President Joe Biden has announced the removal of Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of a diplomatic deal to secure the release of political prisoners. The decision brokered with the help of the Catholic Church, comes just days before the end of Biden’s presidency and aims to address human rights concerns in Cuba.
The agreement ensures the release of dozens of political prisoners arrested during a government crackdown on protests in 2021. These protests were sparked by a deepening economic crisis that led to widespread unrest and prompted nearly a million Cubans to flee the country, with many seeking refuge in the United States. The release of the prisoners is expected before Biden leaves office on January 20.
The White House emphasized the move as a continuation of Biden’s commitment to promoting human rights and empowering the Cuban people. Press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that U.S. policy towards Cuba has focused on enabling the Cuban people to determine their future freely and advancing respect for human rights.
The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers. President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for secretary of state, Senator Marco Rubio, whose family fled Cuba in the 1950s, has long supported tough sanctions on Havana. Texas Senator Ted Cruz called the decision unacceptable and warned that it could undermine U.S. national security.
Biden administration officials defended the move, citing a recent government assessment that found no evidence to justify Cuba’s continued designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. The administration has communicated with Trump’s transition team regarding the decision, noting that the incoming administration will have access to the same findings. Officials highlighted that the designation significantly hinders Cuba’s ability to conduct international business, particularly in its vital tourism sector.
Cuba’s removal from the list is not unprecedented. President Barack Obama took similar action during his administration, though Trump reinstated the designation in 2021. Experts, such as Michael Bustamante from the University of Miami, note that the removal could provide significant economic relief to Cuba, particularly for its struggling tourism industry. However, Bustamante also warned that the decision might provoke a strong response from the incoming Trump administration, which is expected to take a hardline stance on Cuba.
The Biden administration hopes this decision will lead to progress in U.S.-Cuba relations and provide relief for those affected by the Cuban government’s actions. For the Cuban people, the move represents a glimmer of hope for economic recovery and political reform. However, the long-term impact of this decision remains uncertain, as the Trump administration could reverse the policy soon after taking office.
As Biden’s presidency nears its conclusion, this decision underscores his administration’s focus on diplomacy and human rights. The coming weeks will reveal whether this bold move will leave a lasting legacy or be swiftly undone by the new administration.