http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/2008/02/castro_resigns.html

Fidel Castro's formal resignation as Cuba's president marks the end of an era. Although it remains unclear how much influence he will continue to wield, after 49 years of formal rule by Fidel Castro, it is clear that Cuba will never be the same. It is also long past time for the free will of the Cuban people on the island to guide its future.

Unfortunately, neither the United States government nor the successor regime in Cuba appears prepared to deal with what comes next. At this historic time, a continuation of the status quo or a hardening of positions, either in Cuba or in U.S. policy toward Cuba, are not viable options.

Center for American Progress Senior Fellow Dan Restrepo offers his thoughts on Fox News.

www.AMERICANPROGRESS.org