Cheat Sheet - Obama Smarter Than 10 Presidents on Cuba

Read This, Skip That .... December 17, 2014 HOLA! 1. Obama Smarter Than 10 Presidents on Cuba President Obama opened diplomatic relations with Cuba after more than 50 years of failed efforts to break the Castro regime. In addition to the release of U.S. citizen Alan Gross, the U.S. has exchanged three Cuban spies for an unnamed U.S. intelligence agent, report Christopher Dickey and Romina Ruiz-Goiriena. The U.S. will also significantly lift travel and commerce prohibitions and reopen the embassy that has been closed since 1961. Read it at The Daily Beast HOLY MOLY 2. Vatican Brokered Secret U.S.-Cuba Talks Pope Francis and the Vatican played a significant role in reopening diplomatic relations between Cuba and the U.S. The Vatican not only hosted in-person meetings between Cuban and U.S. officials, but actively played a role in the discussions, according to senior Obama administration officials. The meeting to finalize the reopening of relations was also held at the Vatican this past fall. The Vatican sent a personal letter to President Obama regarding Cuban relations. "That gave us greater impetus and momentum," a senior administration official said. In a statement released on Wednesday, the Vatican wrote, "The Holy Father wishes to express his warm congratulations for the historic decision taken by the governments of the United States of America and Cuba to establish diplomatic relations, with the aim of overcoming, in the interest of the citizens of both countries, the difficulties which have marked their recent history." Read it at The Daily Beast LET'S MAKE A DEAL 3. Cuba to Free U.S. Spy Held for 20 Years Senior Obama administration officials clarified that the release of Alan Gross was not part of the prisoner swap with Cuba announced Wednesday. Three Cuban spies who had been held in the U.S. for over 15 years were released in exchange for a U.S. intelligence agent who had been held in Cuba for about 20 years, according to adminsitration officials. "Alan Gross was not part of the exchange because he is not an intellgience asset. He was released on humantiarian grounds," said a senior adminsitration official. "We believe Alan was wrongfully imprisoned, and we are overwhelmed with joy he will be reunited with his family." Read it at The Daily Beast NEWS TO ME 4. Gitmo Troops Shocked By Cuba Thaw Guantanamo Bay, CUBA -- U.S. military personnel at Guantanamo Bay were taken aback by the sudden announcement of a reconciliation in U.S-Cuban relations. "Things have been operating as normal here," Kelly Wirfel, a spokeswoman for Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, told The Daily Beast. "Nothing gets discussed with Cuba except administrative issues." While there are monthly meetings between the Naval Station Guantanamo Commander and his Cuban Army counterpart, Wirfel noted there has been "nothing out of the ordinary" in the exchanges. Read it at The Daily Beast TOO LATE 5. When Will Pakistan Quit Its Crazies? For decades, Pakistan's generals have treated jihadi groups as assets to use agains India. Chris Albritton reports on how the country's dance with terrorists just backfired and left 132 children dead. Read it at The Daily Beast EMPIRE STATE New York Bans Fracking Citing public-health risks. CHICKEN First Theater Pulls 'The Interview' After hackers threaten 9/11 sequel. JUSTICE Black Teen Absolved of 1944 Murder White jury ordered death after 10 minutes. CREEP '7th Heaven' Star: I Molested Girls Stephen Collins played the dad. MAMA DRAMA Walmart Sued Over Pregnancy Treatment Woman forced to clean with chemicals. HUFFINGTON POST Looking at 2016 Polls? Here Are a Few Things to Keep in Mind ROLLING STONE Billie Joe Armstrong on Green Day's Hall of Fame Induction: 'It's Surreal' US WEEKLY Norman Bridwell Dead: Clifford the Big Red Dog Creator Dies at 86 GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET Culture Beast Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. Why So Many Surgeons Are Psychos by Russell Saunders Harvard's Conservative Cabal by Patricia Murphy Your Local School Doesn't Have to Suck by Michael S. Roth

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