World Briefs (09/10/10)
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WASHINGTON -- Fidel Castro's comment to a visiting American journalist that Cuba's economic system doesn't work is the strongest signal yet that the communist island is looking to private enterprise and foreign investment to bolster growth.
"The Cuban model doesn't even work for us anymore," Mr. Castro told journalist Jeffrey Goldberg after being asked if he believed it was something still worth exporting, according to a post Wednesday on The Atlantic magazine's website. Mr. Castro didn't elaborate on his comment, Mr. Goldberg said.
Since re-entering the public sphere in July following an illness that almost killed him, statements by the 84-year-old former president have focused on international affairs. His silence on domestic issues signals he is willing to allow his brother Raul to reduce state control of the economy, according to some analysts.
WASHINGTON -- A Senate resolution condemning Egypt's record on human rights and free elections has sparked an aggressive Washington lobbying campaign by the longtime U.S. ally, which argues that the measure could harm the Middle East peace process and its relationship with the United States.
The resolution, under consideration in the Foreign Relations Committee, outlines continuing allegations of abuse by Egyptian security services. It also condemns President Hosni Mubarak for renewing an emergency security law allowing broad arrest powers and indefinite detention of suspects without charges.
BAGHDAD -- In an embarrassing and potentially dangerous foul-up, four Iraqi detainees with alleged links to the Sunni insurgent group al-Qaida escaped from U.S. custody at a Baghdad detention facility late Wednesday.
First Published September 10, 2010 12:00 am
