On Tuesday, the President of the United States, Joe Biden, announced the removal of Cuba from the list of countries that promote terrorism. This decision comes less than a week before the transition of power to Donald Trump, who had placed the island on this list in 2021. The White House stated that this action is linked to a mediation process led by the Vatican and aims to facilitate the release of several political prisoners in Cuba. Additionally, Biden suspended the ability of U.S. citizens to sue the Cuban government for the expropriation of properties and lifted some financial sanctions.
The historical context and significance of this decision are notable. The inclusion of Cuba on the list was one of the final actions taken by former President Trump in 2021, who justified the designation by citing the presence of guerrillas from the National Liberation Army (ELN) of Colombia on the island. Being designated as a state sponsor of terrorism entails various economic and diplomatic restrictions, including arms sales prohibitions and export controls. Cuba had previously been removed from the list in 2015 during the diplomatic rapprochement initiated by former President Barack Obama, but was reinstated by Trump, who intensified sanctions against Havana.
Reactions to the announcement have varied. The Cuban government described Biden’s decision as “a step in the right direction,” although it noted that the action is limited. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the economic embargo and many of the coercive measures imposed by the United States remain in effect. Díaz-Canel, the President of Cuba, expressed gratitude for the exclusion on social media, stating: “This decision, although delayed, is an important step that alleviates the impact of unjust policies on our people.”
Looking ahead, the future of U.S.-Cuba relations may face new challenges with the impending inauguration of Trump on January 20. Trump has already nominated Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American senator known for his hardline stance against Havana, as Secretary of State. With Cuba’s removal from the list, only North Korea, Iran, and Syria remain as the sole countries designated as state sponsors of terrorism.
