Mandela still bringing people together (+Video)

President Barack Obama bounded up the stairs to the stage at FNB stadium in Johannesburg to pay tribute to Nelson Mandela. The first person he saw as he made it up was Cuban President Raul Castro, pausing briefly and then grasping his hand in a strong handshake – both leaders with friendly smiles on their faces. The greeting quickly sparked a strong debate on Twitter between those who praised and disagreed with the handshake.

I wonder? Does the handshake mean nothing more than a courteous recognition of each other in a moment and a place where the world focused on the deceased former South African leader?

Only time will tell.

One last thought – hardly mentioned because of the Castro handshake: The U.S. president kissed both cheeks and slightly hugged Brazilian leader Dilma Rousseff, who, interestingly, was seated right next to Castro.

Are the U.S. and Brazil on friendly terms again? Have they decided to put the NSA spying scandal behind them?

Madiba must be smiling… wherever he may be.