I don't think much of the temporary thing. Castro won't willing give up his power, ever. We don't even know if the report is accurate, or the letter legit. What we do know is Castro has never done this before, even when he had health problems (that we only learned of after the fact).

His brother has been more visible in recent weeks, according to reports, and Castro hasn't been seen.

This could just be Raul's way of preparing the ground for his take-over, which may already be a done deal. Remember, most Cubans have never known another leader. Castro is second only to Queen Lizzie in the longevity of rule department, planet wide.

All speculation on my part, of course. But I think this announcement is heralding the end of the era, one way or the other. Even if he makes a comeback, Cubans now know it is only a matter of time before Fidel is gone.

Quite some ride, that one.