Chronicle on Cuba - November 2008

Domestic Affairs: Harassment and arbitrary detentions by Cuban authorities against non-violent opposition activists continue.  Hurricane Paloma destroys communication towers and hundreds of homes in Camaguey province. Cuban President Raul Castro attends a ceremony for the country's first Catholic beatification.

Economy: Cuba's economy is expected to grow 4 percent in 2008, despite the devastating effects of three powerful hurricanes. Cuban authorities announce Canada is Cuba’s third largest trade partner. Russia grants Cuba a $335 million credit line and signs other cooperation agreements with the island. Cubans apply for land by the tens of thousands for the first time since the 60’s. Cuba and China agree to multiple deals on trade and loans. Cuba ranks second among the Paris Club’s largest debtors.

Exile Community: US President elect Barack Obama wins 35 percent of the Cuban-American vote in Miami-Dade County.

Foreign Affairs: Cuba and Russia strengthen political and economic ties after visits of Cuba’s Foreign Affairs Minister to Moscow and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to Havana. Cuba enters into the Rio Group. China's President Hu Jintao travels to Cuba. Vice President Ricardo Cabrisas presides over the Cuban delegation to the Summit of ALBA. The European Union offers Cuba 30 million euros for rebuilding areas damaged by hurricanes and other projects.

US-Cuba Relations: Fidel Castro casts doubt on the possibility that a new president would bring much change in US policy. Representatives of Cuba's internal opposition express optimism that Barack Obama's election would lead to an easing of relations. A  report by the Brookings Institution recommends a near-total reversal in US policy toward Cuba. Raul Castro is open to meeting US President-elect Barack Obama on neutral ground.