In plain terms
ENGINE AHEAD — Crowd sees 'Cold War relic' or 'communist holdout.' Engine sees 65-year managed conflict serving both sides. Helms-Burton codified embargo into law — no president can end it.
Apr 1 live feed: Russia sends first oil shipment to Cuba, says will 'continue helping.' Zakharova calls on US to lift energy blockade. Cuba facing worst humanitarian crisis in its history — leadership questions emerging (Al Jazeera). Cuba opening to Miami exile capitalists (Mar 30). The managed antagonism thesis: Cuba simultaneously receives Russian oil AND opens to US capital. Both 'sides' benefit. The population suffers regardless of which flag flies over the oil tanker.