Castro Skips May Day Parade

Fidel Castro was a no-show at today's May Day parade in Havana, disappointing Cubans expecting a triumphant comeback appearance. Hundreds of thousands in Revolution Square got only brother Raul, who's been in power since Fidel was stricken by an abdominal ailment nine months ago.

Other leftist leaders from the region had hinted that Fidel would appear. An official's announcement to reporters yesterday was a masterpiece of evasion: "'Of course we shall have him with us," the National Assembly president said, adding, "If you say at the square, I neither confirm nor deny it." (More Fidel Castro stories.)