Castro's Health and Cuba's Future The announcement that Fidel Castro will officially leave the office of Cuba's presidency comes after months of illness and a partial transfer of power to his brother, Raul. Now, many questions focus on the political future of the island nation.

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Castro's Health and Cuba's Future

Fidel Castro's move to leave the office of Cuba's presidency comes after months of illness.

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A Closer Look at Raul Castro

February 24, 2008 • Cuba's National Assembly has chosen Raul Castro to take over as president from his brother Fidel. Brian Latell, who has written a biography of Raul Castro, talks about what to expect from the transition.

Castro's Brother Picked as Cuba's President

February 24, 2008 • Cuba's National Assembly chose Fidel Castro's brother Raul to take his place on Sunday, days after Fidel Castro announced he would retire following almost 50 years in power. Washington Post reporter Manuel Roig-Franzia in Havana discusses the developments.

Opinion

Cuban Exile Ponders Life After Castro

February 23, 2008 • Cuban-American playwright Eduardo Machado shares the range of emotions he went through this week upon hearing Cuban President Fidel Castro was stepping down after nearly a half century in power.

Will Castro's Resignation Bring a More Democratic Cuba?

February 20, 2008 • Nearly 50 years after seizing power, Cuban dictator Fidel Castro resigned his post as the country's president. Many are hoping for reforms under Fidel's brother, Raul — Cuba's acting president.

History Implies Castro's Influence Likely to Continue

February 19, 2008 • Although Fidel Castro has announced he's giving up his role as Cuba's president, the leader has demonstrated that he doesn't necessarily need a title to exert control over the island nation's government.

Opinion

Death Won't Kill Castro's Influence in Cuba

February 19, 2008 • Fidel Castro is leaving on his own terms. He is bequeathing Cuba to his brother Raul, and he won't give his enemies the satisfaction of dying without resolving the succession. Commentator Andrei Codrescu says Raul lacks charisma.

Cuban-Americans in Miami Expect Little to Change

February 19, 2008 • Miami's Cuban-Americans reacted with a big "been there, done that" Tuesday with the news that Fidel Castro is stepping down as the communist island's president. There were no widespread celebrations, like those that met the news in 2006 that Castro was sick and had handed power to his brother. Many exiles feel little will change anytime soon.

Dissidents: Cuba's Priority Is Economics, Not Politics

February 19, 2008 • Two Cuban dissidents in Havana talk about Fidel Castro's resignation and what it might mean for the future of Cuba. Both say Castro's resignation was expected by the public, and that it provides an opening for some changes. But, they say, economic changes are more important to the Cuban government than political changes.

Castro Resignation Paves Way for Change in Cuba

February 19, 2008 • Fidel Castro says he will not continue as president of Cuba, opening the way for his brother or someone younger to consolidate power when parliament appoints a new president next weekend. The announcement was made early Tuesday.

Castro Resigns Presidency of Cuba, After 49 Years

February 19, 2008 • Cuban leader Fidel Castro says he will not seek re-election and has resigned as Cuba's president, after 49 years in power. Castro announced in Cuba's state-run newspaper that he is stepping down. At 81, he has been ailing and has not appeared in public in the past year and a half.

Tom Gjelten reports on 'All Things Considered'

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Cuban-Americans Mixed on Impact of Castro News

February 19, 2008 • Miami's large and occasionally boisterous Cuban-American community greeted the news of Fidel Castro's resignation with uncharacteristic restraint. But the newer arrivals expressed hope that it will trigger a shift in U.S. policy toward Havana.

Castro's Shift Brings Muted Reactions, Doubts

February 19, 2008 • In South Florida, Cuban-Americans have had only muted reaction to the news that Fidel Castro is stepping down as president of Cuba. "It's another one of those, you know, crafty spin campaigns that he always puts out," said Mario Gonzales Posa. "Until we actually see him in a coffin, I think we won't have any hopes."

Michel Martin and Tom Gjelten: Castro and Cuba

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