We’re still digesting what to make of all the Cuba news this morning, but here is a quick summary.
Alan Gross, a Floridian who has been in Cuban captivity for 5 years after being convicted on espionage charges, is free:
https://twitter.com/BlogsofWar/status/545241303680700417
That’s the good news. What’s yet to be determined, however, is what kind of deal President Obama struck with Cuba and what this means going forward:
While no 1 knows for sure, there's concern that Alan Gross release was due to prisoner swap. 1/3
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) December 17, 2014
"I don't think we shd be negotiating w/a repressive regime to make changes in our relationship w/them until" Cuba changes -Jeb Bush 2/3
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) December 17, 2014
On rumor of Alan Gross prisoner swap, Miami FL Sen Anitere Flores says it would trouble her: "you don't negotiate w/terrorists" 3/3
— Marc Caputo (@MarcACaputo) December 17, 2014
We’ll learn more at noon when the president addresses the nation.
In the meantime, politicians from both sides of the aisle are making their views known:
. @marcorubio said Alan #Gross was a hostage in Cuba, not a prisoner
— Greta Van Susteren (@greta) December 17, 2014
I’m overjoyed to welcome Alan Gross home after five long years in a Cuban prison. I met w Alan in 2012 in Cuba pic.twitter.com/QsyYKrNiUP
— Senator Dick Durbin (@SenatorDurbin) December 17, 2014
Sen. Bob Menendez: "President Obama's actions have vindicated the brutal behavior of the Cuban government" http://t.co/vRGBStI54i
— National Journal (@nationaljournal) December 17, 2014
Recommended
This is an incredibly bad idea. #Cuba http://t.co/mEfVWx7yRI
— Lindsey Graham (@GrahamBlog) December 17, 2014
Rep. Chris Van Hollen, Sen. Patrick Leahy & Sen. Jeff Flake were on the plane from Cuba with ex-prisoner Alan Gross http://t.co/P7jSWMay3a
— Talking Points Memo (@TPM) December 17, 2014
NEWS: Sanders Statement on Cuba Announcements: http://t.co/OMDo4MIGGf #Cuba #AlanGross
— Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) December 17, 2014
#AlanGross release after 5+ yrs in Cuban prison is long overdue. Improved diplomatic & economic relations would benefit #Cuba & U.S.
— Nita Lowey (@NitaLowey) December 17, 2014
Very happy to see that Alan Gross has been released and is on his way home from Cuba. I wish he and his family well as they reunite.
— Rep. Betty McCollum (@BettyMcCollum04) December 17, 2014
#signofhope #AlanGross is finally free & coming home in time for #Xmas. Great opp to renew US-Cuba ties: #liftembargo
— Charles Rangel (@cbrangel) December 17, 2014
Obama's Cuba Deal Splits Congress http://t.co/ngL1WTYGpg
— Steven Dennis (@StevenTDennis) December 17, 2014
More to come.
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