Originally Posted by
bonbon
when he was in good health, Fidel Castro enioyed celebrating his birthday in public. Concerts were laid on, Cubans would wave flags at parades and children would share slices of cake. The events gave Mr Castro an image of being "father of revolution": his absence today is further confirmation that he's unlikely to play the same role again.
But although Fidel Castro dominated Cuban political life for nearly fifty years, his illness hasn't created a leadership vacuum. his brother, Raul Castro has moved his supporters into key positions, while the powerful Cuban army- which he leads - has been given a bigger role in overhauling the economy.