US expects the end of Cuba’s communist regime

(Source Article: US sees regime change in Cuba - FT.com)

US President Bush recently issued a report containing recommendations on how to eradicate Cuba’s communist government in the short term, and how to bolster the effects of the unilateral US embargo on Cuba. Bush and his national security team met last week—the first such meeting regarding the US position on Cuba in 16 years. Bush said the report confirms the US commitment to a “democratic transition in Cuba”.

Meanwhile, Cuban President Fidel Castro celebrates his 80th birthday this week, and the US had pledged to send aid to Cuba to help it build a free market economy—but only if Cuba transitions to a government free from Castro’s control. Further, the US says they will assist Cuba with such a transition by providing emergency humanitarian aid, maintaining electrical power and rebuilding the economy. (see US offers help to Cuba but only without Castro - FT.com)

In response to the US pledge, a top Cuban official has issued a warning to would-be dissidents that they will face consequences if they oppose President Castro’s regime by accepting the conditional help from the US. Ricardo Alarcon, Cuba’s National Assembly president, said that accepting funds from the US for the purpose of overthrowing Castro’s regime would be a crime under Cuban law, and compared it to terrorists training and providing funds to US citizens for the same purpose. (see Cuba warns dissidents over US aid - BBC)

The eventual death of Cuba’s longtime leader has his government preparing for an eventual transition of power to his brother Raul. Commentators have said that this new report from the US is more of a symbolic recommitment to democracy than an actual policy on effectuating real regime change in Cuba. The US has failed in recent years with its objectives in Cuba, and Castro’s regime is actually stronger now than it has been in several years, partially due to assistance from US antagonist Hugo Chavez.