Cuban Missile Crisis Began 50 Years Ago Today [AUDIO]

UNDATED - Today (Monday) is the 50th anniversary of the time many say the world came the closest to nuclear war.  The Cuban missile crisis began on October 15th, 1962 when reconnaissance photos revealed Soviet missiles under construction in Cuba.

Gary Prevost is a professor of political sciences and Latin American politics at St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict. He says the U.S. already had nuclear missiles stationed in Turkey at the time.

President John Kennedy announced the discovery to the American people on October 22nd.  Tensions finally eased on October 28th, when the Soviets would dismantle the missiles.

Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba remain strained.   He says the two countries now have some limited trade relations. Prevost says the two countries also cooperate on things like natural disasters.

Meanwhile, we're the only country that prohibits it's citizens from vacation in Cuba.  Provost says tourism is now one of the top industries that drives Cuba's economy.

Listen to our full interview with Professor Gary Prevost: