U.S.: Castro Could Have Months To Live

Government Officials Say Cuban Dictator Believed To Have Terminal Cancer

(AP)  In the immediate future, the Cuban government could decide to hold a large state funeral and welcome an international contingent to Havana. But Latell thinks that probably will not happen. "They will be concerned about maintaining security," he said.

Because of the current transition to Raul Castro, unrest among the Cuban population is considered unlikely. "I have not seen one credible report about riots or demonstrations ... not one credible challenge to the succession," Latell said.

Nevertheless, the U.S. government is preparing for a range of scenarios. For instance, the Miami-based U.S. Southern Command is working with the Coast Guard and Homeland Security Department on training and planning to minimize the impact of any mass migration out of Cuba.

"We are not expecting a mass migration, but are ready for that possibility," said Jose Ruiz, a Southern Command spokesman.

The United States has long wanted to see an end of Communist rule in Cuba.

During an interview on Fox News last week, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said the goal is to have Cuba hold democratic elections.

"When there is a transition, whenever that comes, it has to be the goal of the United States and the goal of the international community to insist that the Cuban people get to make a choice," she said.

Cuba has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the world, but also a faltering economy. The CIA reports that the average Cuban's standard of living remains lower than before an economic downturn of the 1990s, caused by the loss of $4 billion to $6 billion each year in Soviet aid and domestic inefficiencies.

Cuba relies heavily on foreign support, including some $2 billion per year from Venezuela.

That predicament has some observers hoping that Raul Castro will usher in economic changes that could open up the country, even if he is not ready to embrace a democratic overhaul. Like communist China, Cuba could decide to become increasingly open to trade.

In the interview, Perez Roque would not explicitly reject the possibility of some opening of the island's economy and acknowledged Cuban "errors" and "insufficiencies."

"Does our economy require that we make decisions to change some things, to fix what is wrong? Yes," he said. "And it can be done, in the right moment."

[old300d]

The day he dies will be a very happy one in my house. I hope it is soon.

[zakk_coffee]

I wonder if he dies what will happen to all the cuban cross the line of the boarder. Between the miltary and them will they take down the fencnes?

The caudillo will now meet the real jefe.

[thomderr]

Castro will not live for eternity, as BGbanjoBB states, but his legacy will.

And how will history judge him?

Don't ask those living in sub-standard conditions, brainwashed by Fidel. Ask those who stood up to withstand the propaganda - many of whom I personally know.

[jumkey]

Castro has months to live? Don't we all?

It's amazing how we equate capitalism with virtue.

How about social justice?

Nah....

[rawehage]

Worse for Cubans will be if the U.S. sees Castro's death as a signal to invade and return "capitalism" to the country.

[ceres5]

When Castro dies, he will have to face God and the thousands of people he executed. It does not matter how hard he tries, machines guns and hit men will no be available.

[neemtree]

The gleaned news regarding Fidel for years indicates one man to one group; United States citizens. The combination of the Black Hearts in South FL and mis-information have tainted the perspective of the general public of United States citizens to the reality of Fidel Castro. There is a Democratic Congress that will serve the people of the united States; not a political action group bent on continued funding from the USA to support desires they wish to but will never achieve. It is the Bay of Pigs in reverse in another century. South Florida is worthless in DC right now.
Fidel Castro may die, we all do! He will leave a legacy of good things that have been accomplished by and in his country under his leadership. The world knows what Castro did and there is some minor accountability but to me he is a superior human being who conquered all odds, stood up to the greatest power on earth, improved his country and his peoples quality of life, helped others in need and freely offered an extended hand to the United States during 911 and Katrina; and has lived to see George Bush lose. Fidel knows what to expect now! He can relax.
We will welcome Fillpe Perez Roque as the eventual replacement and nothing will skip a beat in Cuba.
Viva Fidel!

[neemtree]

The gleaned news regarding Fidel for years indicates one man to one group; United States citizens. The combination of the Black Hearts in South FL and mis-information have tainted the perspective of the general public of United States citizens to the reality of Fidel Castro. There is a Democratic Congress that will serve the people of the united States; not a political action group bent on continued funding from the USA to support desires they wish to but will never achieve. It is the Bay of Pigs in reverse in another century. South Florida is worthless in DC right now.
Fidel Castro may die, we all do! He will leave a legacy of good things that have been accomplished by and in his country under his leadership. The world knows what Castro did and there is some minor accountability but to me he is a superior human being who conquered all odds, stood up to the greatest power on earth, improved his country and his peoples quality of life, helped others in need and freely offered an extended hand to the United States during 911 and Katrina; and has lived to see George Bush lose. Fidel knows what to expect now! He can relax.
We will welcome Fillpe Perez Roque as the eventual replacement and nothing will skip a beat in Cuba.
Viva Fidel!

[bob_burd]

Die slow, you b@stard.

Selah

[bgbanjobb]

;Viva, Fidel, para eternedad!