By Buster Gunning A very intriguing bet has been forged between the President of the United States and Cuba?s ?El Presidente? Fidel Castro. The two leaders have often been at odds since the days of Bush Sr., with Castro representing the socialist reform that is now sweeping Latin America and Bush, the leader of the neo-conservative capitalist revival. However, the two men are both enormous Baseball fans and while the US-backed trade embargo may still stand strong, the two world leaders have placed a friendly little wager on the outcome of the fabled World Championship. The wager: If the United States team can advance further than the Cuban team, Fidel Castro will finally return Elian Gonzalez back to his relatives in Florida. But if the Cuban team should advance further, the Untied States will return the Estafan duo of Emilio and Gloria back to Cuba. The stakes are high and both nations are now tense and eagerly awaiting the outcome. When asked whether sports wagering will replace normal diplomacy in the future, an aide to President Bush, who wished to remain nameless, stated that the President already has a bet set up Chinese President Hu Jinato. If Yao Ming can average 20 points and 10 rebounds this season, Hu will step up talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Il regarding Jong?s nuclear ambitions. Buster is currently cashing in on the emerging Chinese market, he can be reached at: [email protected] The preceding article was a piece of satirical fiction.