U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that no changes to the United States’ policy toward Cuba are expected before President Joe Biden’s term ends on January 20, 2025.
During a recent press briefing, Blinken was asked whether the Biden administration was considering removing Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. His response indicated that such a review is not underway, leaving the current policies in place.
The designation of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism subjects the island nation to stringent economic sanctions, compounding the effects of a decades-long U.S. economic, commercial, and financial blockade. This blockade has significantly strained Cuba’s economy and impacted its global financial interactions.
Cuba was first placed on the U.S. terrorism list in 1982 under the Reagan administration, a designation that lasted until 2015. Former President Barack Obama removed Cuba from the list as part of a historic thaw in U.S.-Cuba relations, which included the reopening of embassies and steps toward normalizing diplomatic ties.
However, in January 2021, just days before leaving office, former President Donald Trump re-added Cuba to the list, citing support for Venezuela’s Nicolás Maduro and other allegations. This decision was widely criticized by some international bodies and advocacy groups as politically motivated.
President Biden has chosen to uphold Trump’s decision, a move that has drawn criticism from advocates for improved U.S.-Cuba relations. Critics argue that the designation lacks sufficient evidence and hampers humanitarian aid and economic recovery on the island, which is grappling with shortages of basic goods and financial instability.
Supporters of the policy, however, contend that Cuba’s government continues to engage in activities that undermine democratic principles and stability in the region, including alleged support for armed groups.
The Biden administration has made minor adjustments in its approach to Cuba, such as lifting restrictions on family remittances and increasing flights to the island. However, these measures fall short of the broader reforms seen under the Obama administration, leaving relations between the two nations largely stagnant.
Cuban officials have repeatedly called for the removal of the state sponsor of terrorism designation, which they describe as unjust and politically motivated. In response to Blinken’s statement, Cuban authorities reaffirmed their stance, asserting that their inclusion on the list is “an affront to the truth” and hinders the country’s development.
