Cubans Yawn as "Fidel Lite" Takes Over

By Anastacia Mott Austin

Unlike the chaos and demonstrations which erupted in the Cuban section of Miami two years ago with rumors of Fidel Castro’s death, the official news of his decision this week to not seek another term of power elicited much less of a furor.

Richard Valdes, 23, told reporters, "I don't think this news will really change anything," adding that the hubbub created by the false rumors of Castro’s death two years ago was a much bigger deal. "When they said he was dead, it was really big here."

And while no successor has yet been named, Fidel’s brother Raul is all but assured the job. Formal elections will occur later this week, but no one is expecting anything but a further Castro rule in Cuba for the foreseeable future. Raul has held provisional power in Cuba since 2006, when Fidel underwent intestinal surgery. The rumors of his death coincided with the surgery, when he was not seen publicly for weeks.

Many see Raul as a kinder, gentler version of Fidel, but experts say that is an overstatement. Though he has said he wishes to implement "structural changes," economic reforms, and encourage Cuban citizens to speak more freely, most doubt he will implement any major changes during his brother’s lifetime.

He does have more of a diplomatic bent than Fidel. Raul has said he would like to open relations and engage in a dialogue with the United States, possibly opening the door to a resolution of the almost 50-year embargo against Cuba by the U.S. "After almost half a century, we are willing to wait patiently until the moment when common sense prevails in Washington," said Raul to reporters.

He may have to wait a bit longer. After hearing of Fidel’s resignation, the Bush administration rebuffed the overture by Raul, saying that he was just "Fidel lite."

"He is simply a continuation of the Castro regime, of the dictatorship," said Tom Casey, speaking for the State Department.

However, other voices in government have been urging a change in U.S. policy toward Cuba. Both Democratic nominee candidates have commented on the shift, saying that steps should be taken to improve relations with Cuban leadership.

A letter signed by more than 100 members of Congress strongly urged Secretary of State Condolezza Rice to reconsider the embargo against Cuba, saying "After 50 years, it is time for us to think and act anew."

As for the people of Cuba, most are not expecting big changes, though some are hopeful.

Californian Jennifer Echeverri, who is of Cuban descent, told the press, "Raul isn't as harsh as Fidel - I think he actually does have a heart."

Raul Rodriquez, a Cuban American living in Miami, had a more eloquent take on the situation. "The Cuban people are out of limbo," Rodriguez to reporters "But whether they go to heaven or hell now, it all depends on Raul."