Talk:Raúl Castro/Archive 1

Repression, etc.
I edited "he controls much of the apparatus of repression in Cuba" to: "He contorls much of the military forces in cuba" searching for a more NPOV because the phrase "apparatus of repression" indicated a supposed "repression" in Cuban Goverment and that indicated a certain POV which it was not very "neutral".

Well then I guess we should never call the terrorits that blew up the World Trade Center "terrorsits." After all, that would not be "neutral." What are you talking about? You don't believe there is an "apparatus of repression" in Cuba? Why else would people risk their lives by climbing into intertubes and braving the ocean to come to the United States? Why am I not allowed to visit my family in Cuba, or why are not they aallowed to vist me? Does the Cuban government OWN them like slaves? The jails in Cuba re full of people who just spoke their minds. These are facts. Grow up.


 * Well we wouldn't call them "terrorits" or "terrorsits". I don't know what a "terrorsit" is, although I'm sure I know what one would look like. You're not allowed to visit your family in Cuba because the American government has a trade embargo which makes it a criminal offence for any American citizen to visit the island. Fortunately, this has recently been overturned by the Obama regime, so it is now possible for you to go there, as a Cuban-American. Also, it is indeed an NPOV problem, because it's completely subjective whether or not the military is a tool of repression. There are millions of Iraqis and Afghanis who have a very negative view of the U.S. military, but no-one would say that Barack Obama is the Commander-in-Chief of America's fascist military dictatorship, because that is certainly a matter of opinion. Also, you're incorrect about Cuban prisons being "full of people who just spoke their minds." Most of them are convicted criminals. Human rights NGOs such as Amnesty International could only find a handful of prisoners of conscience in Cuba, while throughout the American-friendly South American countries, the number was exponentially higher. p1nkfl0yd, 12:28, 16 April 2009 —Preceding unsigned comment added by 207.81.107.132 (talk)

Well, there IS repression in Cuba, by any standard. There is no freedom of assembly, press, or speech, no political parties other than the Communist party, and no freedom to leave the country. Neutral doesn't have to mean blind.(Edited to add proper signature after logging in)--RicardoC 15:32, 7 September 2005 (UTC)

Deleted the "supposed to be homosexual" part", its completely irrelevant, this page needs a clean up.

I don't think his sexuality is irrelevant, it's an important part of the man. Much less relevant is the (very predictable) view of American officials on Raul's succession to Fidel Castro. This is an article about Cuba, not the US (I wonder if we should include the Chinese, Russian, French, British, Japanese or German view as well? Or maybe Tuvalu or Kiribati's point of view on the matter?) Deleted.

All I know that we rebel soldiers were very scared of him, almost as much as we were scared of the Che. But then you will have to read my memoirs xe xe El Jigüe 12/7/06

As to the relevance of the putative succession, it is of interest to many in the US, including the large Cuban-American community, as well as other neighboring peri-Caribbean countries. For example Mexican Cuban relations are now at an all time low, and Raul has always been less adriot and, in appearance at least more hard-line, than Fidel. El Jigüe 12/7/06

Comandante reverts
Comandante, could we discuss these edits as opposed to just making broad scale reverts? I don't understand the basis for your recent reverts. BruceHallman 15:58, 10 April 2006 (UTC)


 * There is little reason to expect Comandante to discuss anything; he simply edits ignoring consensus and requests to talk. In the past, there has been an RFC on him for precisely this behavior. --Bletch 23:13, 10 April 2006 (UTC)


 * Comandante, perhaps if you were to break your edits down into smaller pieces, versus broad scale reverts, we could work better together? Thanks in advance. BruceHallman 21:37, 12 April 2006 (UTC)

Why dont you add your predicment who will be President if bush dies in office
Why dont you do that.Its very dumb and ignorant to do this,especealy saying that "Since Raulis old,his term would be short".

This is why no one loves Amerika,they think they know it allDzoni 03:30, 16 April 2006 (UTC)

Since no one said anything,that means I was apsolutly rightDzoni 17:35, 22 April 2006 (UTC)

Because it can be revelent in politic. Bah.

No, nobody replied because your statement was barely legible and complete nonsense. Carnefice 1534 01AUG2006

haha,you have only responded when Raul Castro took over Fidels place.You didnt even knew who Raul Castro was before that.Stupid Amerikan

Well, perhaps some of us who reside in the great United States only care about the leader of a country, not the insignificant brother behind the scenes. Personally, I had heard of Raul before the downfall of Fidel; I knew him to be the unimportant lesser half of the Castro regieme. Oh and by the way, it's spelled "American". Flag-Waving American Patriot (talk) 21:16, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

Reliable sources please
To those users who continue to insert the sentence "It has also long been rumored that Raul castro is bisexual" citing this source - which states "and Fidel himself has claimed he does not discriminate against gays; and the rumors are that his brother Raul Castro is at least bisexual" - the source does not meet Verifiability or Reliable sources policies and guidelines. Therefore the sentence and citation will not be accepted on this page. --Zleitzen 16:09, 8 July 2006 (UTC)

The articles cited indeed makes mention that Rail Castro is bisexual. The fact that Fidel even denys it means that there are rumors which he felt he has to deny. I am not saying that Raul Castro is bisexual, I am simply stating that there are rumprs that he is.


 * Rumors, rumors... Don't you see that we could include this very statement in almost all biography in Wikipedia? José San Martin 16:09, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Yes, but when the romors are such that the Dictator himself has to deny them bout his brother, that is newsworthy.


 * Rules is rules, I'm afraid. You need to find a source that meets Verifiability and Reliable sources policies and guidelines. Your source is a non-notable internet opinion piece - thus clearly not acceptable. --Zleitzen 23:11, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

You are wrong, I'm afraid. This is an on-line magazine with a well written article. Try again.


 * Erm. No. Again - it clearly doesn't meet any of the Reliable sources guidelines I'm afraid - theres nothing more to be said on the matter. Please read this carefully Reliable sources. Also, see guidelines concerning the Three-revert rule which you have broken. If you continue to edit in this fashion it may lead to you being blocked from wikipedia. --Zleitzen 01:24, 10 July 2006 (UTC)

No wonder you are love with Cuba. How dare I speak of Castro's brother being gy! How dare I say he executed people in his youth! These are not truths, becuase you say they are not? These are being cited from literature found on the Internet, not from Blogs. How dare you!

Furthermore, you are the one who keeps vandalizing my entries. You are the one who keeps deleting them. How much are you getting paid by the Cuban Government? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.3.167.159 (talk • contribs)
 * No one is getting paid by any government. Please refrain from adding nonsense to both talk pages and articles. -- Jay  (Reply)  02:27, 10 July 2006 (UTC)


 * Zleitzen, saying "theres nothing more to be said on the matter" really seems to violate Wikipedia's policies of open, and on-going, discussion as a way to build consensus. There's a debate about the notability of rumors, and that's fair. I think what is unfair is for any of the sides in this debate to declare "discussion is over!" Invoking the three-revert rule, on the other hand, is fair: this is designed to stop endless revert wars. But saying that nothing more can (should? may?) be said on the matter is something quite different.Inter lingua talk email 04:21, 1 August 2006 (UTC)


 * What more can be said? There was clearly no valid source as explained by numerous editors numerous times - also, please check the history of this page to find the now deleted responses from the user (utilising different IP addresses) containing various personal attacks. There is a limit to how much "open discussion" can be had. By the way, the same user has posted repeatedly on the Fidel Castro page, calling other users "Bitches" etc. There is no more to be said, this is a Biographies of living persons.--Zleitzen 04:28, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

On what authority does any editor have that Raul Castro is either homosexual, kicks his dog, or cannot dance the mambo? I feel like that might be a bit embellished. But then again, I don't know for sure so I don't feel quite right editing it out.

Reiterate
To all users, Raul hasn't become temporary "President of Cuba". He is "assuming the duties" of head of the council of state as per Cuban constitution. Fidel is still President of Cuba.--Zleitzen 15:56, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

I agree raul isnt actually President without a ceremony but as castro has renounced all his positions can he be considered President himself. The situation is confusing and I think we should reflect that confusion, SqueakBox 16:02, 1 August 2006 (UTC)


 * See Cuba talk page for discussion. The position is outlined by the constitution, quite clear and is typical of other nations. Comparable to when Reagan was shot etc.--Zleitzen 16:05, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

Racist Vandalism
Someone has recently been editing this page to change the word "cuban" into racial epithets. I have marked the page as sprotected. --Falcomadol 17:06, 1 August 2006 (UTC)

Contradiction
Is Raúl a more agressive Communist dictator than his brother, or is he more pragmatic and open to economic reform? --204.244.150.7 17:44, 1 August 2006 (UTC)


 * They say he is better than his brother, but you won't know that for sure until Castro finally kicks the bucket. --Kranar drogin 18:09, 1 August 2006 (UTC)


 * I've found this just-published Time article on Raul Castro that explains his contradictory reputation. Apparently he's a hardliner when it comes to political reform (he want the Communist Party to retain absolute power), but is thought to favor market-oriented economic reforms; in other words, he believes more or less in the Chinese political model. I'll try to incorporate this information into the article appropriately. Peter G Werner 00:21, 2 August 2006 (UTC)

People close to Raul, part of inner circle
Little is known of Raul outside of Cuba, the only knowledge we have is the top ranking officials who defected in the past. one of these people is Delfin Fernandez. Trade2tradewell 05:07, 3 August 2006 (UTC)

Not the model of a modern major general
The proper title for Raul Castro is either Major General, or Field Marshall (since he had no superiors in the Cuban Armed forces). However, one should note that he is not, nor ever has been a model of a modern major general xe xe El Jigue 9-13-06. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 208.65.190.194 (talk • contribs)

One notes that such identification is not needed since the Cuban government already knows who I am and I will continue to post even though Raul Castro and more so Ramirito really scare me. El Jigue 9-17-06

BTW In Spanish Raúl is written with an accent on the u to break the diphthong (that is the accent indicates that the two vowels are pronounced separately) just to remind one that otherwise is "sounds funny" as a diphthong (kind of like Rool, as in drool). In English one has to remember the correct pronunciation. No big deal, since even the Royal Spanish Academy of the Tongue (xe xe) now considers even the ñ to be merely a n, and the double l or ll pronounced almost as an English y is considered to take and alphabetical order as if merely two l. El Jigue (which the way I pronounce it is written El Jigüe with a gutteral ü almost but not quite like the Germanic sound). 9-13-06


 * El Jigüe should take note of the fact that a military rank is just that. One does not become Field Marshall simply by not having any superiors; one could theoretically be a 2nd Lieutenant without having any superiors. Nor does being "a model of a modern major general" have anything to do with it: there is no consensus over what a 'modern major general' would look, act, talk, fight and/or die like, and so it's a POV, and thus not allowed in an encyclopaedic article. You're obviously hostile to the Cuban regime, and that is up to you. However, if you wish to spew your bile about this regime or any other, start a blog, as an encyclopaedia is no place for propaganda for or against anything. 82.176.214.123 (talk) 12:58, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

Clarification
At the end of the section of '2006 transfer of power', it seem to say Raul Castro was acting president July 31-Sept 4, 2006. However there's was no announcement that Fidel Castro had resumed power Sept. 4 or since? Whic is it, is Fidel back in charge or is Raul still 'temporarily' in charge of Cuba? GoodDay 16:54, 20 September 2006 (UTC)

G'Day One indication that Raul may have assumed much greater power is a disturbing report (DEBKAfile Exclusive: Hugo Chavez signs secret anti-US cooperation pacts with Iran providing bases in Venezuela – and later Cuba – for Iranian intelligence-cum-terror agents) from Israeli intelligence sources. This is interesting since high ranking members of the Israeli Government and even their intelligence sources (until now?) have been investing in Cuba. El Jigue 9-20-06

Is Cuba a kingdom now
Life long rule and succession to relatives are part of the definition of a kingdom, thus technically the Cuba is either such or is approaching such. One can draw parallels from English History, with the circumstances of William the Conqueror, and Oliver Cromwell's unsuccessful attempt to pass on his "Protectorship" to his son. Thus one could envision, after hundreds of years, that the present Cuban rubberstamp "parliament" might evolve into something real, and Cuba would become like modern Spain a parliamentary democracy. Raul's rumored bisexuality is a mere obstacle to inheritance (as it is said was the case of King John of England), not like the prohibitive circumstance of Alfredo Stroessner's son in Paraguay El Jigüe 9-23-06
 * No, Cuba isn't a kingdom. A kingdom is a nation thats head of state has the title of King/Queen, just as an empire's head of state is a Emperor/Empress. Cuba head of state is a President, similer countries (thas have had recent non-monarch herititary succession), are North Korea & Syria (in these cases father's were succeeded by their sons). GoodDay 14:05, 15 October 2006 (UTC)

Oh excuse me "Lord Protector" then...El Jigue 10-22-06
 * Um, my guess is that, Cuba is still a republic. GoodDay 00:31, 1 November 2006 (UTC)
 * A 'hereditary' republic, then. Just like Azerbaidjan and other CIS countries (and the ones you mentioned.--Constanz - Talk 15:39, 7 November 2006 (UTC)

In political terms, Cuba is a Communist Dictatorship. However, this can't be applied to the infobox of the Cuba article. Wikipedia can only reflect, what's in a country's constitution. Further more this 'talk page' section -'Is Cuba a kingdom now'- should be on the Cuba talk page. GoodDay 22:17, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Would the U.S. be a kingdom then? They're being ruled by nothing but BUSH'S and CLINTON'S.-G

Fidel Castro's death watch
It is said that Raul may well be preparing his brother's funeral. El Jigue 10-26-06

The latest video does little to dispel the rumors that Castro is terminal. El Jigue 10-29-06 :Interesting; But these observations belong on a Wiki-Blog. Now, if you have something to add to or subtract from the article, then (by all means) discuss it here. The 'talk page' is for discussing possible changes to the article, Not for observations/speculations/conversations of article-related events. GoodDay 01:05, 6 November 2006 (UTC)

Coronel Buendia, unless Cuban government approval is required for declarations of such in Wikipedia reality demands otherwise, Raul is the new head (no pun intended) of state. El Jigue 11-12-06 :Again, please stop mis-using the 'talk' pages. Conform to Wikipedia rules & policies. GoodDay 23:47, 12 November 2006 (UTC)

Raul Castro is now effective head of state
Unless Wikipedia needs to clear the matter with the Cuban government it is now time to say:

'Raul Castro is head of State' and in all probability will be so until he dies. El Jigue 11-12-06 :Please stop blogging the 'talk pages', when you have something to add to the article, then by all means present it on the 'talk' page OR add it to the article. GoodDay 00:10, 13 November 2006 (UTC)

Raúl's role in saving the Cuban economy during the "Special Period"
Shouldn't something be said in this article about how he organized the "military enterprises" which played a critical role in enabling the Cuban economy to survive the "Special Period" and continue to be important sources of production and hard currency revenue today? -- Polaris999 07:28, 8 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Indeed Polaris. Something about that should be covered.--Zleitzen 19:26, 13 November 2006 (UTC)

Re: Infobox -- Should the word "First" be included in his titles? Comments requested.
(Responding to Polaris who asked me to take a look at the info box) I think the infobox looks fine to me as it now stands. Regarding Vilma Espín, I've stayed clear of the "seperated" business elsewhere because I wasn't sure what the status was. The couple are said to have divorced 20 years ago but this hasn't been confirmed by either party to my knowledge. EJ recently claimed she had in fact died! Who knows?--Zleitzen 19:25, 13 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Either they are divorced, or Raúl is a bigamist (which I doubt). Since I don't have documentation for the divorce, I thought "separated" might be a good compromise. BTW Latell in his "definitive" book on Raúl completely misses the fact that they have been apart for many years (although still good friends) -- makes one wonder about the quality of his (and the CIA's) sources, doesn't it? -- Polaris999 19:31, 13 November 2006 (UTC)


 * Thank you for checking Raúl's new infobox. BTW I have just added a line about "responsibilities transferred" to FCR's infobox so that his and Raúl's will be "in sync".  Hope you approve ... -- Polaris999 21:56, 13 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Hello, perhaps I'm nitpicking, but maybe First Vice President is more discriptive; as there are con-currently more then 1 Cuban VP, Raul is the 'First" VP (the 'First' meaning higher, then the other Cuban VP's). What do ya think? GoodDay 22:49, 13 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I would say that it is definitely "more descriptive" and my own thoughts as to whether or not the "First" should be included in the infobox are 50-50, hence my quandary. I hope that other editors will express their opinions here since I don't think the matter merits setting up a formal "survey", do you? ... -- Polaris999 22:58, 13 November 2006 (UTC)

I noticed the extra VPs of Cuba, listed on the Council of State of Cuba page. Thought perhaps Vice President without the 'First' would make Raul appear as the only VP of Cuba, instead of the ranking VP of Cuba. GoodDay 23:03, 13 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I agree, it doesn't warrant a formal "survey". GoodDay 23:25, 13 November 2006 (UTC)
 * Hello GoodDay. I am wondering why you added the "First" to "Vice President of the Council of State", but not to "Vice President of the Council of Ministers", of which he is also the First Vice President? -- Polaris999 21:56, 14 November 2006 (UTC)
 * I've corrected my oversight; thanks for pointing it out. I must have been asleep at the switch. GoodDay 02:13, 15 November 2006 (UTC)

The 50th Revolution Anniversary
Apparently Raul Castro did not show for the celebration of 50th anniversary of the Revolutionary Army at the Karl Marx (in pre-Castro days La Blanquita) theater in Havana on November 27th. Instead Juan Ameida presided and Ramiro Valdés, Guillermo García, vicepresident Carlos Lage, and Parliament President  Ricardo Alarcón attended. El Jigue 11-20-06
 * Well, good for Raul. Meanwhile, stop blogging the talk pages. Keep your blogs to your own IP adress talk pages. GoodDay 21:40, 28 November 2006 (UTC)

Raul did show, Fidel did not. El Jigue 12-02-06
 * You should add this too the article. GoodDay 23:55, 2 December 2006 (UTC)
 * According to Aumentan dudas tras ausencia de Castro en homenaje, Raúl did not attend the act at the Blanquita/Chaplin/Karl Marx theatre on 30 November 2006. Their reporter writes, "A la gala, en la que también estuvo ausente Raúl, pero no el resto de la dirigencia local, asistieron unas 5,000 personas e inauguró el homenaje que organiza la Fundación Guayasamín ..."
 * Of course, Raúl did attend &mdash; and was the principal speaker at &mdash; the military parade in the Plaza on 02 December 2006. -- Polaris999 03:39, 3 December 2006 (UTC)

Polaris are you sure they were two different events on different days. By the way there is an interesting, althought in my opinion somewhat flawed, analysis on Raul at  El Jigue 12-8-06

Something strange going on with "notes" in this article
The notes in this article appear to be rather chaotic: various types and several out of sequence. Perhaps the person(s) who inserted them would like to fix them? -- Polaris999 22:10, 14 November 2006 (UTC)

Atheist
I note he is in category: Cuban atheists. Is there any support for that ? Has he ever spoken on his personal religious beliefs ? Or is that an assumption ? -- Beardo 23:35, 17 December 2006 (UTC)
 * Not to sure, if he's atheist or not. Most likely, it's an assumption, as sometimes Atheism & Communism are roled into one. It could be difficult, to get a reliable source. GoodDay 00:46, 18 December 2006 (UTC)

de facto governor of Cuba
Perhaps by August 2007 or so, if he is still in power, Raul Castro should be considered de facto ruler, governor (or whatever) of Cuba. El Jigue 3-18-07208.65.188.149 19:13, 18 March 2007 (UTC)
 * As long as Fidel Castro remains President & Raul Castro remains First Vice President-Acting President. Raul should continue to be called Acting President of Cuba. GoodDay 18:24, 5 April 2007 (UTC)

The trouble is that Raul is a terrible actor and does not talk much. El Jigue 208.65.188.149 15:17, 19 June 2007 (UTC)

Vilma Espin died
Vilma Espin, wife of Raul, and betrayer of Frank Pais has just died. Long ago her sister committed suicide in Raul's office, and on the same day her sister's husband also was "suicided." El Jigue208.65.188.149 15:17, 19 June 2007 (UTC)
 * Hmm, if we had more people like them? we'd have less people like them. GoodDay 19:59, 8 September 2007 (UTC)

Visits to Italy
Raul Castro is reported to have recently returned from a visit to Italy to see relatives there, this is believed related to an official visit. Since Raul Castro apparently visits Italy with some frequency (see cited article), it is conceivable that he may be seeking to retire there. Reasons for this could include the strength of the recently renamed Italian Communist Party would provide political protection against deportation, and that such a retirement might promote lifting of US sanctions against Cuba, if it were accompanied by free elections in Cuba. El Jigue208.65.188.149 20:56, 31 August 2007 (UTC)
 * Why not add this 'speculation' to the article? GoodDay 14:34, 1 September 2007 (UTC)

Buendia: the zeal with which this has been denied and the confirmation by the original source underlines the significance of such news were it true. However, this circumstance also illustrates the increasing lack of credibility given to Cuban government reports. For instance would be simple for that government to put end to rumors of Fidel Castro's death by allowing the international press to see Castro at relatively short range. And yet this government choses not to do this, and thus most followers of Cuban events abroad believe that Castro is either dead or so sick that he cannot function. One notes a recent deletion of reports of the presence of Raul Castro in Italy, alleging that no source was provided. And yet a simple web search would have shown that such reports from the AP exist. El Jigue208.65.188.149 23:03, 2 September 2007 (UTC)
 * If you have a source for it McCarthy; you should add it -if that source is reliable-. GoodDay 19:49, 8 September 2007 (UTC)

Joseph McCarthy was an idiot, seeking political gain through demagoguery. However, equating him with Savanarola is precise only to the effect that both were stopped by their parent organization. It is interesting to note that the people McCarthy "went after" such as composer Aaron Coplan successfully hid their links to known communists. Comparisons of Stalin to McCarthy are absurd given the number of victims, even if one adds a suicide or two, at best the score has 30-40 million to about two. McCarthy did not "catch" any communist spies or infiltrators and never got the "goods" on even those who he investigated and who after the years turned out to be communist party members. McCarthy never "got" State Department infiltrators who protected Castro, from the Bogatazo to the Bay of Pigs and beyond. McCarthy's senate career and his removal is far more proof that the US system protects freedom, than the contrary. El Jigue208.65.188.149 14:43, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

On the other hand Castro favoring academics (such as those who manufactured the loss of tenure of Jose Lopez and Antonio de la Cova) still act in a fashion similar to that attributed to McCarthy. However, Illinois Governor Ryan instrumental in the Lopez removal went to jail for corruption. And the "McCarthy" anti-Cuban-exile like zeal of the Miami Herald made headlines and then collapsed in a mess or resignations and the slandered Cuban-American reporters were reinstated.. El Jigue208.65.188.149 14:56, 9 September 2007 (UTC)
 * Because you insist on calling me Buendia, I've taken to calling you McCarthy (a communist hunter). GoodDay 17:55, 9 September 2007 (UTC)
 * PS- Remember, when you come across 'recent Cuban events' and you have a reliable source to back them - add them to the article(s) themselves. Adding them to the 'talk pages' in gossip form, is a waste of time; it gives the impression they're false information. PS- I know the Cuban government is an unreliable source; In my opinon the Cuban exiles are more reliable. GoodDay 18:10, 9 September 2007 (UTC)

GD will try but Ejercito Rojo and El C keep deleting any stuff they find offensive...El Jigue208.65.188.149 00:10, 12 September 2007 (UTC)

Assassination attempt
Does nobody have info about the assassination attempt on Raul by Luis Linsuaín? Murderbike 22:48, 1 December 2007 (UTC)

Picture
President of cuba not important enough to get a picture of him up? —Preceding unsigned comment added by 99.236.151.184 (talk) 07:29, 16 December 2007 (UTC)

Sounds inaccurate to me ...
This sentence appears in the lead section:


 * "On February 19th Fidel Castro (Raul's brother and president of Cuba) stepped down from power and gave up all power to Raul."

My reading of Fidel Castro's message is that he says he will not seek another term as president. However, he intends to serve out the remainder of his current term, which will last until the National Assembly chooses his successor, an event which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, 24 February 2008. Consequently, Fidel is still President of Cuba and Raul is still Acting President of Cuba and they will both remain in these posts until the election of the new president on 24 February 2008. -- Polaris999 (talk) 18:03, 19 February 2008 (UTC)

Keep up, guys
He's officially been confirmed as the new president more than two hours ago, yet it still says he's expected to be. Come on, you lot are better than this. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 81.79.183.245 (talk) 21:48, 24 February 2008 (UTC)


 * Thank you for your suggestion. When you feel an article needs improvement, please feel free to make those changes. Wikipedia is a wiki, so anyone can edit almost any article by simply following the  link at the top. The Wikipedia community encourages you to be bold in updating pages. Don't worry too much about making honest mistakes — they're likely to be found and corrected quickly. If you're not sure how editing works, check out how to edit a page, or use the sandbox to try out your editing skills.  New contributors are always welcome. You don't even need to log in (although there are many reasons why you might want to).   -- JeffBillman (talk) 21:52, 24 February 2008 (UTC)

see also section
Delfín Fernández sould be accented on the i and a. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 24.180.37.2 (talk) 23:26, 24 February 2008 (UTC)

Infobox & Succession box
Raul Castro became President on February 24, 2008 (that's when he assumed office). From July 31, 2006 to February 24, 2008; he was still First Vice President merely performing the powers & duties of the Presidency (thus Acting President). Therefore, I've fixed the infobox & successiosn box, to reflect this fact. GoodDay (talk) 16:16, 25 February 2008 (UTC)

Monarchy
It is time for a Wikipedia article on hereditary leftist monarchies, as in Cuba, Syria and North Korea. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 86.141.242.14 (talk) 14:35, 28 February 2008 (UTC)
 * Errrr, no. GoodDay (talk) 19:26, 2 March 2008 (UTC)

When did Raul Castro become President of Cuba?
When did Raul Castro become President of Cuba? I maintain that Raul Castro became President of Cuba on 24 February, when he was chosen for the post according to the processes in the Cuban constitution. User:Therequiembellishere maintains he became President in 2006, when he assumed the functions of the presidency from Fidel Castro. Therequiembellishere declines to debate the matter. After several rounds of reversion I am seeking input from other editors on this. Intelligent Mr Toad (talk) 07:10, 4 March 2008 (UTC) Something about the gorrilas!!!!!!

Comment. I believe formal authority is derived from recognition by the National Assembly of People's Power. When did this occur? ClaudeReigns (talk) 06:59, 4 March 2008 (UTC)

On 24 February Intelligent Mr Toad (talk) 07:10, 4 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Raul Castro elected president of Cuba
 * Results of Council of State elections


 * Then I concur and have corrected the article. If a reasoned consensus disagrees, I will be happy to revert myself. ClaudeReigns (talk) 15:38, 4 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Yes, Raul Castro became President of Cuba on February 24, 2008. After all, George H.W. Bush & Dick Cheney were not US President in 1985 (Bush), 2002 & 2007 (Cheney) respectively. GoodDay (talk) 15:59, 4 March 2008 (UTC)
 * Executive functions are often handed over without the assumption of an office - the position of acting President/Prime Minister/Minister etc is often used to describe this situation. The article states this clearly. It's good as it is. Mostlyharmless (talk) 04:49, 9 March 2008 (UTC)

It seems this has been decided, and I fully concur that the article intro as currently written describes the situation accurately. I suggest you close down the RfC since there seems to be no need for further comment.--Bigtimepeace | talk | contribs 18:05, 2 April 2008 (UTC)


 * Yes, I'm removing the template as settled. -- Relata refero (disp.) 18:45, 2 April 2008 (UTC)

Clarification on names
"Several commentators, including some writers on the The Wall Street Journal, call Castro 'uncharismatic and widely feared,' with a 'cold efficien[t]' style." Which Castro does this mean? In the rest of the article, Raúl Castro is referred to as Raúl. Celinayi (talk) 01:51, 1 May 2008 (UTC)

Changes to Cuba?
Is there nothing here about his contributions to Cuba? He has decentralized agriculture, relaxed restrictions on hotel usage, made DVD's, computers, etc., more available, etc. Raúl seems to already have had a significant impact on Cuba, but there seems to be nothing here about any of that. (BTW, the May 2 New York Times article on life in Cuba discusses all of this, if anyone would like to read more about it. It is not explicitly about Raúl, however.)  The Jade Knight (talk) 06:16, 3 May 2008 (UTC)


 * He has now officially abandoned salary equality in Cuba. I agree that this article makes far too little of his reforms over the last several months. --96.52.132.224 (talk) 02:14, 12 June 2008 (UTC)

Commander in Chief?
Is this true? If yes, any sources? I thought that Commander in Chief was a honorific title given to his brother ... Thanks, Miguel.mateo (talk) 22:24, 10 November 2008 (UTC)


 * Commander In Chief is not so much a title as a function: the person to whom the highest echelon of command in the armed forces reports and takes orders from.82.176.214.123 (talk) 13:02, 4 January 2009 (UTC)


 * I am so sure, although have no sources, that Fidel's title Comandante en Jefe (Comander in Chief) is an honorary title given to him and only him has it. Raul Castro is since 1959 General de Ejercito (Army General) which means he has no one to report to with regards to the army. He is also the minister of Ministerio del Interior (Ministry of Internal Affairs, controlling the police and other forces) and Ministerio de las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias (Ministry of the Revolution Army Forces). I have seen no where that he changed to Comander in Chief ... any source? Miguel.mateo (talk) 03:53, 5 January 2009 (UTC)

QUICK QUESTION
Doesn't Raul look like that guy that played Mr. Feeney on Boy Meets World? --Chrismaster1 (talk) 00:26, 15 December 2008 (UTC)

Can we get an end to rumor-mongering?
This page, not to mention the article, is full of them, most of which seems to originate with El Jigüe. Can those who are incapable of showing the least bit of objectivity please go and find another playground? 82.176.214.123 (talk) 13:01, 4 January 2009 (UTC)

Fist/second secretary
http://www.pcc.cu/estructura_organizacion/secretariado/secretariado.html says that Fidel is still 1st?... Rich Farmbrough, 19:51 5 January 2009 (UTC).


 * I do not manage to find a source, since I do not collect Granma newspapers :), but I think Fidel gave up all titles except the one as First Secretary of the Political Buro of the Communist Party. Note that this website you mentioned was last updated at least April 2008, that was after his resignation, so it should be correct. But I will not be surprised if I am incorrect and the site information is simply old. Regards, Miguel.mateo (talk) 01:34, 6 January 2009 (UTC)

"U.S.-backed Cuban Dictator" (Batista)
User: Luis Napoles has attempted to remove the above information recently claiming: ""Too controversial and not even in the text. Cuba was under embargo, ambassor was recalled, and there was a covert mission to replace him"."

Now leaving aside the fact that the NPR audio report I utilized the given link ---> (click on the first "Listen Now") states in the first 13 seconds (00:9-00:13) this EXACT verbatim phrase ... in anticipation of a likely deletion forthcoming again, per - WP:VERIFY - I figured I would utilize this talk page to list "several" sources which corroborate the phrase "U.S.-backed Dictator" in reference to Fulgencio Batista.

The following below are all book titles (accessible by Google books) followed by the page number and verbatim phrase contained within the source:

Cuba: idea of a nation displaced - page 77 .... "US -backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Born in blood and fire: a concise history of Latin America‎ - Page 262 .... "US -backed military dictatorship"

The Columbia history of Latinos in the United States since 1960‎ - Page 149 .... "US -backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista"

Breaking the real axis of evil: how to oust the world's last dictators by 2025‎ - Page 231 .... "overthrow of the US -backed dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista"

America's other war: terrorizing Colombia‎ - Page 27 .... "overthrowing the US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista"

The Puerto Rican movement: voices from the diaspora‎ - Page 39 .... "the fall of US -backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Rockets and Missiles: The Life Story of a Technology‎ - Page 74 .... "overthrown US -backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Colonialism: an international, social, cultural, and political encyclopedia‎ - Page 157 .... "against US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Encyclopedia of Latino popular culture‎ - Page 75.... "overthrow of US -backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

The Greenwood Dictionary of World History‎ - Page 41 .... "overthrow of US -backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Che Guevara: In Search of Revolution‎ - Page 46 .... "US -backed Cuban government led by Fulgencio Batista"

Perils of Empire: The Roman Republic and the American Republic‎ - Page 127 .... "the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

The Cold War, 1945-1991: Leaders and other important figures in the Soviet Union - Page 134 .... "Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista … against the US-backed Batista regime"

Facts about the 20th century‎ - Page 285 .... "overthrew US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Latino/a Thought: Culture, Politics, and Society‎ - Page 542 .... "oust the US -backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Cuba and the coming American Revolution‎ - Page 65 .... "US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Whiteout: The CIA, Drugs, and the Press‎ - Page 122 .... "with Fulgencio Batista, the US-backed dictator"

Children of Cain: violence and the violent in Latin America‎ - Page 111 .... "US -backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

The Iraq war: causes and consequences‎ - Page 36 .... "US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Robert F. Kennedy and the death of American idealism‎ - Page 54 .... "The US -backed dictator, General Fulgencio Batista"

Changing the history of Africa: Angola and Namibia‎ - Page 105 .... "US-backed dictator, Fulgencio Batista"

Endless enemies: the making of an unfriendly world‎ - Page 256 .... "Fulgencio Batista, the US -backed dictator"

If you don't prefer books, a quick web search also lists these web articles from the

Telegraph ... "US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Reuters ... "overthrow U.S.-backed dictator"

Washington Post ... "U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Capitalism Magazine = (now there's a bastion of Communism) ... "U.S.-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Boston Globe ... "US-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista"

CNN ... "toppled a longstanding U.S.-backed dictator."

Irish Times ... "US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

BBC ... "US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista"

National Post ... "U.S.-backed dictator"

Miami Herald ... "U.S.-backed Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista"

Now Luis Napoles, I trust that you would agree that listing all of the above ref's in the lead might "be a bit much", thus if you can not provide any evidence to dispute this well known and accepted historical fact (which I document above) per Wp:Undue, WP:Verify, Wp:Reliable - and if there is not editor Wp:Consensus to dispute the above material or its inclusion - then please refrain from removing this important historical detail from the article going forward. Thanks  Red thoreau  (talk)RT 15:39, 22 April 2009 (UTC)

Hosni Mubarak is said too precede Raul Castro. Why is this not corrected.
On Raul Castro biography page, it says Hosni Mubarak preceded him. This has been on his page for months now. Can someone change it or delete it? I'm no expert and don't know how to correct this. I'm assuming someone can get in touch with wikipedia and tell them about it? Thank you very much. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.148.214.248 (talk) 20:28, 11 January 2012 (UTC)

Catholic?
Raul Castro is listed in "categories" as having converted to Catholicism. It isn't mentioned anywhere in the article nor is any relevant citation given. Considering that he is the head of an officially Marxist-Leninist state, this seems to be a rather dubious claim, and should be removed if nothing can be presented to support it. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 129.22.46.250 (talk) 21:45, 29 January 2012 (UTC)

Travel restrictions abolished
Raul Castro has already eased travel restrictions for any Cubans who are agitating to travel abroad (see http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/10/17/goodbye-cuban-exit-visas.html). It is noteworthy that the new travel freedoms had been first hinted at in 2008 and again in 2011, but only now have been officially confirmed by decree.

While the new travel regulations get rid of the white card and give Cubans an opportunity to travel to other countries without excessive bureaucratic hurdles (travel restrictions will be reserved for select citizens on grounds of defense and national security), some are worried that Castro may trigger another exodus of Cubans on the scale of the 1980 Mariel boatlift and 1994 Rafters' crisis. However, this possibility is highly unlikely because Castro has expressed concerns that a new immigration crisis could trigger social instability in Latin America. Any Cubans wishing to travel abroad should not miss an opportunity to visit Disneyland in Florida or other landmarks in the US.

Barack Obama will face a tough choice on how to respond to Cuba's lifting of travel restrictions for Cuban citizens. He already made clear his intention to maintain the embargo during his 2008 presidential campaign, so it's rather naive to think that he would simply ask Congress to repeal the ban on US tourist travel to Cuba (which is codified by a 2000 law that allows sales of US agricultural and medical products to Cuba)--- he is very worried that too much tourist travel to Cuba will provide the Cuban regime with enough money to annihilate the opposition movement (so far tourist travel to China and Vietnam has done nothing to sway Chinese and Vietnamese leaders to open up their countries' one-party systems, and neither has US travel to North Korea). Given Obama's preference for a measured piecemeal approach to dealing with gradual changes in Cuba, he could pursue the followiing measures:

1. Expanding people-to-people contacts with Cuba (like allowing ferries to take Americans to Cuba)

2. Establishing a Freedom Fund for Cuba (as first suggested by President Bush)

3. Educating Cubans in the US as to indoctrinate them with knowledge of liberal democracy, free market economics, the benefits of mixed economies, et cetera

4. Re-establishing a postal service to Cuba

This is an opportunity that should not be missed by President Obama. 68.4.28.33 (talk) 02:57, 10 January 2013 (UTC)Vahe Demirjian

Reforms
There should be a good section on this as there are many notable reforms (possibly more important than the lasrge part of the transition (which should be on fidel's page)).
 * Heres one(Lihaas (talk) 11:50, 21 February 2014 (UTC)).

Links
>> Cuba passes law to attract foreign investorsLihaas (talk) 19:10, 29 March 2014 (UTC)

Is Raul Castro a "President"
Google gives the definition of "president" as "the elected head of a republican state."

Dictionary.com says "the highest executive officer of a modern republic, as the Chief Executive of the United States." (http://www.dictionary.com/browse/president?s=t)

Clearly, neither Raul Castro nor his brother predecessor Fidel Castro were elected into office. And clearly, Cuba is not a republic. By any reasonable definition, Raul Castro is a dictator. That has an unfavorable connotation, but that is the accurate word to use. I am open to hearing counter points on this.

Ramses89 (talk) 21:31, 21 March 2016 (UTC)


 * Hi Ramses89 Wikipedia is an Encyclopaedia built from reliable sources - so asserting a personal interpretation is not ok. Many may consider it an unearned title, but maybe many do not, you need reliable sources to back either claim. Although we may associate meanings with titles, in reality titles are inferred on people by organisations, in this case a country, and if there is no higher power (such as a government over companies) then they can use whatever title/word they want. In the case of Dictators since they dictate they get to decide what titles people use, and what titles mean. If he has the power to do so he could call himself anything. The question you are really bringing up is what the rest of the world thinks, and if other countries consider him a dictator then that could be added if you have reliable sources. Cheers KylieTastic (talk) 22:09, 21 March 2016 (UTC)
 * hi Ramses as well as the criticism state above,Castro is elected(by the council of state),however it COULD be argued that he is a dictator,however if your definition of a dictator requires absolute power then no,cuba is ruled by the COMMUNIST PARTY,not by one communist,so whilst this isn't a democracy some definitions would say he isn't a dictator.  — Preceding unsigned comment added by Albert einstein 1110 (talk • contribs) 07:09, 5 May 2016 (UTC)
 * I would also like to know your reasons for thinking that Cuba is not a republic. --ExperiencedArticleFixer (talk) 05:51, 3 December 2016 (UTC)

Ruz or Ruiz??
I think his mother name is Ruiz. I have never heard the name Ruz. Ruy is a short for Rodrigo (Roderik), and Ruiz, a family name, means "son of Ruy" (as Rodriguez is "son of Rodrigo" and "Johnson is son of John"). — Preceding unsigned comment added by 201.83.18.29 (talk) 13:30, 14 August 2016 (UTC)
 * If you have never heard the surname Ruz, then clearly you never studied the Castros thoroughly. --ExperiencedArticleFixer (talk) 05:54, 3 December 2016 (UTC)

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== International perception and exodus Lazarusfault (talk) 02

The quality of Wikipedia is going down the drain
"He announced on state television on 21 December 2017 that he will step down..." This sentence has been left in this condition for three months! Three months! And that's the intro!--Adûnâi (talk) 17:02, 19 April 2018 (UTC)

Biased writing
It says it's more pragmatic to have market economies.

Who exactly decided that? Sounds like an opinion to me. Is it only bias when Latinos have opinions? When the white liberals show up it's all facts? Is that how it works? — Preceding unsigned comment added by 78.69.180.157 (talk) 00:10, 18 June 2019 (UTC)

Raúl Castro has stepped down.
Raúl Castro has stepped down, which he announced at the Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba. I've added a few edits to mention this, but someone smarter than me should probably finish it off.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-17/raul-castro-resigning-ending-long-era-in-cuba/100076126 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/raul-castro-announces-retirement-as-head-of-cubas-communist-party-10-years-after-succeeding-fidel/ar-BB1fJIzF https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/cubas-raul-castro-steps-down-ending-the-era-of-his-famous-clan-at-the-countrys-helm/ar-BB1fGAB3

Gnerkistanislaviyort (talk) 22:24, 16 April 2021 (UTC) Gnerkistanislaviyort
 * He has announced he is resigning. His successor has not officially been chosen yet and Castro's resignation has not officially taken effect yet. People are jumping the gun. Just wait until the 17th, 18th, or 19th when the transition actually occurs.


 * He is also no longer on the Politburo or the Secretariat so the lede needs to be updated to that effect. (Change "Castro has also been a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba, the highest decision-making body, since 1975." to "from 1975 to 2021". The source for his no longer being on the politburo is here

Problems
There is a lot to be fixed about the article


 * there seem to be very less in-line citations
 * the tone in Political career and Commander in Cuban Revolution seems like its romanticizing him
 * the citations in the Honours and Awards section (including the ones mentioned in the infobox) don't seem to be correct
 * entire paragraphs are without sources

I'm not sure if these were discussed before - if there was discussion, I couldn't find it. Sitaphul (talk) 05:06, 17 April 2021 (UTC)

Problems
There is a lot to be fixed about the article


 * there seem to be very less in-line citations
 * the tone in Political career and Commander in Cuban Revolution seems like its romanticizing him
 * the citations in the Honours and Awards section (including the ones mentioned in the infobox) don't seem to be correct
 * entire paragraphs are without sources

I'm not sure if these were discussed before - if there was discussion, I couldn't find it. Sitaphul (talk) 05:06, 17 April 2021 (UTC)

Raúl Castro has stepped down.
Raúl Castro has stepped down, which he announced at the Congress of the Communist Party of Cuba. I've added a few edits to mention this, but someone smarter than me should probably finish it off.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-17/raul-castro-resigning-ending-long-era-in-cuba/100076126 https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/world/raul-castro-announces-retirement-as-head-of-cubas-communist-party-10-years-after-succeeding-fidel/ar-BB1fJIzF https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/cubas-raul-castro-steps-down-ending-the-era-of-his-famous-clan-at-the-countrys-helm/ar-BB1fGAB3

Gnerkistanislaviyort (talk) 22:24, 16 April 2021 (UTC) Gnerkistanislaviyort
 * He has announced he is resigning. His successor has not officially been chosen yet and Castro's resignation has not officially taken effect yet. People are jumping the gun. Just wait until the 17th, 18th, or 19th when the transition actually occurs. -- — Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.154.46.195 (talk) 21:48, 16 April 2021 (UTC)


 * He is also no longer on the Politburo or the Secretariat so the lede needs to be updated to that effect. (Change "Castro has also been a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of Cuba, the highest decision-making body, since 1975." to "from 1975 to 2021". The source for his no longer being on the politburo is here -- -- — Preceding unsigned comment added by 216.154.46.195 (talk) 01:12, 20 April 2021 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the. —Community Tech bot (talk) 15:41, 20 July 2021 (UTC)
 * Logo del Partido Comunista de Cuba.svg

Father
Is his father Ángel Castro y Argiz?

No not according to Díaz-Versón, Salvador 1980 One man, one battle. World Wide Pub. Co. New York ASIN B0006E1ULI. pp. 93 and 107, and a number of places on the web e.g.  And there is an old photograph on the web which shows his father Felipe Mirabal and Batista during his baptism ceremony. El Jigue 9-7-06


 * And others claim a different father - see below. -- Beardo (talk) 15:02, 11 December 2021 (UTC)

Narciso Campos Pontigo
I have removed "Narciso Campos Pontigo (1898-1970), a former officer of the Rural Guard of Cuba, is the biological father of Raul Castro. Narciso emigrated to the United States and died in New Jersey in 1970." There seems little to support that first claim. -- Beardo (talk) 16:34, 11 December 2021 (UTC)

A Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion
The following Wikimedia Commons file used on this page or its Wikidata item has been nominated for deletion: Participate in the deletion discussion at the nomination page. —Community Tech bot (talk) 17:29, 16 May 2022 (UTC)
 * Vietnam Gold Star ribbon.png