The story

While Fidel Castro historically mesmerized his countrymen with dramatic, extemporaneous speeches stretching over hours, brother Raul is known for his businesslike, even boring delivery, rarely bothering to look up from prepared texts.

A full head shorter than his brother, he doesn't even look like Fidel, sporting a mustache rather than a dramatic beard and lacking his sibling's Romanesque profile and athletic physique.

But many believe Raul has been long underestimated in his brother's huge shadow. Though he has yet to deliver on any of the economic reforms he has hinted at while leading a caretaker government since 2006, Cubans seem excited and hopeful that Raul's pragmatic style of leadership could bring real improvements to their everyday lives. Read full article »

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All About Fidel Castro • Cuba