Fidel's possible return to world political scene and Cuba's future

As many of you are probably aware, Fidel Castro, 81, stepped down from power in 2006 handing the presidency to Raul Castro, his brother. This was due to health problems, which the Cuban government confirmed as non-terminal. Fidel has mostly stayed out of the spotlight and used the Granma, the national goverment owned newspaper, to write his thoughts or 'reflexiones', reflections, on current events. But it looks like he may be returning to the spotlight of world politics.

This is a vast improvement from the Fidel of only a year ago who was widely rumored to be dead due to him being secluded for so long as he recovered from his surgery.

His pieces in the Granma and Juventud Rebelde continue to be required reading for those interested in the inner workings and thoughts at the highest rungs in Cuban politics.

Some of you may remember Cuba finding a site that might yield oil.

The dependence on Venezuela bothers many Cuban officials since not only is oil a finite resource but the memory of the attempted coup d'etat in Venezuela as well as the many successful coups in Latin America.

The growth isn't just impacting trade with Venezuela though. There's lot's of imports coming in and lots of new technology flooding the streets.

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The issue of succession is the talk of Cuba right now. Raul Castro may be relatively new to the office, but he isn't young enough to stay in office for long, nor is he the favorite for leader. The person who is rumored to be the next favorite leader is Felipe Perez Roque. Who is Felipe Perez Roque?

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But most importantly, he is one of the voices of the new generations of Cubans who want to continue with the Revolution's health, school and humanitarian programs, while easing some of the hard-line anti-capitalist policies. During the 90's Cuba faced an almost incermountable crisis when the Soviet Union collapsed and all aid Cuba was receiving stopped. The world of the early 90's was a harsh one to the little island. Old friends had new problems and there were no new friends in sight. The embargo's restrictions were getting tighter than ever and severe shortages plagued day to day life.

An example one Cuban youth gave me

He also added that

Felipe Perez Roque became famous in Cuban politics for pushing for the legalization of small private restaurants in Cuba. Given the dire situation Cuba allowed for the legalization of privately owned restaurants in houses in order to throw the general population a bone, as it were.

His policies on many issues vary, but he is widely accepted in Cuba as someone who wants to open borders and diversify the economy by allowing more foreign investment and more privatization.

For those interested in reading something by him, here is a speech of his to the UN.

His speech

One last note, Bush recently stated that

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Bush's troubling remark had it's sting lessen when he suggested a coup d'etat from within Cuba against it's Fidel or whoever follows.

As one Cuban put it

It's hard for me to see an internal counter-revolution anytime soon given everything I've seen.

I am not pro-Castro, but I am very much for what the Cuban revolution has achieved. I am also Cuban and believe no one should mess with my country or talk about 'regime change' but fellow Cubans.

*bump*

There is an irony for Bush to be talking about a free Cuba, yet maintaining the embargo, effectively limiting Cuba's freedom of self-determination.

The word you're after is "hypocrisy", I think.

There are a lot of appropriate words. Probably idiocy would be the most accurate, however.

They are both right. Let's not try to kid ourselves.

The word you're after is "fool", I think.

I wrote that first. I didn't want it to be used with hypocrite and idiot. Fools have some redeeming value on occasion.

I agree.

The Cubans, lead by zombie Fidel, will be an unstoppable force for world revolution.

The US has Cheney, if anyone is a zombified world leader, it's him.

I do like how Bush tacitly admitted that with him "freedom" and "stability" are incompatible.

Also, News > Submit. Seriously - this should have been a News piece.

It was intended to be. How do I do that? Is it just a matter of posting 'NEWS:...'?

Click on NEWS at the top and then you'll see a link that says Submit News.

Thanks.

You're welcome.

Zombie Fight:

Zombie Castro v. Zombie Cheney.

Who Wins?

Zombie Cheney. I hear we have a slight advantage in health care.

Although it probably needs a snappier title. Something like "NEWS: Zombie Fidel", perhaps.

FrankenFidel?

I hate you.. I just yelped like a beat puppy. I think I scared my whole house.

*snicker*

I just pictured Al Franken with a Castro beard.

An advantage in a disadvantage?

In all seriousness, healthcare there rocks and it´s free, I´ve seen firsthand how Cuba´s citizens are treated,not it´s tourists, and I´ve got to say I can´t imagine the same treatment here.

Ron Paul, Zombie Lord