Prof. Carlos Eire of Yale has this article in the WaPo:
One of the most brutal dictators in modern history has just died. Oddly enough, some will mourn his passing, and many an obituary will praise him. Millions of Cubans who have been waiting impatiently for this moment for more than half a century will simply ponder his crimes and recall the pain and suffering he caused.Update: I don't often agree with Nancy Pelosi, but when she is right, she deserves credit for it.* * *In sum, Fidel Castro was the spitting image of Big Brother in George Orwell's novel "1984." So, adiós, Big Brother, king of all Cuban nightmares. And may your successor, Little Brother, soon slide off the bloody throne bequeathed to him.If this were a just world, 13 facts would be etched on Castro's tombstone and highlighted in every obituary, as bullet points -- a fitting metaphor for someone who used firing squads to murder thousands of his own people.* * *
"The death of Fidel Castro marks the end of an era for Cuba and the Cuban people. After decades under Fidel's doctrine of oppression and antagonism, there is hope that a new path for Cuba is opening.James Taranto notes the varied reactions at the WSJ.
"In recent years, we have seen both the opportunity and the responsibility to break free of the past and build new bonds of friendship. With the bold leadership of President Obama, the U.S. and Cuba have already taken historic steps toward a new, forward-looking relationship between our peoples. We are hopeful this progress will continue under the new Administration.
"Still, we meet this day with clear eyes. Generations of Cuban political prisoners, democracy activists and families suffered under Fidel Castro's rule. In their name, we will continue to press the Cuban regime to embrace the political, social, and economic dreams of the Cuban people."
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