In brief
President Joe Biden is poised to lift Cuba from the designation of state sponsors of terrorism, according to U.S. officials' recent announcements. This decision is linked to ongoing efforts to release protesters who were imprisoned during a harsh crackdown by the Cuban government in 2021, following widespread demonstrations fueled by economic discontent.
As Biden concludes his presidency, this move reflects a broader, often contentious, U.S. policy trajectory towards Cuba, previously altered by different administrations. The Obama administration had famously removed Cuba from this list, only for it to be reinstated by the Trump administration shortly before he left office. Biden's actions may pave the way for an economic revival for Cuba, which has suffered significant banking and business challenges due to its past designation.U.S. officials, who requested anonymity, emphasized that this shift is part of a push—encouraged by the Catholic Church—for the Cuban government to release jailed opposition figures. These individuals were detained amid one of the largest protests in decades, as citizens expressed their frustrations with the deteriorating economic situation. Reports from human rights organizations reveal alarming conditions surrounding these arrests, alleging instances of torture and unfair trials that many detainees faced.Experts have asserted that Cuba's prior listing as a state sponsor of terrorism was unjustified. William LeoGrande, a prominent Cuba scholar, argued that under the terrorism statute, Cuba had not engaged in actions warranted for such a designation. Despite having some U.S. fugitives residing there, he posited that their cases do not align with the statute's definition of terrorism.As Biden prepares to leave office, it remains unclear how the incoming Trump administration might react to this latest policy reversal regarding Cuba. The implications of Biden's decision could profoundly impact U.S.-Cuba relations moving forward. Zolan Kanno-Youngs serves as a White House correspondent, focusing on President Biden's activities, while Frances Robles offers deep insights into Latin America and the Caribbean, drawing on two decades of experience.
