The Cuban Intervention in Angola, 1965-1991

by Edward George

A new examination of why Cuba, a Caribbean country, sent half a million of its citizens to fight in Angola in Africa, and how a short-term intervention escalated into a lengthy war of intervention. It clearly details how in January 1965 Cuba formed an alliance with the Angolan MPLA which evolved into the flagship of its global 'internationalist' mission, spawning the military intervention of November 1975 culminating in Cuba's spurious 'victory' at Cuito Cuanavale and Cuba's fifteen-year occupation of Angola. Drawing on interviews with leading protagonists, first-hand accounts and archive material from Cuba, Angola and South Africa, this new book dispels the myths of the Cuban intervention, revealing that Havana's decision to intervene was not so much an heroic gesture of solidarity, but rather a last-ditch gamble to avert disaster. By examining Cuba's role in the Angolan War in a global context, this book demonstrates how the interaction between the many players in Angola shaped and affected Cuba's intervention as it headed towards its controversial conclusion.

Genres: Africa, Angola, Earth, The Americas, Military Fiction

372 pages, Hardcover

First published November 23, 2004

Reviews

[Barry Sierer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Edward George’s work is a concise and well-grounded account of Cuban involvement in Africa during the Cold War. George’s narrative dances between battlefield operations, political decisions in Havana, Pretoria and Luanda, and the “linkage” negotiations overseen by US ambassador Ryan Crocker over the length of the war in southwest Africa (each of these is tightly linked).

While George shows that Fidel Castro’s motivation for his involvement in Angola may be suspect, he gives an impressive account of how battle hardened, but frequently under resourced troops, fought and eventually prevailed (politically) during the Cold War.

[Patrick Link · Rating 3 out of 5]

An account with a decent variety of sources, the usual Anglo filter of praise for the fighting prowess of the Apartheid SADF and scorn but reluctant acknowledgement of Castro and the Cuban Revolution applies in full. The focus on Cuban forces was welcome as was the criticism of the lack of South African strategy. I’d like to find something with more of a focus on the MPLA and Neto in particular. The hints at KGB backing of a MININT coup are tantalizing. Not sure of what to make of all the Chester Crocker fandom. Still, if you’re aware of the usual Western slant not a bad read.

[Minnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent well researched well written and clear account of the complexities of Cuba's involvement in Angola. He has the ability to tell of a battle that is clear and even I could understand who did what and where and perhaps even why.

[Dani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most useful book on the Cuban intervention in Angola that I have ever read, and I read a lot of them. This book was invaluable during my senior undergraduate thesis on the topic. You will not need any other book but George's if you are interested in Cuba/Angola.

[Jameson M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very readable history of the Cuban intervention in Angola (and Africa in general). Mr. George does a great job explaining the regional and international political situation, as well as detailed descriptions of the various battles fought. His writing is also highly objective and he isn't firmly in the pro- or anti-communist camp.
The only thing I wish is that he would have included more firsthand accounts from people on the ground. Still, this is an excellent book, and I am surprised it isn't more well known. Highly recommended.

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating and not-well-known story of proxy war in Africa. The author covers a long period, with an additional section covering Che's life post-revolution.

The history after the war is such a sad story for Angola. I would've liked to see the long term effects of 15 years of bloody conflict.

I do wish the author would have discussed more of the internal side of South Africa's intervention, and how the end of the war in in 1990 contributed to the end of Apartheid.