Cuba celebrates 50th anniversary of revolution today

CHICAGO TRIBUNE

MEXICO CITY — The second half-century of the Cuban Revolution will begin like the first — with a Castro in charge.

But after Cuba toasts that 50th anniversary today, President Raul Castro faces difficult choices on whether to alter that revolutionary vision, choices that will be watched throughout the Americas. Especially in Washington.

Castro, Fidel’s younger brother, has expressed optimism that President-elect Barack Obama might thaw relations and even loosen the U.S. trade embargo. Obama has already called for lifting restrictions on money sent by Cuban-Americans to relatives on the island.

The domestic outlook isn’t as hopeful for Castro since he took over as president in February from Fidel, who hasn’t been seen in public since 2006 while he battles an unconfirmed illness.