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Castro seems to be making noises about retiring from leadership after 50 odd years of power! Only he will know how he managed to keep it all together for so long. I suspect it was using means of dubious morality!

Castro has announced his retirement and will not be returning to the Presidency. It must be an exciting time for Cuba after 50 years of Fidel power.

Unless of course this just means that his brother takes complete control...he's a whipper-snapper compared to Fidel at a sprightly 76!

Well I doubt I will be figure head of a communist state when I am 76 but you never know. I think they were saying that it is time for a new youthful generation to take control. I doubt they meant Raoul (though I could be wrong!)

Raul Castro has succeeded his brother and will now be running the country through economic and social reforms. Apparently the changeover was delayed to the point of formality so he could secure the loyalty of the army. Not an enviable task. Corrupt officials have also been culled since the take over!

A vice president from the old years was appointed and not the predicted younger generation - a mistake I wonder. It would be good to groom someone younger to take on the responsibility I would have thought. Though I wonder if they are rather too stuck in their ways to make that serious a change.