Fidel Castro has resigned; calls for reform, in Cuba and the U.S., have begun anew.

After the dictator announced his retirement yesterday, a post-Castro Cuba, and hope for the long-delayed march toward democracy, took a small step forward.

It's time American foreign policy toward Cuba took a step forward, too.

After nearly 50 years under Castro's iron rule, Cuba's government is not expected to suddenly bloom into full democratic flower under Castro's brother, Raul.

But Cuba watchers believe Raul, who's no micromanager, will turn over more control to younger leaders, raising hopes for a change in our relationship with that country.

Our current relationship with Cuba is what Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Mass., dismissively calls "a relic from the Cold War."

He has a point. The economic embargo and travel restrictions have done nothing to push Cuba toward democracy. They have, however, put U.S. business at a competitive disadvantage against foreign countries, and given Castro an excuse for his incompetence.

Travel restrictions have also denied Cuba the best lobbyists for democracy — American visitors, who can introduce our values directly to Cuban businesses and residents.

McGovern and more than 100 members of Congress have urged the Bush administration to "thoroughly review" our policy of isolating Cuba.

It's a reasonable request, and now is the right time. Even in Cuba, the Cold War can't last forever.