US to Remove Cuba from State Sponsor of Terrorism List

President Joe Biden has announced the removal of Cuba from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism, a decision tied to a deal involving the release of imprisoned protesters in the communist nation.

This policy shift, disclosed by the White House on Tuesday, is expected to be reversed after the return of Republican Donald Trump to office next week. Trump had reinstated the designation in the final days of his first term in 2021.

“A thorough assessment has been conducted, and there is no evidence to justify Cuba’s designation as a state sponsor of terrorism,” a senior administration official stated during a press briefing.

The number of prisoners to be released remains uncertain, but the official described the release as imminent and “significant.” 

The Catholic Church is reportedly playing a pivotal role in negotiating a humanitarian agreement for the release of political prisoners and others deemed unjustly detained.

Background and Economic Struggles

For over 60 years, Cuba has been under US-imposed sanctions, which the Cuban government blames for its current economic hardships, including shortages of basic necessities such as fuel, food, medicines, and electricity.

In July 2021, widespread anti-government protests erupted in Cuba, with demonstrators chanting slogans like “We are hungry” and “Freedom!” These protests, sparked by blackouts and skyrocketing food prices, led to arrests and long prison sentences for many participants, according to human rights organizations.

The Cuban government accused the United States of orchestrating the unrest. Analysts attribute Cuba’s economic crisis to a combination of longstanding US sanctions, economic mismanagement, and the pandemic’s devastating impact on tourism.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel has called the sanctions “genocidal” but expressed willingness for dialogue with the incoming administration, even while bracing for potentially tougher conditions following Trump’s return to power.

Political Backlash

The decision to remove Cuba from the terrorism list has drawn sharp criticism from Biden’s political opponents. Senator Ted Cruz, a Cuban-American member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, condemned the move as “rank appeasement of the Cuban regime.”

“This undermines American national security and signals to adversaries that they can outlast pressure from Republican administrations,” Cruz argued in a statement.

President-elect Trump has nominated Senator Marco Rubio, another Cuban-American and vocal critic of communism, as his Secretary of State. Rubio and others have vowed to reverse Biden’s policy and reinforce pressure on Cuba.

Additional Measures

Biden’s announcement also includes waiving parts of the Libertad Act, which underpins the US embargo on Cuba. This change will prevent American nationals from filing lawsuits in US courts over confiscated property in Cuba.

Additionally, the president is rescinding the Trump-era “National Security Presidential Memorandum 5,” effectively lifting restrictions on financial transactions with specific Cuban entities.

FAQs

• What does being designated a state sponsor of terrorism mean for Cuba?

This designation imposes severe economic and diplomatic sanctions, restricting trade, foreign aid, and financial transactions. Its removal opens pathways for improved international relations and economic opportunities.

• Why is the US removing Cuba from the list now?

The decision follows a review that found no current evidence justifying the designation. It is also tied to a deal involving the release of political prisoners in Cuba.

• How might Donald Trump’s administration respond to this decision?

Donald Trump, who is set to return to office, has expressed opposition to removing Cuba from the list and is expected to reinstate the designation. His administration had previously tightened sanctions on Cuba.

• How has Cuba responded to this decision?

While Cuba has not officially commented on this specific move, President Miguel Diaz-Canel has previously expressed openness to dialogue with the US while criticizing sanctions as “genocidal.”

• Will this policy change impact US-Cuba relations?

The removal of the terrorism designation could lead to improved bilateral relations and potential easing of economic restrictions, but the incoming Trump administration may challenge and reverse these efforts.