Castro Slaps Down US Overtures

Raul is no Fidel, but is expected to stay on brother's course

(NEWSER) - You won't see him wearing fatigues and making fiery speeches, but Raul Castro is expected to hew closely to brother Fidel's line. Cuba's new president is a pragmatic military man who lacks his brother's charisma and ego, the New York Times reports. Fidel is still party leader, and 31 Castro allies were reelected in uncontested races to top government positions along with him. More»

(NEWSER) - Raul Castro firmly ratchets up his grip on power in a three-hour video being shown to Cuba's Communist Party members, the Financial Times reports. The video features scenes from a March politburo meeting during which Castro fired most of Fidel's cabinet, along with testimony from security officials. Those who have seen it say the message is plain: Raul is laying down the law and won't tolerate a hint of disloyalty. More»

Cubans unsure if leader's resignation will change anything

(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. More»

Waiter earning $15 a month can sell 30-year-old Moskvich for $5K

(NEWSER) - Now that Cuba is allowing people to buy and sell cars , classic automobiles are going up for sale—creating a bubble that allows the wealthy to buy them, and poverty-stricken sellers to suddenly strike it rich, the New York Times reports. One waiter who earns $15 a month is looking forward to selling his decrepit, 30-year-old Moskvich for at least $5,500. “This car has been bleeding me dry,” he says. “Now it’s an asset that I can sell, and do something else with the money.” More»

He's been gradually reasserting his authority in the last year

(NEWSER) - Fidel Castro may have turned over the presidency to his brother when he was seriously ill, but he's been gradually regaining his health and reasserting his authority in Cuba over the past year, writes Arian Camp-Flores. The Newsweek writer talks to several Havana experts who see unmistakable signs that Fidel is rolling back some of Raul's relatively progressive reforms and keeping his brother in line. More»