Now Raúl the Terrible Runs Cuba

Castro's Orphans - Americas columnist Mary Anastasia O'Grady talks with Carlos Eire, a Yale professor and author of "Waiting for Snow in Havana," about a Cuban tragedy from the 1960s.- - - - - - - - ARRA Editor: Just because Castro has stepped down and given his office to his brother, Raúl Castro, does not mean that things will be better in Cuba for children or their families.

Jennifer O'Shea reports: Raúl acted as an executioner during the revolution as well as after his brother took power. He was known for his ruthlessness and brutality. Years later, he suggested that his nickname should be "Raúl the Terrible" for his role in hundreds of killings. He even executed a close friend, Gen. Arnaldo Ochoa, on orders from Fidel in 1989. Raúl was his brother's designated successor for 47 years. He headed the Cuban military during that time, becoming the longest-serving defense minister in the world. He was also vice president of the Council of State and second secretary of the Cuban Communist Party. Raúl Castro worked closely with the Soviet Union during the first decades of his career. Without Fidel's knowledge, Raúl made Cuba's first official contact with that nation in 1959. He also negotiated with the Soviets to place missiles on the island, which led to military conflict with the United States and the Bay of Pigs invasion in 1961 . . . [Read More]

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