Cuban gov't hints Castro may be retiring permanently; Hamas leadership floats peace deal with Israel, no talks as yet...

19 December :: Cuban gov't announces official consideration of Fidel Castro's retirement; ailing leader will likely not return to power, leading to wide-ranging speculation about successor to the world's longest ruling dictator; no timetable has been set for his official withdrawal from public life... Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, who served as PM in their short-lived elected gov't of the Palestinian Authority, has said he is open to negotiating a permanent ceasefire with Israel; Israel has reacted with caution and has given no indications of accepting the offer, as various figures cite past refusals by Hamas to recognize Israel or honor negotiated settlements...