Cuba Charges 6 With Terrorism After Deadly Speedboat Clash
Was this a terrorist attack by Cuban exiles or a deadly confrontation requiring independent verification?
Above: A tricycle is decorated with U.S. and Cuban flags in Havana, Cuba on Feb. 26. Image credit: Yamil Lage/AFP/Getty Images
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
These attackers were linked to violent exile groups with a history of terrorism against Cuba, and some were already wanted for plotting attacks on Cuban institutions. This brazen assault represents yet another example of anti-Castro extremists operating with impunity from U.S. soil to destabilize a sovereign nation.
Pro-establishment narrative
Cuba's claims must be taken with a grain of salt. Authorities in Havana claim the exiles opened fire first, but there must be an independent verification of Havana's account, given the regime's track record of manipulation. The incident occurred amid Cuba's deepening crisis and failures in governance — the Cuban people deserve a new start.
