Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book offers an overview of Cuba's foreign policy since 1959. It intertwines two main topics a brief analysis of the situation that existed in the Middle East at the time that Castro entered actively upon the scene in 1973; and the means, ends, extent of, and reasons for Cuba's involvement in this area. The book presents a close-up look of precisely how Cuba operates through a case-study approach which examines Cuban relations with several Arab countries. It focuses on Cuban-Libyan relations in some detail. The book considers the effects which Cuba's Middle East policy has on the island, the local states, and the region, as well as on Cuba's relations with other countries.