Cuba Libre!



I am perfectly well, says Castro from his hospital bed

Ailing Castro takes first sick leave

Cubans at home and abroad are adjusting to news that, for the first time in nearly half a century, Fidel Castro is not running the country. After surgery, the veteran leader, shortly due to celebrate his 80th birthday, has handed power, at least temporarily, to his brother, Raul.

The dramatic announcement was read out yesterday on Cuban TV. Reaction in Cuba appears so far to be muted, but in Miami, home to the largest number of anti-Castro exiles, crowds cheered and some speculated he might be dead - rather presumptuous, given he has so far survived 638 plots and attempts on his life, as logged by the Cuban authorities.

In a statement read on state TV last night, Castro said his health was "stable" and he was "in good spirits" following his operation for intestinal bleeding. But he acknowledged its seriousness: "I can not make up positive news." Apologising for not giving more details, he said the threat posed by the US meant his health had to be treated as "a state secret".

The future if Cuba is on everyone's lips at the momet, what will a post-Castro Cuba be like? Will its health care system survive?

I truly hope Cuba can go on and thrive.