Stogie News: Castro Reportedly Getting Worse

Back in August we told you about Fidel Castro’s “imminent death” and the possibility for Cuban reform. While his passing was obviously not as imminent as everyone thought (because he’s still alive), his failing health is once again making headlines the world over.

On Tuesday, the Spanish newspaper El Pais reported that “a grave infection in the large intestine, at least three failed operations, and various complications have left…Castro laid up with a very grave prognosis.” The Associated Press reports that such infections carry a mortality rate “as high as 90 percent” for the elderly.

Cuba has released very little about the ruthless communist dictator’s condition, and a diplomat in Madrid even went so far as to say that the leak is “a lie” and “if anyone has to talk about Castro’s illness, it’s Havana.”

Since the evening of July 31, 2006, Castro’s brother, Raúl, has held the reins of the island nation’s overbearing government.

I thought yesterday’s news of Castro’s worsening condition would be an excellent opportunity to revisit this post and remind you that while it’s true we can’t expect major reform from Raúl anytime soon, many foreign policy experts believe he is more pragmatic than Fidel, and therefore more open to economic reforms.

Economic reforms that could, in time, end America’s hypocritical embargo on Cuban goods – like cigars.

–Patrick A

Tags: cigars