Well it is official that Castro has officially stepped down. He has been suffering from health problems for about a year and half. Castro handed over temporary power to his younger brother Raul. But Fidel feels that he is just not healthy enough to return to power and his officially handed over all power to Raul.
Fidel initially came into power on January 1st, 1959. He was in power for nearly 50 years. He survived through 9 Presidencies. I was kind of hoping he would be able to at least keep his title through the end of the Bush regime, for symbolic reasons only.
I look forward to seeing how Raul handles things and how the landscape changes. This is what the U.S. has been waiting for so, I look forward to seeing what actions they take.
From CNN.com
HAVANA, Cuba (CNN) -- Although the news that one of the longest-serving leaders in the world was officially stepping down sent ripples around the globe, Fidel Castro's resignation announcement barely registered in Cuba.
Castro, 81, revealed his plans in a letter published in the middle of the night in the online version of Cuba's state-run newspaper, Granma.
"I will not aspire to, nor will I accept the position of president of the council of state and commander in chief," Castro wrote. "I wish only to fight as a soldier of ideas. ... Perhaps my voice will be heard."
President Bush said Castro's decision ought to spark "a democratic transition" for Cuba.
"The international community should work with the Cuban people to begin to build institutions that are necessary for democracy and eventually this transition ought to lead to free and fair elections," Bush said Tuesday in Rwanda. "The United States will help the people of Cuba realize the blessings of liberty."
But the streets of Cuba's capital, Havana, reflected the normal comings and goings of residents. No gatherings or rallies erupted at Castro's news.
Despite the story later consuming the entire front page of the print version of Granma, complete with a banner headline, many Cubans said they hadn't heard the news when asked by CNN.
Those who had were wary of offering their opinions.
"He's leaving the position because his age and illness don't let him work," one man said. "Let's see what comes."
"He's aware of his place in history, and he's going to keep on occupying that place in one way or another," a retiree said.
Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte said the U.S. embargo on Cuba will not be lifted in the near term.
Cuba's leaders plan to elect a president within days. Castro's brother Ra