11/12/2006 2:20:03 pm
South American Oppression. Augusto Pinochet just passed away, as could be expected. And - which was also likely - the people of Chile showed strong emotions in totally different directions. Pinochet was doubtlessly an authoritarian ruler, but he allowed for economic reform that made Chile the richest country in South America and he left power after a referendum.

Some distance away, the personal shape of a man who never considered leaving power, and ruined his country, seems to be only marginally better. The question is what happens after Fidel Castro. Hector Palacio, a very well-known dissident, was just released from prison. Some say this is due to Palacio′s bad health, some claim that Fidel′s brother Raul (the likely successor) is not as harsh as his brother.

Here is a web site with more and updated information about the development in Cuba.