Castro: Ill but not dead

Fidel Castro still appeared to be running the show in Cuba yesterday after undergoing abdominal surgery and naming his brother acting president, while police and civilian groups patrolled neighbourhoods that have seen civil disturbances in the past.

Raul Castro remained out of public view two days after the temporary leadership change was announced, and the state news media’s focus remained solely on the elder Castro and his recovery, creating uncertainty about who was really in charge.