Raul Castro's Cuba Changes Spell Uncertainty for U.S. Relations

Raul Castro, younger brother to Fidel, made sweeping changes in the Cuban government on Monday, and it has the world talking. At first glance, a shakeup in Cuba seemed like a good thing. After all, the U.S. had failed for decades to make any inroads with Fidel Castro, trying in vain every conceivable approach to deal with the ailing dictator (for all the talk of Cuba as a "socialist" regime, let's be honest here about Fidel's real role). Among those removed from office by Raul were Fidel loyalists who were then replaced by men known to be loyal to Raul. On of the most notable changes was the ousting of Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque, who many thought could be the successor of Fidel. That ouster specifically begs the question - who will eventually succeed Raul Castro?

Speaking of the effects of the recent shakeup on U.S./Cuba relations, Phil Peters, a Cuba specialist at the Lexington Institute, noted, "There is nothing that indicates it's a reaction to anything in the United States." Still, the moves have some in the U.S. wondering exactly where relations will end up with the "new" Cuba. Peters, recalling that President Barack Obama has proposed easing of U.S. restrictions on Cuba, indicated that there were hopes of better relations between the two countries, at least from the U.S. perspective.

Speaking of the changes, locals responded emotionally. A 45-year-old housewife, Carmen Elizondo was unhappy about the changes. Said Elizondo, "Ay! It left me feeling cold. I don't understand. Why make these changes, more than anything, Felipe? I had a lot of confidence in Felipe. I don't know any of those they put in place." Others were not so dour. Said Mart Jimenez, "People here are not used to change. But I think this was necessary and will be for the better. It's a restructuring of the country and I see that as good.