Word: rauling
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...Raul's ideas of reform are not necessarily the ones Western democracies would choose for Cuba. Basically, Havana is turning increasingly large chunks of the economy over to the military. Although it is rare to see uniformed soldiers on the street, Raul's troops are involved in every aspect of the economy, from running plants to planting food. The general has plugged military men loyal to him -- some retired, some still active -- into influential positions. Professional soldiers who once earned battle medals as mercenaries in Angola and Ethiopia are now assigned to repair city pipelines, build tourist hotels and direct...
...Raul and his generals even earn dollars for guns with an octopus-like tourism outfit called Gaviota, which runs health spas, marinas and luxury hotels. At hunting preserves formerly reserved for the army, visitors shoot duck in some of Fidel's favorite stalking grounds. Gaviota takes tourists to the outskirts of the U.S. naval base at Guantanamo and lets them spy on troop movements -- cocktails and binoculars included. TRD Caribe, the newest arm of Gaviota, is the fastest-growing chain of department stores. TRD, appropriately enough, stands for tienda recaudacion en divisas -- literally, "store to rake in the dollars...
...bring about reform. In the 1980s the army began to impose market-oriented management techniques in its own ammunition factories, offering bonuses for increased production and transferring those who did not perform. By 1991 the army had passed along its experience to 100 civilian industries. Party sources say Raul's military advisers are looking beyond quick fixes and studying a complete overhaul of the socialist system. "If you're going to implement changes, one of the safer ways to do this is to use the armed forces so you can have a modicum of control," says Phyllis Greene Walker...
...uncertain whether taking charge of economic reform will revive Raul's political fortunes. His authoritarian streak served him well in the army, which he transformed from a ragged band of guerrillas into one of the largest and most professional in the Western hemisphere. But until last summer, Raul was regarded as a spent political force, particularly since the 1989 drug- trafficking trial of General Arnaldo Ochoa Sanchez undermined his leadership. Raul went through a long bout with depression after Ochoa was convicted and executed. It had long been assumed that if Fidel died, Raul would assume control only...
...that Raul is taking the lead on economic policy, "he is once again a serious political player," says Gillian Gunn, head of Georgetown University's Cuba Project. Raul personally replaced half the Communist Party's first secretaries in the provinces this summer with young, pro-army party men. "To the average Cuban it looks like Raul has taken over, with Fidel held for special occasions, public relations and international events," says a party member. Some political analysts in Havana even talk of Fidel becoming a figurehead and letting others carry out reforms the staunch communist finds repugnant. Of course, with...