The Biden administration has taken a significant step by notifying Congress of its intention to remove Cuba from the United States' list of state sponsors of terrorism. This decision marks a pivotal moment in U.S.-Cuba relations and follows a deal with Cuba's communist government. The agreement involves the "gradual" release of 553 political prisoners, signaling a potential shift toward more humanitarian considerations.
Cuba's original designation as a state sponsor of terrorism dates back to 1982 during Ronald Reagan's presidency. The country was removed from the list under Barack Obama's administration, only to be redesignated by Donald Trump in 2021. Trump's move reinstated sanctions that have heavily impacted the Cuban economy. Despite this new development, the economic blockade against Cuba remains in place, continuing to pose substantial challenges for the island nation.
The removal from the terrorism list is anticipated to provide some relief to Cuba, which has been grappling with economic hardships. It is viewed as a significant humanitarian gesture that could help alleviate an ongoing crisis on the island. This decision has garnered support from Latin American leaders, including Colombia's President Gustavo Petro and Chile's President Gabriel Boric. However, it has also faced criticism from several Republican lawmakers who have vowed to collaborate with Trump to reverse the decision if he returns to office.
“There is great uncertainty over the possibility that Trump might return Cuba to the list, but the prisoner release will not be reversed, so this is a great day for Cuba.” – Maykel González Vivero
The negotiation leading to this decision was facilitated through the Catholic church, aiming for the humanitarian release of a significant number of political prisoners in Cuba. Among those expected to benefit from this agreement are prominent dissident José Daniel Ferrer and artists Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara and Maykel "Osorbo" Castillo Pérez.
“The Catholic church is significantly advancing an agreement with Cuba to undertake a set of actions that will allow for the humanitarian release of a significant number of political prisoners in Cuba and those who have been detained unjustly.” – A senior administration official
However, the Biden administration's move does not equate to lifting the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba. The blockade continues to exert a considerable toll on the Cuban population, acting as a major obstacle to economic development and an incentive for emigration.
“The economic warfare is still in place and persists in posing a major obstacle to the development and recovery of the Cuban economy, with a high human cost for the population; and continues to be an incentive for emigration.” – Cuba's foreign ministry
This announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While many see it as a step toward reconciliation and support for human rights in Cuba, others view it as leniency towards dictatorships. Senator Rick Scott criticized the move as "Joe Biden’s parting gift to dictators and terrorists around the world."
“Joe Biden’s parting gift to dictators and terrorists around the world” – Rick Scott
On the other hand, leaders like Gustavo Petro see it as progress.
“Lifting blockades, even only partially, is a major step forward,” – Gustavo Petro
The Cuban government has welcomed the decision, albeit with some reservations regarding its limited scope.
“Despite its limited scope, this is a decision that points to the right direction and is in line with the sustained and firm demand by the government and the people of Cuba, as well as the broad, emphatic and reiterated call by numerous governments, particularly those of Latin America and the Caribbean,” – Cuba's foreign ministry