Che Guevara has that beret. Evo Morales has that sweater. Hugo Chavez has that dang crewcut. But all of them have nothing on Fidel Castro's famous trademark, his beard.

As Fidel Castro's health falls into an uncertain state and as full powers have been laid upon brother Raul, it's worth taking a moment to reflect on this revolutionary firebrand, his incredible charisma, his staying power ... and his style.

A thorn in the side of American presidents since the 1959 Cuban Revolution, Castro's time in power is nearly as long as his beard. He's been an inspiration to revolutionaries everywhere, and one can't help but wonder -- does part of that inspiration came from Fidel's idiosyncratic facial hair?

If so, the greatest hope for the Latin American left may lie in a Fu Manchu-style moustache. Are you listening in Mexico City, Senor Lopez Obrador?