Russia meddling in Latin America

Just when the world thought the Cold War was long gone, it's getting a bit chilly on this side of the globe. Russia, hoping to regain superpower status, is dabbling in Latin America again with a longtime thorn in the United States' side and a more recent pain the neck. Neither courtship bodes well for our country. Let's first start with the old alliance between Russia and Cuba. The Agence France-Presse reports that Russia is 'mulling' the possibility of starting regular long-range bomber flights to the Caribbean island 90 miles from Key West. AFP cited the Russian newspaper Izvestia which quoted an unnamed senior air force official that discussions 'exist' on the matter. It was uncertain whether what's being mulled is basing long-range Russian bombers in Cuba, or using it as a refueling base, although former defense ministry official Leonid Ivashov did say the island is better suited as refueling stop. Subsequently, Russian officials denied they're considering the move, calling it a 'media hoax,' although the New York Sun reported Izvestia as saying Algeria and Venezuela could be used as bases for Russian supersonic jets.