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Biden Removes Cuba from State-Sponsored Terrorism List 4 Years After Trump Put It There
In the final days of his presidency, Joe Biden announced Cuba’s removal from the State Department’s terrorism blacklist. This decision followed a review that found no credible evidence of ongoing support for international terrorism. According to the White House, the move aligns with the United States' broader goal of fostering democracy and human rights in Cuba. Notably, the announcement coincided with Cuba’s pledge to release 553 political prisoners, part of a Catholic Church-brokered agreement.
Biden’s decision reverses a key Trump-era policy that tightened restrictions on the island nation. The administration also plans to revoke financial restrictions on certain Cuban entities and suspend lawsuits under Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which had deterred foreign investment in Cuba. While these steps signal progress, the broader economic embargo remains firmly in place, maintaining pressure on Cuba’s struggling economy.
From Cold War Adversary to Next-Door Neighbor
The island nation’s tumultuous history as America’s adversarial neighbor dates back to the Cold War. Following Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution, the island became a focal point of communist expansion in the Western Hemisphere. This strained relationship reached its apex during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, a 13-day standoff that brought the U.S. and Soviet Union perilously close to nuclear war. In response, the United States imposed a strict economic embargo, isolating Cuba both politically and economically.
This animosity continued through the decades, with successive U.S. administrations labeling Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism. Initially added to the list in 1982, the designation cited the country’s alleged support for leftist insurgents and harboring of fugitives. While President Obama removed Cuba from the list in 2015 as part of his broader policy of detente, the Trump administration reinstated the designation in 2021, citing Cuba’s alleged ties to Venezuela’s Maduro regime and its purported support for terrorism.
Implications for U.S.-Cuba Relations
Removing the Caribbean nation from the terrorism list is expected to ease diplomatic tensions and potentially open doors for economic engagement. The broader historical designation, in place since 1982, had discouraged foreign investment from flowing into the country. This also exacerbated Cuba's economic crisis and contributed to severe food, medicine, and fuel shortages. Easing restrictions may provide much-needed relief, although significant hurdles remain, including the ongoing trade embargo and U.S. sanctions.
This decision could also have geopolitical ramifications, particularly in Latin America. Many regional governments have criticized the U.S. policy toward Cuba, viewing the embargo as a relic of Cold War-era hostility. By lifting the terrorism designation, the Biden administration may improve U.S. standing in the region and encourage dialogue on other contentious issues, such as migration and human rights.
Will Trump Call Backsies?
Donald Trump, a vocal critic of the Cuban government, has yet to comment on Biden’s announcement. However, his past statements suggest he will eventually oppose Biden’s decision. During his presidency, Trump emphasized a hardline stance against Cuba, framing it as a bastion of communism that threatened U.S. interests. His nominee for Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, has long advocated for maintaining strict sanctions on Cuba. Political analysts anticipate that Trump’s reaction could reignite debates over the island nation’s role in international affairs and potentially influence the 2024 election cycle.
Moreover, Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, criticized the move and argued that it undermines U.S. national security. They contend that Cuba’s ties to Venezuela and its harboring of fugitives justify its inclusion on the terrorism list. Cruz vowed to work with Trump to reverse the decision if the GOP regains control of the White House.
Are There Repercussions?
Biden’s decision may thaw U.S.-Cuba relations, but it comes with potential risks. Critics argue that removing Cuba from the terrorism list could embolden its government and potentially weaken the U.S. position in future negotiations. Given the island’s deep-seated challenges, any economic benefits could take years to materialize.
For the Cuban government, however, the announcement offers a glimmer of hope amid its continuing economic struggles. The current embargo and other sanctions limit its ability to capitalize on this diplomatic breakthrough. Havana welcomed the decision as a step in the right direction but remains wary of potential reversals, as seen under past administrations.
Navigating the Future of U.S.-Cuba Relations
As Cuba seeks to rebuild its economy and improve its global standing, Biden’s decision could pave the way for renewed cooperation. However, the path forward will require sustained efforts from both nations. Whether this marks a lasting shift or merely a reprieve depends largely on the political landscape in Washington and Havana.
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