2008 Woodie Awards
Castro steps down from rule in Cuba
By: Lalita Chemello
Issue date: 2/20/08 Section: News
Cubans soon will look to a new leader after 49 years of rule under President Fidel Castro.
The 81-year-old leader announced he would be stepping down from rule in Cuba in a letter published Tuesday morning.
"What he did today was formalizing what we have already known," said Orlando Perez, associate political science professor. "It is the first real indication that he is not coming back to power."
Castro became ill in 2006. His brother, Raul Castro, temporarily ruled Cuba with Fidel watching over and heavily influencing Raul's decisions.
The National Assembly will meet Sunday to further discuss a replacement for Fidel Castro's ruling.
Angela T. Haddad, associate sociology, anthropology and social work professor, said the political system in Cuba is unusual.
"They have a different way of running things," Haddad said. "It's not like here, where you hear for months about candidates. They (the National Assembly) meet at any moment and decide to elect someone to be in charge."
Perez said although Fidel is stepping down, it is likely the assembly will put Raul in power and Fidel still will have a heavy influence in the goings-on in the Cuban government until Fidel's death.
In the 49 years of Fidel Castro's rule, the U.S. has hindered itself from speaking to Castro on improving relations between the two countries.
The fraying relationship between the United States and Cuba has been an issue during Castro's rule and possibly could be repaired with a new face heading the Cuban government.
"His resignation allows for a different face (in government) which could possibly give an opening for us (the U.S.) to talk," Haddad said. "It's a very important time for the U.S. to talk to Cuba."
Perez said better relations with Cuba could have started years ago.
"If we would have just talked to Cuba instead of isolating them we probably would have seen a better social and economic change in Cuba," he said. "When we engage with countries with similar regimes to Cuba, we have a better influence."
The U.S. government created a detailed plan in 2005 for a transition of democracy in Cuba after Castro's death.
Perez said the likeliness of a democratic government in Cuba is unlikely, especially with either of the Castro brothers alive and in power. After their deaths and with a new generation to lead Cuba, reform may be a possibility.
"I'm so glad he resigned," said Southfield freshman Bianca Fernandez. "He wasn't right for his people anyway. They were going through such hard times."
The Associated Press and staff reporter Jackie Smith contributed to this report.
news@cm-life.com
The 81-year-old leader announced he would be stepping down from rule in Cuba in a letter published Tuesday morning.
"What he did today was formalizing what we have already known," said Orlando Perez, associate political science professor. "It is the first real indication that he is not coming back to power."
Castro became ill in 2006. His brother, Raul Castro, temporarily ruled Cuba with Fidel watching over and heavily influencing Raul's decisions.
The National Assembly will meet Sunday to further discuss a replacement for Fidel Castro's ruling.
Angela T. Haddad, associate sociology, anthropology and social work professor, said the political system in Cuba is unusual.
"They have a different way of running things," Haddad said. "It's not like here, where you hear for months about candidates. They (the National Assembly) meet at any moment and decide to elect someone to be in charge."
Perez said although Fidel is stepping down, it is likely the assembly will put Raul in power and Fidel still will have a heavy influence in the goings-on in the Cuban government until Fidel's death.
In the 49 years of Fidel Castro's rule, the U.S. has hindered itself from speaking to Castro on improving relations between the two countries.
The fraying relationship between the United States and Cuba has been an issue during Castro's rule and possibly could be repaired with a new face heading the Cuban government.
"His resignation allows for a different face (in government) which could possibly give an opening for us (the U.S.) to talk," Haddad said. "It's a very important time for the U.S. to talk to Cuba."
Perez said better relations with Cuba could have started years ago.
"If we would have just talked to Cuba instead of isolating them we probably would have seen a better social and economic change in Cuba," he said. "When we engage with countries with similar regimes to Cuba, we have a better influence."
The U.S. government created a detailed plan in 2005 for a transition of democracy in Cuba after Castro's death.
Perez said the likeliness of a democratic government in Cuba is unlikely, especially with either of the Castro brothers alive and in power. After their deaths and with a new generation to lead Cuba, reform may be a possibility.
"I'm so glad he resigned," said Southfield freshman Bianca Fernandez. "He wasn't right for his people anyway. They were going through such hard times."
The Associated Press and staff reporter Jackie Smith contributed to this report.
news@cm-life.com
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