The New Leader of the Communist Regime... or Simply a Pawn

In the article entitled "Cuba lays a foundation for a new leader", it discusses the changes that have been made by the Castro Regime, including moving a man known as José Machado to second in command, a coveted position previously held by Fidel's brother Rafael. Many have questioned whether or not Castro is training Machado to ascend to his vacated seat when he dies. However, I find this sincerely doubtful for numerous reasons. The first being that Machado is as old as Castro is, perhaps a little younger. They had fought in the mountains together during the revolution, making them from the same period of thought. The article also mentions that Castro is bringing in a new congress to take over, but I believe that this is simply a show. The fact is that once Castro dies, his regime will die with him despite what some people say. People in Cuba are not allowed to speak freely or leave the country without permission. No one can manage a regime just like Castro, and I believe that he knows that as well. It is for this reason that early in Fidel's rise, he originally carried out everything himself, traveling to every part of the country to ensure that the job was done to his specifications. However, he still has yet to bring up a new generation into the regime for fear that they will even be more progressive than he. I believe that once Fidel dies, a revolution will take place just like that of the one that happened throughout Northern Africa in search of a new system of government. The US will seize this opportunity, befriend the protesters and help gain a democratic society once again in Cuba. At least this is what the US hopes will happen. But to answer the original question no, I don't think that Machado is the heir to Castro's empire, and that he will choose someone much younger, but he must do it soon before time runs out.