the ONLY prerequisite…..Repentance from Transgressing the Simplest Instructions mankind had ever been Given….Sin is Breaking the Creator’s Law (1 John 3:4) but over the past 18-19 centuries have allowed man’s doctrines to infiltrate the very meaning of Transgression and thus we threw away the “old” and redefined the Messiah’s role….He ended Condemnation and ushered in an Age of Mercy where men would be judged for their Deeds….Let the Righteous be Righteous and let the filthy be filthy…those that Struggle on the Inside of their Minds and not on the External junk we get caught up in so easily, are the ones who shall be called to the Wedding Feast!! Praise be to the Creator Almighty
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:52pmI didn’t kill anyone, Sir. —Please consider that just as much tyranny has stemmed from that book you cite as the one the Iranian’s cite.
Report Post »brobob
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 7:41pmWell said Joshua. The statement by MRBUTCHER shows that those who have not studied the Book nor really learned their history, always resort to using worn out Cliche’s long ago debunked. So many use such tactics to appear wise. Anyone who uses the Bible to excuse killing someone or to justify other evil acts is not acting on behalf of God is not of God he sins of his own accord. The God of the Bible will never ask any one to commit a sin for any reason.
Report Post »MrButcher
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 9:15pmActually, BroBob, I have read your “good” book and found it to be anything but good. And, more importantly, i am familiar with the constitution and consider it the best document on the quaint and, currently, fragile subject of self-government by free peoples. but lets play in your ballpark. I’ll refer you to some verses from your book, you go look ‘em up, see the similarities to the koran and then come back and tell me what you think. i’d like to direct your attention to Matthew 5:17 & 29-30, Luke 12:46-47, Peter 3:10, and the “good” book’s guide for parents with disobedient children (ala honor killings)who won’t confrom to the family faith can be found in Deuteonomy 21:18-21 from the old t with which sentiments jeebus agrees with in the new t can be found in Mark 7:9-10. there are sooo many more—–I can quote this silly book all day. i can also tell you it is NO different from the koran in its brutality, ignorance and stupidity. that‘s the god’s honest truth, SIr.
adifftake
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 10:37pmJoshua,
Report Post »You are wrong. Only faith in Jesus as the Son of God get’s you forgiveness. While it is true a person must have repentance befitting forgiveness it is by God’s undeserved kindness, He giving us the ability to excercise faith in His son, and it is by faith that we are saved. Sorry there isn’t a single act on your part other than that faith that will get you anything at all from God.
Debra-Chicago
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 9:18am@Mr. Butcher, I‘m assuming you’re referring to the all time, not even close, best-selling book of ALL time, the Holy Bible? Blaming fallen man’s actions in their unrighteous tyranny and genocide all in the “name of Religion” is disingenuous at best and excuse making and trying to defend the indefensible at worst.
The Holy Bible is centered around one basic tenet, God’s undeserved and unconditional love, Jesus’s perfect, atoning and substitionary and willing sacrifice on behalf of fallen creation.
Report Post »WeMustNeverForget
Posted on September 8, 2010 at 7:47pmJoshua, You are right, “we ALL killed the Messiah” ; after-all that was the PLAN all along. What many of us forget or don’t realize is that Christ was born to DIE for all of mankind, He was the ultimate sacrifice for all sin, therefore, therein lies the fact that we ALL killed the Messiah. If we say a lie, we are liars, we steal, we’re thieves; we are all sinners. We are ALL guilty of His crucifixion.
Report Post »NickDeringer
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:30pmFidel Castor: a closet Neo-con. Who knew?
Report Post »BQI
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:26pmI recently wrote an article on my blog (www.blackquillandink.com) called “Waking Up in the Twilight Zone”. It was about the recent desire of the left to have President G.W. Bush speak-out on behalf of Obama to support O’s position on the New York mosque. After reading this, I’m sure now that I am, in fact, in The Twilight Zone.
Report Post »ann123
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 10:39pmsomebody needs to slap bush back to reality if comes and supports obama and he will truely thank you. this is truely twlight zone .and the music do do do do
Report Post »iatoala
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:24pmIts called an Epiphany. Welcome to the real world Mr Castro how bout giving Potus a clue.
Report Post »iatoala
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 5:30pmEpiphany – a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience. This is for those Obama supports the don’t have a clue. Get one they are free!
Report Post »ChrisInAR
Posted on September 7, 2010 at 9:45pm“This is how ignorant the entire population was.”
I thought that was something that Communism/progressivism did to a nation.
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