Back Channel to Cuba by William M. LeoGrande & Peter Kornbluh Summary
Overview of Back Channel to Cuba
Uncover the secret negotiations that shaped U.S.-Cuba relations across decades. Released just before the historic 2014 normalization, this meticulously researched expose reveals how hurricane prediction, counter-terrorism, and clandestine diplomacy connected two sworn enemies beneath the Cold War's icy surface.
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Key takeaways
The Cold War's Longest Diplomatic Dance
In April 1959, a striking contrast unfolded at Washington's Statler Hilton Hotel. Fidel Castro, still in his revolutionary olive-green fatigues, met with Acting Secretary of State Christian Herter in his formal three-piece suit. When introduced to the State Department official "in charge of Cuban affairs," Castro quipped, "And I thought I was in charge of Cuban affairs." This clever joke signaled his intention to end a half-century of U.S. control over Cuban matters-the opening salvo in what would become the Western Hemisphere's most enduring diplomatic standoff. Despite the public rhetoric of hostility that has defined U.S.-Cuban relations for decades, every American administration from Eisenhower to Obama engaged in secret talks with Cuba. These hidden dialogues reveal a complex relationship far more nuanced than the frozen diplomatic posture suggests. The tension between geographic proximity and ideological distance created a paradox-two nations unable to live together comfortably yet incapable of living apart. What makes this diplomatic dance so fascinating is how consistently both sides reached toward each other while simultaneously pushing away-like porcupines attempting to mate, as one negotiator memorably described it. The relationship has been defined by missed opportunities, miscommunications, and moments when reconciliation seemed tantalizingly close, only to slip away.
Revolution's Troubled Birth: Early Missed Opportunities
Kennedy's Paradox: Bay of Pigs and Secret Olive Branches
The Diplomatic Dance: Nixon, Ford and Carter
From Reagan to Clinton: Pragmatism and People
The Path Forward: Obama's New Beginning
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From Columbia University alumni built in San Francisco
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."
"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."
"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."
"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."
"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."
"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."
"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."
"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."
"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"
"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."
"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."
"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"
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