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castro out, castro in
The consensus on today's news of fidel "officially" stepping down is that it comes as absolutely no surprise. It's more of a formality than anything else. I agree with these statements.
How significant is this news? How will it trigger real change, if any, in Cuba? In the short term, I'm not very optimistic. After all, it's another castro in charge now. It's still the same regime that's been in control for 5 decades. There's not much optimism contained in those facts.
On the other hand, this will likely be the first test of fidel's "cult of personality" image and it's hold on the Cuban people. Actually, it's more of a quiz, because the real test will be when he finally kicks the bucket. Still, I wonder if the official nature of fidel stepping down will indeed trigger some kind of backlash against the regime on the part of not only average Cubans, but even those inside the regime. The big boss isn't around anymore, and that fact right there could be enough motivation to embolden those with desires to bring about change.
Again, I'm not optimistic, nor do I expect any kind of significant revolt to take place in the coming days. But maybe, just maybe, the first big seed has been planted today, one that could grow to be the change that Cubans so desperately need.
How significant is this news? How will it trigger real change, if any, in Cuba? In the short term, I'm not very optimistic. After all, it's another castro in charge now. It's still the same regime that's been in control for 5 decades. There's not much optimism contained in those facts.
On the other hand, this will likely be the first test of fidel's "cult of personality" image and it's hold on the Cuban people. Actually, it's more of a quiz, because the real test will be when he finally kicks the bucket. Still, I wonder if the official nature of fidel stepping down will indeed trigger some kind of backlash against the regime on the part of not only average Cubans, but even those inside the regime. The big boss isn't around anymore, and that fact right there could be enough motivation to embolden those with desires to bring about change.
Again, I'm not optimistic, nor do I expect any kind of significant revolt to take place in the coming days. But maybe, just maybe, the first big seed has been planted today, one that could grow to be the change that Cubans so desperately need.
Labels: fidel castro
posted by Robert at 10:07 AM
3 Comments:
When I read Drudge's "the end" headline I thought Castro had died. Then I saw it's just a publicity stunt. What a letdown.
This comment has been removed by the author.
I wonder --though this move was not unexpected-- if this formal relinquishing as titular head is intended to blunt or deflect attention from his actual state of health, especially if it is as rapidly in decline as is hoped for.
If he were already dead, as some folks in the betting pool hope, this might be but one part of an elongated strategy to keep the status quo intact.
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