Frida Ghitis : Nelson Mandela 's death resulted in a moment of truth for dictators , oppressors . It was n't just Castro , who along with his older brother Fidel has ruled Cuba for more than half a century without permitting a democratic election , while engaging , according to human rights organizations , in `` repression of independent journalists , opposition leaders and human rights activists . '' They had to sit through an event that promoted peace and reconciliation , she writes . Nelson 's speech clearly rebuked those who ignored the will of their people , Ghitis says . Obama : Mandela was a great leader who emphasized reconciliation .
Frida Ghitis : Nelson Mandela 's death resulted in a moment of truth for dictators , oppressors . They had to sit through an event that promoted peace and reconciliation , she writes . Nelson 's speech clearly rebuked those who ignored the will of their people , Ghitis says . Obama : Mandela was a great leader who emphasized reconciliation .