Castro reappears to show that he is 'still here'

He appeared in a televised discussion and visited scientific and political institutions, all against the backdrop of an historic announcement this month by his brother and successor, Raul, to free 52 political prisoners over the next four months.

Coincidence? Hardly, according to analysts and activists across the political spectrum.

But opinions vary on how much his reemergence represented support for his brother's decision — which Fidel never mentioned — or was meant as a coded warning to remind Cubans that whatever else occurs, he is still around and things will not change all that much.

Or perhaps both.

“Fidel's appearance sends a clear signal that despite this move towards some relaxation he remains in charge and firmly in control of the social and political,” said Michael Shifter, president of the Inter-American Dialogue, a Washington institute specializing in regional policy.

“I don't think Fidel necessary disagreed with the decision to release the prisoners, but at the same time he wanted to leave no doubt that the regime's political system remained intact,” he said.

“Basically (the message is): I'm here, I'm aware of what's going on and unless I speak up, I agree,” said Christopher Sabatini, of the Council of the Americas.

“The lack of a reaction implies consent,” he said.

For even the most anti-Castro politicians in Washington, his “not coincidental” reappearance one month before he turns 84 years old implied a blessing of his brother's decision.

“How interesting that he appears now, as this is happening. The signal is: 'I am still in charge in Cuba,'” said Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, a Republican congresswoman from Florida and one of Castro's fiercest enemies in U.S. politics.

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