That leaves the question of becomes El Presidente when the younger Castro retires or dies.

Revolution?! I'm sure they have some successor planned.

That leaves the question of becomes El Presidente when the younger Castro retires or dies.

It will be interesting to see whether or not Raul Castro will be able to live up to the legacy of his elder brother, and how much closer the bonds between Cuba and Venezula could or could not become with Fidel's absence.

he's only like six years younger. he wont be around long either.

mentored Hugo Chavez (his protege)

The running theory is that Castro is not long for Cuba, and that Chavez will not be enduringly satisfied with just Venezuela. Read of that what you will, but the conspiracy theorists are having a day of it.

Personally, I see one of two prominent outcomes in the not so distant future; Invasion and occupation by one or more world powers (the substance of which I believe will depend largely on other on-going global events) or, Revolution. In which I envision an uprising, likely in response further depredation of the economy and increasing warlord style segregation without a strong central authority.

Unless, of course, the theories prove correct and, with help from Chavez' Venezuela, the Cubans revitalize their economy independently. Really, it's up in the air and just about anyones guess.

If Cuba begins a revolution, I know exactly where I am going to look for work. Soldiers are always in high demand. Anyone want to come with?

Oink! Oink!

Castro II is looking to change Cuba:

"Is there going to be a transition here toward something?" Raul Castro once told reporters asking about post-Fidel Cuba. "Yes, toward a better form of socialism and -- here's something you'll like -- toward a more democratic society."

I question what methods he plans to employ to that end. However; I support the idea of a democratic society... even if I am curious about what exactly "a better form of socialism" means, trepidations even.

Like the kind of democracy China has? "Oh yeah, you can elect your leaders. But we'll decide who you're electing."

I'm not touching the democracy-socialism argument with a fifty meter pole

Chinese Democracy is a lie.

Stupid Guns and Roses...