Recently, Fidel Castro ceded power to his brother, Raul, while undergoing stomach surgery. This action fueled speculation as to Cuba's future. As Cuban exiles rejoiced in Miami streets, believing that Castro was near death, political and business figures sat poised, ready to engage in a new trading partner. Although a new dialogue with the United States will most certainly evolve with Castro's death, it is unlikely that the Cuban government will undergo swift dramatic changes.
             Many experts, such as Terry McCoy, a Latin American studies professor at the University of Florida, believes that a change in leadership may not necessarily mean an immediate end to the Communist nation's current regime (Rigney 2006). McCoy says the question is whether Raul, who is less charismatic and lacks the leadership qualities of Fidel, can hold onto power, but believes the government will survive in the short term (Rigney 2006). According to McCoy, the succession plan " first involves Raul Castro and then a circle of much younger successors, who would run the country through some type of collective leadership" (Rigney 2006). However, it is doubtful that Raul or his successors would "'usher in a new era of leadership," and no one should expect any type of "competitive elections in the near future," however "there may perhaps be a shift toward a market-style communism like in China and Vietnam" (Rigney 2006). McCoy emphasizes that while Cuban exiles may be rejoicing at the possibility of a Cuba with Fidel, the situation is far more complex for Cuban natives (Rigney 2006). Says McCoy, "Castro's government is the only one they know, and it has provided them with jobs, health care and education...many Cubans are unhappy with their situation, but are nervous about their future once their leader of four decades dies" (Rigney 2006).
             Prominent dissident, Vladimiro Roca, says, "Fidel Castro may be sick, but neither the Ministry of the Interior nor the state s...