FIDEL CASTRO is...

...no longer President of Cuba.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americ...tro/index.html

The story broke 2 minutes ago on my local 10 o'clock news. So far nothing on the TV news channels, but it was on CNN's website.

(CNN) -- Fidel Castro announced his resignation as president of Cuba and commander-in-chief of Cuba's military on Tuesday, according to a letter published in the state-run newspaper, Granma.


Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro was seen on Cuban television in September 2007.







Castro, 81, temporarily handed power to his younger brother Raul Castro in July 2006 after undergoing intestinal surgery. He hasn't been seen in public since his surgery, but he has appeared in numerous videos and photos in state media.


In December 2007, a Cuban television news anchor read a letter reportedly written by Fidel Castro promising he would not "cling to office" or be an impediment to rising young leaders.


Castro took power in Cuba in 1959 and has ruled the island nation ever since, governing the first communist nation in the Western Hemisphere.

[Senusret I]

I swear, this is worse than the Generalissimo Francisco Franco death watch!

[jon1856]

OTW-you beat me just because of the timing of the announcement
(Reuters) - Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday that he will not return to lead the communist country, retiring as president 49 years after he seized power in a revolution and became a central figure of the Cold War.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080219/...Ru34dY3d6s0NUE
Message from the Commander in Chief
Dear compatriots:
Last Friday, February 15, I promised you that in my next reflection I would deal with an issue of interest to many compatriots. Thus, this now is rather a message.
The moment has come to nominate and elect the State Council, its President, its Vice-Presidents and Secretary.
http://www.granma.cubaweb.cu/2008/02...l/artic10.html

Updated CNN:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americ...tro/index.html

Updated FoxNews:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,331149,00.html

Updated MSNBC:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23229795/

I do find the timing "interesting" to say the very least.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by OTW

...no longer President of Cuba.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/americ...tro/index.html

The story broke 2 minutes ago on my local 10 o'clock news. So far nothing on the TV news channels, but it was on CNN's website.

The question now is, how (and if...) this will figure into the election debates this year and what kind of stance the US will take in relations with Cuba...and what kind of government (if there are any changes) under Raul Castro...let's not applaud yet...they are only exchanging Castros.

[Scandia]

I hope this is the end of that era indeed. I know so many Cubans and Cuban Americans who will be so happy upon hearing the news.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

The question now is, how (and if...) this will figure into the election debates this year and what kind of stance the US will take in relations with Cuba...and what kind of government (if there are any changes) under Raul Castro...let's not applaud yet...they are only exchanging Castros.

Agree.
Bush already has made the comment about a Democratic Cuba.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by jon1856

Agree.
Bush already has made the comment about a Democratic Cuba.

Like a Democratic Iraq?

and we all know how that worked out

[Senusret I]

If we invaded Cuba, I'd join the Foreign Service. Hellloooooo beaches, great food, and sessy mens! I'd be livin just like Omar from the Wire.

[OOhsoflyDELTA#9]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

If we invaded Cuba, I'd join the Foreign Service. Hellloooooo beaches, great food, and sessy mens! I'd be livin just like Omar from the Wire.

LMAO!!!! You are coocoo for Coco Puffs...

[LeslieAGD]

Originally Posted by Scandia

I hope this is the end of that era indeed. I know so many Cubans and Cuban Americans who will be so happy upon hearing the news.

Well, most aren't celebrating yet...
My mother's exact words this morning when I called to see if she'd heard about the resignation were, "Ha! Yeah right; call me when he's dead."

I don't think his brother Raul will make any real changes until after Fidel dies, and I am just praying that doesn't happen until Bush is out of the White House.

[jon1856]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

Like a Democratic Iraq?

and we all know how that worked out

I did not believe that he is talking about an armed invasion; even though we have tried to take over Cuba at least 5 times.

However, big business and car collectors are just drooling to get their hands on the country.

Cruise companies already have eyes on ports.

[DaemonSeid]

Originally Posted by jon1856

I did not believe that he is talking about an armed invasion; even though we have tried to take over Cuba at least 5 times.

However, big business and car collectors are just drooling to get their hands on the country.

Cruise companies already have eyes on ports.

not so much an out and out armed conflict...but who wouldn't try to start a coup?

[AlethiaSi]

Originally Posted by LeslieAGD

Well, most aren't celebrating yet...
My mother's exact words this morning when I called to see if she'd heard about the resignation were, "Ha! Yeah right; call me when he's dead."

I don't think his brother Raul will make any real changes until after Fidel dies, and I am just praying that doesn't happen until Bush is out of the White House.

I heard on NPR this morning that Raul Castro is willing to improve relations, but not until Bush is out of office.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s...oryId=19157999

[Jill1228]

Originally Posted by Senusret I

If we invaded Cuba, I'd join the Foreign Service. Hellloooooo beaches, great food, and sessy mens! I'd be livin just like Omar from the Wire.

LOL, you ain't right!

[Lady Pi Phi]

Originally Posted by DaemonSeid

not so much an out and out armed conflict...but who wouldn't try to start a coup?

You'd be surprised how many Cubans to truely like Castro. While they would like to improve their socio-economic situation, they would like to do it gradually and retain their sovereignty. An invasion, whether armed or economic could make things worse for them.