Green Left Weekly: A US$80 million fund has been approved by US President George Bush to help the United States achieve “regime change” in Cuba. The second report from the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba, released on July 5, outlines Washington’s plans to step up attacks on the island state’s sovereignty. It openly commits the US to assisting the creation of a transitional government that supports “genuine” democracy, “human rights” and an open-market system. The report claims that the first 180 days after Cuban President Fidel Castro dies will be vital, and could mean the “difference between a successful transition period and the stumbles and missteps that have slowed other states in their transitions toward democracy”. The $80 million is to be used as a part of a two-year program to break what the US describes as the “information blockade”, as well as preparations for the post-Castro transfer of power.