A Chequer-Board of Nights and Days

So, with the resignation of Fidel Castro from the Presidency, it was conventional wisdom that the ascension of Raul Castro would signal some form of political change and liberalization in Cuba.

So much for that. Not only does Raul Castro announce that there will be no change whatsoever in policy, he picks an old, hard-line figure for the number two spot just to stick it to those who hoped for a greater amount of political freedom in Cuba.

Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. But let's look at the upside: At least, Chris Bertram will be happy. To be sure, Bertram may want to read this to find out just how well--or how badly, depending on one's sensibilities--the Revolution is going 90 miles south of the Floridian coast. And he might want to read this as well:

Young Cubans frustrated by a regimented and austere life under socialism see little hope of change under the team of old guard revolutionaries who have taken over following Fidel Castro's retirement as president.

Seventy percent of Cuba's 11 million people were born after Castro's 1959 revolution. The younger ones dream of traveling abroad and want access to the Internet, iPods, trendy clothes, music and films.

Many were disappointed when Raul Castro, a 76-year-old army general, succeeded his ailing brother on Sunday as Cuba's first new leader in almost half a century, and other elderly communists were appointed top key posts.

"This is a dynastic succession. Everyone is so disappointed," said Virginia, a teacher who quit her state job earning $19 a month to work as a nanny.

There is a lot more like that--just waiting to disillusion the likes of Chris Bertram--assuming that he bothers to read writings chock full of uncomfortable facts.