Cuba And The CIA - 1961
Cuba And The CIA - 1961
Ronald Kessler (Author of "The Terrorist Watch: Inside The Desperate Race To Stop The Next Attack") gives expert video advice on: What was the 'Bay Of Pigs Invasion'?; What was the original plan of invasion for the Bay of Pigs?; What is the relationship between Cuba and the US like today?
What was the 'Bay Of Pigs Invasion'?
The "Bay of Pigs" invasion was an effort to topple Fidel Castro as the Cuban leader, using people who had emigrated from Cuba. The problem with it was, first of all it leaked out so Castro knew about it. Second of all, it was not well supported and it was not well planned out.
What was the original plan of invasion for the Bay of Pigs?
The original plan was to introduce these former Cubans into Cuba with the idea that there would be a popular uprising. And that was not based on very good intelligence, because most people did not want to rise up against Castro. This was an example of presidents, in this case John F. Kennedy, just wanting the CIA to do something. Let's somehow do something, not having it thought through very well. And the CIA sort of going along with it and giving the idea that they could do it, when in fact they couldn't. It was just not well conceived, not well planned, and it was a disaster, because many were killed, many were captured, and it was a failure.
What is the relationship between Cuba and the US like today?
Today we have tried to isolate Cuba. We have boycotts against them. I think a lot of it is because of political pressures from Cuban-Americans, but obviously when Fidel Castro dies it is possible that Cuba might in fact get rid of this communist regime. I think that is our only hope.