And, as Ms Bardach acknowledges but explores only perfunctorily, Cuban exile opinion is plural, and becoming more so.

ECONOMIST: Cuban-American relations

On this, Ms Bardach, who is a tenacious reporter, scores some points. (Mas Canosa sued her for libel, but ended up settling with the New Republic.) She interviews Luis Posada Carriles, Mr Castro's most persistent would-be assassin.

ECONOMIST: Cuban-American relations