Hugo Chavez took off his medical leave clothes - wind breaker and sweat pants that often match Fidel Castro's - and wore the military uniform once again. Hours later he made a surprise appearance in his native Venezuela.
His health saga has had ups and downs, but especially has borne the trademark of the cold war era.
After 24 days of absence he arrived in Caracas under total secrecy. The images provided by state TV were edited (never showing him walking up or down the stairs off the plane) and disclosed at seven in the morning.
Doctors "and scientists" are reportedly checking the president and monitoring his health, he can not be in public appearances or give speeches for more than 30 minutes.
But what exactly is wrong with Chavez?
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