Special Poll
The Biden administration announced on Tuesday that it will remove Cuba from the U.S. list of State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST), a decision tied to securing the release of political prisoners jailed for participating in protests against the Cuban government in July 2021. This move reverses a last-minute decision made by the Trump administration to place Cuba on the SST list in the final days of Trump’s term.
Biden officials emphasized that this decision aligns with the administration’s review process for SST designations and reflects the current lack of evidence to justify Cuba’s inclusion on the list. The administration noted it had received diplomatic appeals from countries such as Colombia, Brazil, Chile, Spain, and Canada, as well as support from the European Union, for this action. Colombia, in particular, highlighted Cuba’s constructive role in facilitating peace talks in the region.
Key Aspects of the Decision
- Diplomatic and Humanitarian Goals: The removal of Cuba from the SST list is coupled with steps to promote goodwill and encourage the Cuban government to release political prisoners. Amnesty International estimates that 671 individuals were detained for participating in protests against the regime in 2021.
- Collaboration with the Catholic Church: Biden administration officials noted the Catholic Church’s significant role in fostering dialogue with Cuba to secure the humanitarian release of detainees.
- Waivers and Policy Changes: Biden has also taken steps to ease restrictions on Cuba, including waiving Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, which allows claims over property confiscated during the Cuban Revolution, and rescinding Trump-era sanctions that imposed financial restrictions on certain Cuban entities.
Political Reactions and Implications
While the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the decision, they stressed that the U.S. economic embargo on Cuba remains in place, continuing to impact the island’s economy and population. In their statement, Cuban officials expressed gratitude to the international community for its support in urging the U.S. to take these actions.
The decision has also drawn strong reactions from U.S. lawmakers. Senator Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) has introduced legislation requiring democratic elections and the release of all political prisoners in Cuba before its removal from the SST list. Rubio, Trump’s pick for Secretary of State, is expected to face scrutiny during his upcoming Senate confirmation hearing about the Trump administration’s stance on this issue.
Similarly, Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) criticized the Biden administration’s move, vowing to work with Trump to reverse the decision, citing continued allegations of Cuban government support for terrorism.
Historical and Future Context
The Biden administration’s decision mirrors Trump’s earlier move to designate Cuba a state sponsor of terrorism, leaving behind a contentious issue for the opposing administration. While Biden aimed to improve relations with Cuba and facilitate dialogue, the decision sets up a challenge for a potential Trump administration to either undo these actions or allow them to stand, weighing domestic and international consequences.
The issue of U.S.-Cuba relations remains a polarizing topic, with implications for migration, trade, and regional diplomacy. As the Biden administration nears its conclusion, the decisions made now will likely influence the next phase of U.S. policy toward the island nation.