U.S. Citizen. Have planned a trip to Cuba this coming November. Before I buy that ticket (soon), are they friend or foe? Have heard different reports.

simple answer is "friend"

they love americans who visit, since they appreciate the personal risk you're taking to do so.

what they have a problem with is the american govt and its anti-cuba policies. there are even a few little cartoon uncle sams around, with "we're not afraid of you imperialists" and similar slogans, but as an american visitor, you'll be treated the same as any other.

The previous poster is correct. Cubans treat American tourists very well. The enemy for you is US Immigration/Customs on your return. Check out the Cuban FAQ that Seattle Cuba has or just skim through some old posts about the in-and-outs of handling a trip to Cuba and how to avoid getting into trouble with Customs.

The Americans are the second favorite tourist after the Canadians.

they just tell you what you want to hear?i think they like Americans more than Canadians since we tip in dollars.Canadians like Gorden only tip in quarters :)

I think it's best just to say is that Cubans treat most foreigners with courtesy. I've never seen any surveys of Cubans about what nationality is their favorite foreigner and I doubt such a thing exists. As #3 noted, Cubans have a tendency to tell you what they think you want to hear. The only national group I've heard a number of Cubans speak bad about are Russians.

Cuba loves all of the tourists she gets. However, considering recent events, I think the OP is probably asking more which side Cuba will land on if a multinational war breaks out between the Western and Islamic countries. Any quesses?

I would guess neutral. Cuba's position on the events of 11 September have been pretty well set out in Granma. If you didn't read any of the articles they condemned the bombings, but tried to explain them as the inevitable result of US Middle Eastern policy. They urged restraint. Do you really think they would ally themselves with Iraq and/or Afghanistan with the two ton hostile gorilla standing 90 miles away.

and you don't know whether they are friend or foe? Perhaps you should plan one to Afganistan or Iraq. After planning your trip you can then decide whether they are friend or foe.

I'm not comparing Cuba to either of the two mentioned. I agree with the previous posters. Cuba loves Americans. I just find it difficult to believe you have planned a trip without knowing whether the country is "friend or foe".

i would guess the US is even bigger than that, in gorilla-dimensions.

re. cubans opining on americans or anyone else, it was my impression (as an australian/british citizen) that the cubans are fascinated to get any opinions from outside their country: any different perspective is higly sought-after. i was in fact amazed that, unlike those of us in other developed countries, the cubans have a fairly high opinion of americans! the international image of the american tourist is (rightly or wrongly) one of a boorish, brash, insensitive, flag-waving, boastful and thoroughly irritating person. the worst thing i heard from a cuban was that americans are, as a nation, "politically naive, and rather militaristic."

i personally believe that the afore mentioned unpleasant people do exist (and clearly there are similar people everywhere), but that, of course, not all americans are like that...indeed, those who visit cuba are probably a subset of the most adventurous, intellectually curious, and outward-looking people the country has to offer, which no doubt contributes to the cubans' perspective.

Some are beginning to realise that Cubans are loud and overbearing.

The first two postings are right on. As a Canadian, I took full advantage of being thought of us an American, as they love the people, not the gov't. and they know Canadians are a bit tight on generosity. Strange thing is many don't accept or want tips, just respect. Of my last 20 countries, Cubans are without a doubt the warmest, friendliest, without expecting a handout I have met. Just avoid the resorts if you want to see Cuba, and stay in habitations (private homes)after your first night in a hotel. By looking around, and ASKING!! I found a rental car for 25 a day, roads are great,places to stay readily available and it was a great way to see the country. enjoy the trip, get a guide book and be prepared to communicate in some spanish

Sign languge will ussually work, and all the larger towns will have those who speak english find you no problem, mate.

where did you get a rental car for $25 a day?

"roads are great" you say, #11? are you kidding?

they are sealed, i suppose, for the most part, but for anyone planning on driving there, look out for enormous holes! you can be doing 120km/h on an empty 3-lane highway and then find yourself on a patch of road that looks like a bomb's hit it: potholes galore! just keep your eyes open if you plan on driving in cuba...oh and there are no gates at rail crossings, which is good, because some of them are like driving up and down a curb they're so bumpy.

but other than that, roads are great. ;o)

Easily, without a doubt. To a fault.
Good thread, I'll have to add it to the FAQ.
For similar questions, check out www.seattlecuba.org/faq/faq.htm

full article can be found at: http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20010918/us/attacks_diplomac­y_54.html

To answer your question, I believe Cuba has the upper hand in this situation and may get a good deal out of it. Perhaps it's time for those terrorists in Miami to pay!
Here are the highlights:
WASHINGTON (AP) - In its quest for a diverse anti-terror coalition, the Bush administration said Tuesday it has made overtures to Sudan and Cuba. They're the third and fourth nations on the State Department terrorism list seen as potential sources of information in last week's attacks.

Secretary of State Colin Powell (news - web sites) called Sudanese Foreign Minister Osman Ismail Mustafa and asked for his cooperation after taking note of Sudan's offer to play a constructive role combating terrorism.

High-level contacts with Sudan have been extremely rare, and State Department spokesman Richard Boucher called the conversation a good beginning.

Boucher also said a U.S. official visited Cuba's diplomatic mission in Washington and asked for whatever information Cuba might have about the terrorist attack. Cuba strongly condemned the Sept. 11 disaster.

U.S. officials said a diverse anti-terrorism coalition would be more viable politically than one limited largely to Western democracies. Powell has been reaching out to Arab and Muslim countries in recent days.

*****************
Cuba has voiced strong opposition to the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon (news - web sites). But its criticisms have been coupled with strongly worded complaints that alleged terrorism originating from anti-Castro groups in Miami occurs without international condemnation.