Global Conflict: An important sign – Part 1
October 27, 2015
TimeWatch Editorial
By Cameron A. Bowen
On August 24 2015, Press TV, a 24-hour English language news and documentary network, affiliated with Islamic Republic of Iran, published an article entitled: “Havana dismisses deterioration in Cuba-Russia ties.”
In that article, the following was expressed:
The Cuban Foreign Ministry spokeswoman has dismissed as speculation claims that Havana-Moscow ties have cooled after the communist Caribbean state and US restored relations.
"I am sure that this (the assumption about the deterioration of relations with Russia) is only speculation, showing ignorance of the historical traditions of Cuban philosophy and approach," said Mercedes Martinez Valdez in an interview with Russia's RIA Novosti news agency, adding that Havana-Moscow ties “are based on a genuine feeling of friendship.”
The relevance of this would be missed if we were not reminded of some important events that took place just a little over a year ago.
On Wednesday 16 July 2014, the Guardian Newspaper published in its United States addition, an article entitled: “Russia to reopen spy base in Cuba as relations with US continue to sour.”
The Guardian Newspaper is of British origin, which had its beginnings in 1821. It is a well respected organization with quite an impressive global readership. A careful look at the heading of the article reveals the use of the word “reopen.” The inference is therefore quite clear.” Listen to this excerpt of the article:
“Russia has quietly reached an agreement with Cuba to reopen a Soviet-era spy base on America's doorstep, amid souring relations between Moscow and Washington. The deal to reopen the signals intelligence facility in Lourdes, south of Havana, was agreed in principle during President Vladimir Putin's visit to the island as part of a Latin American tour last week, according to the newspaper Kommersant.” Alec Luhn , “Russia to reopen spy base in Cuba as relations with US continue to sour.”Wednesday 16th of July, 2014.
Regarding that same trip to Cuba by Putin, Politico magazine published an article entitled “Vladimir Putin kicks off Latin America tour with Cuba stop” By Associated Press on 7-11-2014
“Russian President Vladimir Putin began a six-day Latin American tour aimed at boosting trade and ties in the region with a stop Friday in Cuba, a key Soviet ally during the Cold War that has backed Moscow in its dispute with the West over Ukraine. The two countries signed about a dozen accords in areas such as energy, industry, and health and disaster prevention. Russian companies will participate in petroleum projects around Boca de Jaruco on the island's north coast, and that cooperation will extend to offshore oil deposits, Cuban government website Cuba debate said.” Politico magazine, “Vladimir Putin kicks off Latin America tour with Cuba stop” 7-11-2014.
One other thing however, that is incredibly important is what follows in that same article this:
“Moscow is also forgiving 90 percent of Cuba's Soviet-era debt, which totals more than $35 billion. The remainder will be invested in education on the island, Putin added. The debt agreement is "another great, tangible generosity of the Russian people toward Cuba," President Raul Castro said.” Politico magazine, “Vladimir Putin kicks off Latin America tour with Cuba stop” 7-11-2014.
It is rather clear then, that Russia is intentionally rebuilding as close a relationship as can be rebuilt with their old ally. The question then must be, how is all this affected by the new relationship between Cuba and The United States, or for that matter, how is all this affecting the new relationship between Cuba and The United States. Given the stresses of the Syrian conflict, the Ukrainian ‘invasion’ and the ongoing Iranian involvement with Russia, it is clear that the future holds some unresolved issues that if not carefully handled, could easily become unraveled.
The Biblical concept of nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom, linked in the book of Matthew to the important signs of famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in ‘multiple’ places, brings into immediate focus the importance of these events, especially when The United States and Russia remain two of the most militarized nations on the planet.
Cameron A. Bowen
