Cuba's Raul Castro steps out of brother's shadow with U.S. deal, support surges

Cuba's President Raul Castro attends the opening session of the 10th ALBA alliance summit in Havana December 14, 2014. REUTERS/Enrique De La Osa

HAVANA (Reuters) - Stepping out of his legendary brother's shadow, President Raul Castro has scored a diplomatic triumph and a surge in popular support with the deal that ends decades of open hostility with the United States.

For many Cubans, the restoration of diplomatic relations and President Barack Obama's promise to dismantle economic sanctions against the communist-run island have raised hopes of a more prosperous future.