To the Point
Cuba: A Country for Old Men
Cuba's dictatorship is the same age as those in the Middle East. But when Castro's cronies got a new lease on leadership, the next generation did not rise up in protest.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenCuba's dictatorship is about the same age as those in the Middle East and North Africa, and it's an economic disaster. But when Fidel Castro's old cronies got a new lease on leadership last week, the next generation did not rise up in protest. We find out why. Also, NATO strikes directly at Libya's Gadhafi, and gold and silver as hedges against the dollar.
Banner image: Former Cuban president Fidel Castro (L) listens to his brother Raul, Cuban President and new First Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party, during the final session of the 6th Cuban Communist Party Congress, on April 19, 2011 at the Convention Palace in Havana. Photo: Adalberto Roque/AFP/Getty Images
In this episode
3 storiesNATO Strikes Directly at Gadhafi
After two strikes on Moammar Gadhafi's headquarters in three days, Libya claims NATO is trying to assassinate its leader. NATO has confirmed the strikes , saying that the target was "a communications headquarters used to coordinate attacks on the civilian population." Harriet Sherwood is in Tripoli for the Guardian in Britain.
Read the story8 minCuba: A Country for Old Men
Like other dictatorships, the leaders of Cuba face a new generation impatient for less repression and economic freedom. But computers, cell phones, Facebook and Twitter are in short supply in Cuba, as is information about what's happening elsewhere in the world. In 2008, Raul Castro took the Presidency of Cuba from his ailing brother, Fidel.
Read the story36 minGold and Silver Prices Near Record Highs
The big banks for precious metals have been meeting daily to set prices since 1897. Now, gold has set an all-time record of $1518.20 an ounce, and silver's approaching the so-called "psychological barrier" of $50 an ounce. Both approached record highs today and then dropped off a bit as the dollar increased in value.
Read the story8 min
