Friday, May 2, 2008

Cuba: It's All Castro

With the recent stepping down of Fidel Castro from his throne of dictatorship, some are wondering how Raúl (his brother) will change Cuba. Recently, some forms of economic liberalization has taken place, with many people being able to buy consumer products such as cell phones.

One question of inquiry that many may bring up regarding Raúl, is why him? No better confidant than your brother Fidel? Well played. Yet Raúl isn't the only Castro to fill in a new government position in the great República de Cuba, it seems the name Castro pops up in a list of political appointments.

Here is the list (Foreign Policy Passport /Cuba Transition Project):

During the past few years family members of both Fidel and Raul Castro have come to occupy important positions in Cuba's government. This Castro clan represents in addition to the military, the security apparatus and the Communist Party, a significant force in Cuba's political and economic structures.
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Fidel Castro Diaz-Balart

Relationship: Fidel Castro's son

Position: Advisor, Ministry of Basic Industry

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Col. Alejandro Raúl Castro Espin

Position: Raúl Castro's son

Position: Chief, Intelligence Information Services, Ministry of the Interior; Coordinator, Intelligence Exchange with China

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Ramón Castro Ruz

Position: Fidel and Raúl's oldest brother

Position: Advisor, Ministry of Sugar

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Dr. Antonio Castro Soto

Position: Fidel Castro's son

Position: Investment Chief, Frank Pais Hospital. Doctor for Cuba's baseball team

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Major Raúl Alejandro Rodríguez Castro

Position: Raúl Castro's grandson

Position: Raúl Castro's military guard in charge of his personal security

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Deborah Castro Espin

Position: Raúl Castro's daughter

Position: Advisor, Ministry of Education

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Mariela Castro Espin

Position: Raúl Castro's daughter

Position: Head, Center for Sexual Education

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Marcos Portal León

Position: Married to Raúl Castro's niece

Position: In charge of nickel industry, member of the Central Committee of Cuba's Communist Party
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The list goes on. It seems if Raúl drops, another Castro is available to take over.

Nepotism in a dictatorship, no way!

Where I found this article:
Foreign Policy Passport