Nigeria, Sept. 27 -- 8 January, 1959. Cuban youths, led by a 34-year-old bearded lawyer, Fidel Castro, drove in a convoy into Havana. A week earlier, the dictatorship of Batista, propped by bayonets, had collapsed.

Fidel, the leader of the triumphant youths, then began his drive from his Santiago base at the head of a convoy of rebels, which as it passed villages, towns and cities, drew the populace into the streets.

Now, on this day, he stood amongst a populace that had emptied into the streets to make his speech. Then, in the venue, choked with human beings, three white doves hovered around. As Fidel made his speech, one of them landed on his left shoulder. It stayed as Fidel continued his speech. For many, especially in highly spirit...