Fidel Castro, turning 83, still a force in Cuba

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HAVANA (Reuters) - Fidel Castro is not the presence he once was in Cuba after three years out of public view but as he turns 83 on Thursday he still has clout and is working to ensure the island stays communist long after he is gone.

Although younger brother Raul Castro, who is 78, replaced him as president last year, Fidel Castro continues to be a powerful international voice for Cuba, through the regular commentary columns he writes for state-run media.

His internal role in Cuba's government is less clear but it is generally assumed that while his brother runs the show from day to day, he does it in consultation with Fidel Castro.

"It's still, I think, a partnership but Raul is now the senior partner," said Brian Latell of the University of Miami's Institute for Cuban and Cuban-American Studies. "Fidel is not able to be involved in the day-to-day stuff anymore."

http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE57A3NL20090811