Skip to: Content
Skip to: Site Navigation
Skip to: Search

October 11, 2008 11:26:34 PM CDT

Learn about Newser Points »

« Back to the grid | Next story »

Fidel Faithful Likely to Keep Power

Posted Feb 20, 08 7:19 AM CST in World 

(Newser) – Life went on as normal in Havana after Fidel Castro announced his resignation yesterday, and Cuba experts aren't sure how much real impact his decision will have, the New York Times reports. Cuba's National Assembly is due to choose a new Council of State on Sunday and power is expected to remain in the hands of Castro's inner circle.

Cubans had mixed reactions to Castro's decision, but few were surprised. "Everyone knew he was going to resign," said one woman. "Fidel is an athlete of politics. He knows what he does.” Fidel's brother Raul is expected to be selected as the new president. Analysts say he is more pragmatic than Fidel, although the Bush administration has said it will not negotiate with either Castro brother.

Source New York Times

0 comments | Print E-mail | Digg Seed this on Newsvine Add this link to Del.icio.us StumbleUpon

Related Newser Stories

  • Hurricanes Prompt Calls to Soften Restrictions on Cuba

    Sep 24, 08 10:28 AM CDT
    Hurricanes Prompt Calls to Soften Restrictions on Cuba The devastation Hurricanes Gustav and Ike wrought on Cuba has prompted the US to offer direct aid for the first time in the 47-year history of its embargo on the island, but even ardent anti-Castro Cuban Americans are pushing for more, the Washington Post reports. While not all favor lifting the embargo, there is a broad consensus that limits on travel and remittances from the US are oppressive, particularly in this time of crisis. More »

  • Cuba Jails Rocker for 'Geriatric Castro' Lyrics

    Aug 29, 08 5:23 AM CDT
    Cuba Jails Rocker for 'Geriatric Castro' Lyrics A Cuban rock star has been jailed and will be charged with "subverting communist morality" because his lyrics scorn the revolution, and rip "geriatric" Fidel and Raul Castro, the Guardian reports. Gorki Aguila, front man for underground band Porno para Ricardo, could face up to four years in prison if convicted of the charges.
    More »

  • Cuban Youth Prefer Facebook to Revolution

    Jul 26, 08 9:51 AM CDT
    Cuban Youth Prefer Facebook to Revolution Cuba's youth are restless, but many are more concerned about access to Facebook, flat-screen TVs, and trips abroad than political change, reports the Christian Science Monitor. Young people say that they pressured Raul Castro to allow cell phone and computer ownership, but they remain disillusioned about the prospects for greater change.
    More »

  • Europe Votes to Lift Cuba Sanctions

    Jun 20, 08 8:20 AM CDT
    Europe Votes to Lift Cuba Sanctions The European Union has agreed to lift sanctions against Cuba, much to the annoyance of the White House. "We see encouraging signs in Cuba and I think that we should show the population in Cuba that we are ready to work with them," an EU official tells the AFP. It's a largely symbolic victory for Cuba and Spain—which lobbied for the change—because sanctions have been suspended since 2005. More »

  • Ailing Fidel Appears on TV

    Jun 18, 08 5:58 AM CDT
    Ailing Fidel Appears on TV An animated Fidel Castro appeared on state-run Cuban TV yesterday, in the first such broadcast of the ailing revolutionary since January. Castro, standing in some parts of the video, was seen chatting in a garden with his brother Raul, the current Cuban president, and Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, the AP reports. The trio discussed the global food and oil crises and  the effect of Midwest floods, Chavez told reporters. More »

Passing motorists celebrate after it was reported, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008 in Miami's Little Havana, that Fidel Castro had resigned as president of Cuba. (AP Photo/J. Pat Carter)   (Associated Press)
Children stand next to a bicytaxi decorated with photographs of Cuban leader Fidel Castro, right, and Cuban revolutionary hero Ernesto "Che" Guevara in Havana, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008. Castro resigned...   (Associated Press)
A man looks out from a balcony next to a Cuban flag in Havana, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008. Ailing leader Fidel Castro resigned as Cuba's president after nearly a half-century in power, saying he will not...   (Associated Press)
Over a depiction of his brother Fidel, Cuba's acting President Raul Castro delivers a speech during a ceremony to mark the 54th anniversary of the Cuban Revolution in Camaguey, Cuba, in this Thursday,...   (Associated Press)
A woman and a girl walk past a bicycle cart decorated with a photographs of Cuban leader Fidel Castro in Havana, Tuesday, Feb. 19, 2008. Castro resigned as Cuba's president after nearly a half-century...   (Associated Press)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
Our editors also recommend:

Threads (
1
 of 3)

Tags

Cuba  • Fidel Castro  • Raul Castro  • Communist Party  • Cuban Revolution  • Havana


Loading...

Premium Articles from HighBeam

Find more articles like this

Today's Most Popular

Loading...

Other World Stories

What is Newser?