Cuba Libre!!!!

Funny thing is, Cuba Libre's are actually (rum and coke) in Chile.

Anyway, here is a link to the article in BBC if you haven't already read it.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americans/7252109.stm

My take:
Not necessarily a very good thing. Raul is already good buddies with Chavez (Hugo made sure of that when little bro took over Cuba after Fidel got sick) which probably won't do much positively for Cuba. Granted, the Assemblia Nacional still must elect the next president, polls show that Raul will most likely be the man and this will lead to a following in Fidel's footsteps.

What can the U.S. do to stop a socialist government from continuing just 90 miles south of Miami? Probably nothing.  As much pressure as we put on Cuba to have democratic elections and reform their system of government, Chavez will likely apply an equal amount of pressure to maintain his strong ties with one of his best governmental allies in the western hemisphere. (Once again, we end up with Raul who is already favored if not technically in office just not publicly.)
Thus, we are left with a prime example of people needing to help themselves. If the Cuban public doesn't scream out in the streets for democracy probably nothing will happen. They need a model of prosperity to follow. Cubans need to know how they can benefit and resurrect a failing economy.
I personally think tourism alone would skyrocket in Cuba as it did pre-comunist days as a gambling/resort oriented country, but that's just me.
Any thoughts on what's to become of Cuba? With no significant change in political structure, with the United States' stance towards Cuba change?  Likely not, but time will tell.
This news should insight tons of thought on the future of our hemisphere. One of the longest reigning dictators in history officially resigned!! That's huge!! Especially so close to the leading proponent of democracy in the world.

(Aside, will Cuba show up as a topic during presidential race of 2008?)

Happy thinking on this one.

Andrew