Biden Removes Cuba from Terrorism List

The Biden administration has officially removed Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism, reversing a designation made by the Trump administration in 2021. This decision, part of an agreement that includes the release of political prisoners in Cuba, reflects an assessment that Cuba has not supported international terrorism in recent months. The White House emphasized the need for practical engagement with Cuba to promote democracy and human rights, marking a shift in U.S. policy towards the island. However, the move has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, who argues that it undermines U.S. national security and enables the Cuban regime's actions. The designation had originally been reinstated by Trump citing Cuba's harboring of fugitives, and previous efforts by the Obama administration had aimed at normalizing relations. As tensions continue, the future of this policy shift may depend on the incoming Republican administration's stance on Cuba.