I’M standing right in the middle of the intersection of Tribuna Anti-Imperialista José Martí in Havana on the shores of the Caribbean Sea, savoring the warmth of the early morning air. Looking out toward the waters of the Straits of Florida, I was waiting for the sunrise.

Hundreds of Cuban flags, neatly lined in masts on the plaza of the 1-hectare national monument fluttered in the air. On the left side stands a big stage facing east toward