Over the course of the past 50 years, the world has lived through the Cold War, seen the… Over the course of the past 50 years, the world has lived through the Cold War, seen the collapse of communism, the fall of the Soviet Union and witnessed numerous attempts by the American government to overthrow Cuba’s dictator, Fidel Castro, who has managed to survive long enough to declare his own resignation.

Yesterday, after nearly half a century in power, 81-year-old Castro announced that he is stepping down as president and commander in chief.

Castro had temporarily handed over power to his 76-year-old brother, Raul, in July 2006 when he underwent surgery for a stomach ailment and has since not been seen in public. This Sunday, the Cuban Parliament will most likely proclaim Raul Castro the new president and will, in essence, continue the long and damaging rule of the Cuban Communist Party.

It is highly doubtful that Castro’s resignation will lead to democracy in Cuba, and the possibility of another revolution is slim. News of the announcement in Cuba was not met with protests or rallies, but rather with normal calm.

But the declaration has led the United States to question its policies toward the island nation. According to Agence France-Presse, in a letter addressed to Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, more than 100 members of Congress urged the United States to “think and act anew