Bring on the stogies... YAY!

I am looking forward to traveling there VERY soon.

does this mean we'll be able to buy them again?

We can only hope! *fingers crossed*

Wonder if the next dictator will have a beard?

Yeah. That was my first reaction too! LMFAO

I wouldn't expect any big changes any time soon. Raul has effectively lead the country since 2006 with Fidel serving merely as a figurehead.

If Raul didn't make any changes before I see no reason why he will now.

True. Though, we can always dream. ha ha

Cuba's governmental 2nd tier got tired of pretending that he is still alive.

I have a good feeling this man isnt alive anymore, and if he is, he is retiring, so he can officially die and pull the plug.

And you are legally welcome to go to cuba, infact, you are allowed to bring back a disclosed amount of cigars. If you do it correctly, there is a legal way about it.

boner

I don't think much is going to change. Raul is supposedly just as bad as Fidel. It just one dictator trading out for another.

if raul chooses to make a deal with the US we may lift the embargo on cuban goods

That's what I was thinking. I don't expect Cuba to be much different now.

As soon as I saw George Bush's name mentioned in the article, my first thought was, "Great, now we're going to invade Cuba."

Then, upon further reflection, I realized that wouldn't make any sense.

Then, upon further reflection, I realized that's no real deterrent for good ole Dubya.

????????????????????????????????????

I know. As I said, I realized it didn't make any sense for me to think that. It was just a knee jerk reaction to seeing George Bush's name. But, man I can't wait for him to be out of office.

To keep things on topic, I agree that this Castro news doesn't necessarily mean huge policy changes in Cuba, but the article does describe Castro's brother as "pragmatic", so hopefull things will start to move in a good direction.

If that's your thing, there's a much simpler and cheaper way of doing it than going to Cuba. Or accidentally ending up with a house full of Cubans*

The trade embargo is between Cuba and the US. There's no embargo and buying Cuban products from other countries. The UK, for example.

AE Lloyds I can vouch for as they are in the town where I went to university, but I'm sure there are many more just as reputable. Over the years, they have made an absolute fortune from selling Cuban cigars to the states perfectly legally.

*You knew I was going to do this, right?

<a href='http://www.plime.com/redir.p?http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2GdrJQCrfw' class='plime' target='_blank' rel='nofollow'><b>flash video</b></a>

Actually, Raul is better. He's not as smart.
He's less strict than his brother, and he's asking to be overthrown.

Only time will tell what will happen to Cuba. The thing is, so many people have lived under Fidel's thumb that you bring about change and it will derail them.

Cuba still has an ally in Chavez, who by no means will stand by to let the US do any harm to Cuba, Raul Castro or not. Especially when Dubya still in power here.

Once there is a new president elect in this country, there will be a new song and dance.

You watch.