After 47 years of absolute rule in Cuba, Fidel Castro transfers power to younger brother Raul, temporarily.

By Brendan Smith
brendansmith@transworldnews.com

Having to undergo an operation for an acute intestinal breakdown with sustained bleeding; Fidel Castro 79 has transferred power of the island nation to his younger brother Raul 75. According to a posted message by Fidel on Cuba’s National Information Agency website, “The operation obliges me to rest for several weeks, away from my responsibilities and functions of office.”

This temporary transfer of power marks the first time Cuba and its 11 million inhabitants have experienced a new leader since Castro overthrew Fulgencio Batista in 1959. The man known as El Comandante is the world’s third-longest serving head of state after Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom (1953) and King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand (1950).

The transfer of power comes two weeks shy of Castro’s 80th birthday. With age catching up and a series of health issues recently there has been a lot of speculation that Castro’s days may be numbered. But nobody doubts Fidel’s penchant for surviving. Whether as a politician or in the public life, Castro has lived through countless situations. A U.S. economic embargo was placed on Cuba in 1961, The Bay of Pigs in 1963 was a U.S. backed attempt at overthrowing Castro as well as several assassination attempts involving cigars and food.

If nothing else, Castro has proven to others he is resilient. A characteristic not favored by the millions of exiles that fled the communist country. The news of Castro’s health spread quickly through Miami, home to many of the Cuban-Americans who want to see change in the island. Miami resident Gabriela Burmudez said "I'm praying to God to give us a miracle and let that man die.”

While he is resting, Castro has handed Raul, his brother and constitutional successor, the post of commander in chief of the armed forces and president of the executive council of state. Raul currently commands Cuba's 50,000-member armed forces, which in turn control the police.

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