It can be said that traditionally one of the largest capacities of American intelligence forces is held by affairs of this sensitive world region. In this system, in particular Cuba has a very important role; although, as John Paul's visit also illustrates it, extraordinarily serious results characterise this development in this region.
By the end of the Cold War, it can be said that the communist threat has been stopped. Although, the featuring anticommunist attitude of many Americans also based on psychologycal (and economic) fundamentals, this development replaced the nuclear weapons and this threat, which was also represented by Cuba, lost its importance by the end of the Cold War.
Therefore, it can be said that John Paul's visit is also an apostolic mission which is also related to this development. Although, the Vatican city does not also have a correct knowledge about this development by this time; however, as this visit in Cuba also illustrates it, John Paul is assisted by the best political experts. A sober attitude, a remarkable political realism and a progressivity characterise the ways of the old John Paul The Second.
However, the pope's visit in Cuba is also an important event in the operation of this defence agency. Usually, older members of this organization represent a more determined anticommunist attitude which is also a heritage of the Cold War years. It can be said that this development was started by the Reagen-administration. However, as many problems of the Post Cold War years also illustrate it, this unfelxibility became a more and more serious operational problem. From this point of view, John Paul's visit is also a very important message about a new era in the story of this development.
Jan 27, 1998.
