Fidel Castro continued his gradual re-emergence into Cuban politics today by giving his first speech to parliament in 4 years. It "was a solid, polished performance, Mr Castro's voice stronger than at any point since he re-emerged into public life," observes the BBC. In the speech—it lasted 10 minutes, in contrast to his hours-long rants of years past—Castro implored the US to avoid war (and a "nuclear holocaust") with Iran.
(More Fidel Castro stories.)