Fidel death watch, day...day...ah, hell, I lost count

Given that this infomation is coming out of the same hospital that employs the Spanish doctor recently flown into Cuba to look at Fidel Castro, I'm inclined to believe it is highly credible.

Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro is in "very grave" condition after three failed operations and complications from an intestinal infection, a Spanish newspaper said Tuesday.

The newspaper El Pais cited two unnamed sources from the Gregorio Maranon hospital in the Spanish capital of Madrid. The facility employs surgeon Jose Luis Garcia Sabrido, who flew to Cuba in December to treat the 80-year-old Castro.

In a report published on its Web site, El Pais said: "A grave infection in the large intestine, at least three failed operations and various complications have left the Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, laid up with a very grave prognosis."

Unfortunately, Uncle Fidel is going to have the last laugh. If his death had been sudden, it would have left the Cuban government in a much more precarious position. As it is, Raul has had enough time to consolidate the post Fidel transfer of power. When it comes, Fidel's death will be anti-climactic. Forget the death watch for Fidel. Now it's time to start the clock on Raul.