Watching the Shadows

Obama’s final year: a CounterVortex scorecard

With a Trump despotism looming, CounterVortex offers its final assessment of Barack Obama's record in addressing the oppressive legacy of the Global War on Terrorism.

Greater Middle East

UN approves investigation of Syria war crimes

With action blocked by Russia's veto in the Security Council, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution establishing an independent investigation into war crimes in Syria.

The Caribbean

Is Obama really helping Cuban dissidents?

Obama's embrace of Cuban dissidents allows the Castro regime to to more easily paint any push for greater democracy on the island as part of an imperial agenda.

The Caribbean

Cuba releases dissident graffiti artist

Cuban street artist Danilo Maldonado AKA "El Sexto" was released after 10 months in prison for "disrespect toward government officials"—which holds a penalty of three years.

Syria

US drops Cuba from terrorism list

The US government formally removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism as a step toward restoring full diplomatic relations. Cuba had been listed since 1982.

The Caribbean

Assata Shakur as political football

The US political right uses Assata Shakur to take a hit at Obama's Cuba opening while simultaneously getting subliminal licks in at the Black Lives Matter protests.

The Caribbean

Cuba: US agrees to normalize relations

After 53 years the US has finally decided to restore relations with Cuba. Alan Gross and the Cuban Five are free, some restrictions are eased, but the embargo continues.