Click to play videoHavana: For almost fifty years, Fidel Castro rallied marches, railed against his enemies and thundered from every TV set in Cuba. Two years ago, he disappeared from the public stage.
Now, Cubans only see him in official photos and videos, looking frail and saying little. But he gets his message out.
He has written 140 essays while he recovers from an undisclosed illness in a secret location, first for state newspapers and now, the Internet.
Reflections of Comrade Fidel are posted on a state website he weighs in on world affairs and the challenges facing Cuba. He also gives a glimpse into his daily life.
Castro's been dubbed "blogger-in-chief" by some Cubans, but others don't read his articles at all.
Castro may not reach the popular masses, but he still exerts political influence. His successor and younger brother Raul Castro recently issued a warning for Washington: "We will not neglect defense, regardless of the results of the next presidential elections in the United States."
Analysts called that tough position an example of Fidel Castro's influence. Some Cubans have blamed internal divisions for a slowdown in economic reforms. Both Raul and Fidel Castro have only talked about continuity.
Fidel Castro has faded from view with just a few billboards left standing. But analysts say, as long as he's making himself heard, it'll be hard to know who's calling the shots.
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