Fidel Castro has stepped down after forty-nine years and ten American presidents. It's worth noting that the proposed policies of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama differ in important aspects; Clinton won't talk to Raul Castro, while Obama has held open the possibility of negotiations with the regime. Last year the Patterson School simulated the fall of Castro, although in that case it was because of the sudden death of Fidel rather than his retirement. With Fidel still in the background Raul's position will be stronger, which is probably why the former retired rather than serving until death. -- Robert Farley
