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It's the Cuban leader's 80th birthday celebrations this week, so we're asking if his leadership is something to celebrate and whether America needs to change its policy towards Cuba.

Here in London with Ros was Dr Wayne Smith, director of the Centre for International Policy's Cuba programme. In our Miami bureau, our colleague Emilio San Pedro played host to Dr Jose Basulto - the head of the Brothers to the Rescue organisation - Andro Nodarse Leon - of the Cuban American National Foundation - and Manning Salazar - a Cuban American born in the United States
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Sanaan, a Cuban American now living in the Czech Republic, called to say that US policy had created a second economy in Florida.

Dr Smith said US policy on Cuba had to be changed as it had not succeeded

Dr Jose Basulto walked out of the Miami studio in anger at Dr Smith.

Dr Smith said Fidel Castro was already out of power and that the Cuban people had accepted his brother Raul as leader.

Lucia in New York, from Pastors for Peace, said American policy had polarised opinions on Cuba.

Dr Smith said Raul Castro was governing the country normally.

Des grew up in Puerto Rica and said the health system had given people greater life expectancy. He sees little hope of democracy when Fidel disappears.

Dr Smith said he could see economic reforms eventually leading to some democratic reforms.

Andro Nodarse Leon said he didn't see any democratic reforms taking place under Raul Castro.

Hamza, in Nigeria texted in:
"Castro has really transformed Cuba and outlived nine US Presidents. Its time that the US changed its policy."

Abdelilah, in Morocco, emailed us:
"Fidel's rule is only a glory to himself: the Cubans have seen their dreams evaporate under economic hardship and political repression."

Mator in Monrovia said:
"Castro is a legend and will forever be remembered as the godfather of Cuba. May Allah bless him as he celebrates his 80th birthday."

Manning Salazar said by isolating Cuba the US would have no influence on Cuban policy.

Miriam, a Cuban who has lived in the UK for 12 years, said that Cuban people's suffering is not Fidel's fault, but the US blockade was responsible.

Dr Smith said the US couldn't criticise the Cuba for having political prisoners, when the US had such prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and in Iraq.

Antony in Greece texted to say: "I am betting that there are more T-shirts with Fidel's picture on than George Bush's."

And another texter said: "Universal health care, popular support: Two things American politicians can't manage."

Andro Nodarse Leon said lifting the embargo was not the way to go, engagement was.

Manning Salazar said it was right and would lead to a more democratic political process, while Wayne said having more Americans on Cuban streets would help democracy there.

Neil, in Michigan, emailed us: "If we can do business with China there is no good reason not to do business with Cuba, certainly not in the name of human rights and political reform."

Errol emailed us from Boston, Ma:
"The US policy towards Cuba shouldn't be held hostage by the Cubans in South Florida."