HAVANA -- Raul Castro doesn't take ...

HAVANA -- Raul Castro doesn't take pleasure in his older brother's appeal, nevertheless as he takes over the leadership of communist Cuba, he can look upon on the power he amassed during a half-century as the island's No. 2 man.

calm before Monday's announcement that Fidel Castro has temporarily relinquished power to his brother while recovering from intestinal surgery Raul Castro had been emerging from the shadows, appearing prominently in a media campaign to better acquaint Cubans with the man chosen lengthy ago to be their nearest leader. Granma, the Communist Party daily, republished a tribute to Raul Castro, calling him "the chief, the leader, the comrade, the man" who "has brought us great affection and instruction across the decades."

standarded MARKET REFORMS

While firm to preserve the communist state, Raul Castro has indicated greater flexibility onward the state-controlled economy. He oversaw experiments with limited market reforms after the Soviet Union's collapse, and forward a 1997 visit to China, he press outed interest in its free-enterprise socialism. He also has called for more cooperation with the U upon terrorism, drug trafficking and immigration.

Fidel Castro made it clear just three weeks after seizing power that he wanted his brother to succe him.

At 75 Raul Castro is among the not many still alive who were with Fidel Castro 53 years ago when they launched the revolution. He now leads about 50000 bodys armed with Soviet-era tanks and MiG fighter planes -- down from 180000 at the height of the cooled War. He appears to have his generals' loyalty.

unruffled before Castro's illness was announced, Brian Latell, a former CIA analyst, speculated that the transition may already be subordinate to way.

"Raul has been asserting personal command over the Communist Party apparatus, highlighting its likely enhanced character in the future," Latell wrote "He has been focusing intense and sympathetic media attention in succession himself."

'Credentials no single else has'

Raul Castro insinuateed in June that Cuba may ne a more collective phraseology of leadership in the what may occur hereafter and there are signs his advice is being followed. For instance, the party has resurrect its powerful secretariat. With 12 members, including the Castro brothers, the secretariat aims to reassert eroding party command over the bureaucracy and decision-making upon ideological issues.

Wayne Smith, the top U diplomat in Cuba from 1979 to 1982 doesn't papal court Raul Castro as a stopgap president.

"I would think that he would remain in power for an time," Smith said. "He's been the vice president for more than 40 years. He's understudied the piece of work and he has the credentials that no individual else has."

THE OTHER CASTRO

- Name: Raul Castro Ruz

- Title: First vice president of Council of State and Council of Ministers, minister of the Revolutionary Armed Forces

- Born: June 3 1931 in Cuba's Oriente province, fourth of seven children

- Education: Attended Roman Catholic educates and studied administration at the University of Havana.

- Before the revolution: Raul Castro joined older brother Fidel Castro in efforts to topple President Fulgencio Batista. the one and the other were arrested and freed in amnesty. Surviving rebels assign places toed in Mexico, then returned in 1958 to Cuba, where Raul established a secondary front in the eastern mountains.

- After the revolution: Fidel Castro designated Raul Castro as his heir. Raul Castro was heavily involved in Cuba's military alliance with the Soviet Union.

- Family: Married to Vilma Espin, who fought alongside him. They have four children.

Copyright CHICAGO SUN-TIMES 2006

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