MSN homepage editor Ian Jones looks at Fidel Castro's global impact during the 49 years he was in power.
Ailing Cuban leader Fidel Castro said on Tuesday that he will not return to lead the country as president, retiring as head of state 49 years after he seized power in an armed revolution.
Castro, 81, said in a statement to the country that he would not seek a new presidential term when the National Assembly meets on February 24.
More on Fidel Castro from MSN UK News
Cuban President Fidel Castro has announced he is stepping down as head of state and commander in chief of the country's armed forces.
Was Fidel Castro a great leader or a brutal dictator and what is his legacy for Cuba? Join the debate on the MSN UK News message boards.
Join the debate on the MSN UK News message boards
advertisement
MSN Battles
MSN Battles: leaders at leisure
Which of these well-known leaders scrubs up best when they aren't at work? You decide.
Also on MSN
The life of Fidel Castro
An in-depth look at the life of the Cuban statesman and revolutionary, who was leader of Cuba from 1959 to 2008.
Castro Timeline
MSN Encarta presents a timeline of key events in Fidel Castro's life. The former Cuban leader was born in 1927 and took control of the nation in 1959.
Castro's Revolution
MSN Encarta presents archive video footage of Fidel Castro's Cuban revolution.
Vote now
Fidel Castro
- Was Fidel Castro a great leader or a brutal dictator?
- He was a great leader.
49% - I'm not sure.
22% - He was a brutal dictator.
29%
- He was a great leader.