Why Cuba matters 9 de junio de 2021 Join the author, Néstor T. Carbonell, as he shares a critical analysis of the Castro-Communist regime and explores the challenges and opportunities that will likely arise when freedom finally dawns in Cuba. CHAPTER 4: In the Eye of the Storm: Denouncing the Takeover (1959-Mid-1960) While Fidel captivated the Cubans with his bold and brawny leadership and incendiary speeches—he was both the absolute CEO and PR supremo of the revolution—Raul served as his opaque but effective chief operating officer, quietly laying the underpinnings of Cuba’s totalitarian edifice with Soviet assistance. This is a man so low-key that for years only those close to him knew of his long battle with alcoholism.