Betrayal: Clinton, Castro & the Cuban Five

by Matt Lawrence, Thomas Van Hare

On February 24, 1996, three Brothers to the Rescue aircraft took off from South Florida on a search and rescue mission meant to save the lives of Cuban balseros - yet their mission would end in death, with two planes shot down by Cuban MiG fighters. Four aviators were lost - Carlos Costa, Mario de la Peña, Armando Alejandre and Pablo Morales. Their murders were perpetuated by La Red Avispa, the "Cuban Five" spy ring and a DIA analyst turned Cuban agent, Ana Belen Montes, Castro's Queen of Spies. Clinton, Castro & The Cuban Five compiles extensive research, sworn testimony and fact. It reveals a cover up spanning the Florida Straits, from Havana to Washington D.C. It uncovers that senior Clinton Administration officials, including Sandy Berger, Bill Richardson, Richard Nuccio, retired Pentagon brass, U.S diplomats and even members of the U.S. media were forewarned by Castro of the shootdown, yet somehow did nothing to stop the murders. Cuba declares them heroes, yet the "Cuban Five" are serving jail sentences for espionage and murder. Now, in an opening gesture toward improving relations with Havana, the Obama Administration contemplates their release - but will the USA have to go so far as to pardon murderers?

Genres: History

240 pages, Paperback

First published February 9, 2009

Reviews

[Muhammad Syed · Rating 4 out of 5]

An in depth literature on the tragic loss of lives. The blame could be jointly shared by Cuba as well as US government and authorities.

Whether the mistake was honest, deliberate or concocted as a conspiracy I feel sad for the families of the victims. Furthermore what really infuriated me most that in spite of knowing all the facts US government let it happen and took no action when the third plane was chased.

The dual standards of oppressing aggression aimed at USA is unearthed by this book which can not be refuted as bulk of the evidence is well supported by government memos and court proceedings etc.

I'd recommend this to all those who advocate that USA is par excellence in security and espionage. It failed to discover Cuban moles and thus was fooled on Cuban policy resulting in human loss of live regardless of citizenship status.

[Tracey Eaton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this book.The authors based much of their reporting on court documents and government memos, and that adds credibility to their story.
"Betrayal" gives detailed and in-depth perspective on the Feb. 24, 1996, shoot-down. The authors slam the Clinton Administration for failing to take action when Cuban MiGs were launched in the Florida Straits to pursue civilian aircraft flown by members of Brothers to the Rescue, a Cuban exile organization.

[steven guerra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not in the least a credible account. I was betrayal alright betrayal of objectivity.

was hoping for facts not fantasy, this was not journalism in any sense of the word. Books like this only serve to make serious readers want to stop reading altogether. A complete waste of time due to a complete lack of objectivity, and make s it unworthy of even reading in the bathroom. Thank God it was as free or I would really be angry.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written and definitely interesting. I wonder what happens behind closed doors and the reasons behind the decisions made. it is sad that this happened and that the Clinton administration created the wet foot dry foot rule when Cubans were escaping bc they feared for their lives and shouldn't have been sent back. they were willing to risk their lives to escape. I hope that life in Cuba will improve eventually.

[Duane Schindler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Shootdown

Cuban spies created a disinformation campaign that continues to this day. Makes a strong case for continuing to embargo Cuba.

[MatthewB2020 · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was an alright book a little boring points at times but still a good read. Very informational.