The global response to the Haitian earthquake crisis has inspired a rare diplomatic agreement between the United States and Cuba -- overflight rights for rescue efforts.

The U.S. needed Cuban help because its base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba -- yes, the sight of the much-disputed terrorism prison camp -- is also a medical facility for victims of the earthquake in Haiti.

On Friday morning the White House announced: "We have coordinated with the Cuban government for authorization to fly medical evacuation flights from the U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay to Miami, FL through Cuban airspace, cutting 90 minutes off one-way flight time."

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