Biden Removes Cuba from U.S. Terrorism List; Cuba to Free Over 550 Prisoners in Historic Deal

Well, well, well, look who’s decided to play nice! In a move that has shaken up U.S.-Cuba relations like a salsa dancer shaking a maraca, President Joe Biden has officially removed Cuba from the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism. That’s right, the very same Cuba that’s been a thorn in Uncle Sam’s side since 1982 is now off the naughty list—just days before Biden’s term ends. And the plot thickens: in exchange, Cuba has agreed to release over 550 prisoners, including some who were part of the notorious July 2021 anti-government protests.

A Blast from the Past: Why Cuba Was On the List

Okay, so how did Cuba even get on the list in the first place? It’s not like they were just throwing fireworks at the U.S. from the beach, right? Well, back in the day (we're talking the Cold War), Cuba was like the rebel without a cause—always causing trouble for the U.S. with its support of leftist rebel groups across the globe. Cuba gave refuge and support to groups that were anti-U.S., and they weren’t shy about it. You could say Cuba was the original “bad boy” of the global stage, from backing the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) to helping Basque separatists. And with Fidel Castro cozying up to the Soviet Union, well... let's just say the U.S. wasn’t sending them a Christmas card. Fast-forward to today, and the U.S. just couldn’t find much to back up the claim that Cuba had been causing trouble recently. So, out with the old and in with the new diplomatic era!

Biden’s Big Move

Biden’s team explained that the decision to remove Cuba from the terrorism list came because there just wasn’t any “credible evidence” that Cuba had been playing terrorist tag in the last six months. And, while we’re at it, the U.S. also decided to suspend the Helms-Burton Act—you know, that pesky law that allowed Cuban-Americans to demand compensation for properties seized during the 1959 revolution. On top of that, some financial restrictions on Cuban entities have been lifted too. It’s like Biden is giving Cuba a little diplomatic makeover.

Cuba’s Reaction: 'Okay, Let's Make a Deal'

In classic diplomatic fashion, Cuba responded by releasing 553 prisoners. Now, before you get all “hold on, 553 people?!” these aren’t just random prisoners. Nope, these are many of the folks arrested during the fiery July 2021 protests that rocked the island. The release was part of a deal brokered by none other than the Catholic Church, which jumped in as the unlikely hero of the story, playing mediator between the U.S. and Cuba. Who knew the Church had a flair for international diplomacy?

Cue the Political Drama: Republicans Aren’t Having It

Naturally, this move didn’t sit well with everyone. Enter: The Republicans, who were not having it. Senators Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz came out swinging, accusing Biden of going soft on Cuba. Rubio said removing Cuba from the terrorism list sends the wrong message, while Cruz (never one to mince words) called the decision “pathetic cowardice.” Ouch. Guess those “soft diplomacy” tactics are not their cup of tea.

But then, in the opposite corner, you’ve got some of the more progressive folks cheering for this step. Some Democratic lawmakers are praising Biden for making what they see as a long-overdue move toward normalizing relations with Cuba. Representative Ilhan Omar even called it a "necessary step" in improving diplomatic ties. Guess the political spectrum in the U.S. is just like a good ol’ American barbecue—full of contrasts!

What’s Next for U.S.-Cuba Relations?

Now, here’s the juicy part: this diplomatic shift might not stick. With President-elect Donald Trump coming into office soon, he could very well hit the “undo” button on Biden’s decision. After all, Trump’s been known to roll back some of the more lenient policies of the Obama years, especially when it comes to Cuba. And with Senator Rubio pulling the strings, it’s hard to say if this new relationship is here to stay or if it’s just a temporary flirtation.

But no matter how this plays out, one thing’s for sure—this is a historic moment in U.S.-Cuba relations. Whether it’s the start of a new diplomatic era or just a brief diplomatic rendezvous, it’s clear that both countries are testing the waters. And who knows? Maybe in a few years, we’ll all be sipping mojitos in Havana as Cuba and the U.S. trade more than just politics.

So, as we wait for the next chapter in this story, let’s keep an eye on how Cuba’s release of political prisoners will influence global geopolitics. Will this spark even more changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba? Only time will tell!

Keynotes:

1. Cuba's Past as a State Sponsor of Terrorism: Cuba was placed on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism in 1982 for its support of rebel groups opposing U.S. interests. This included providing refuge and military support to various anti-U.S. factions globally.

2. Diplomatic Deal: As part of the deal, Cuba has agreed to release over 550 prisoners, many of whom were detained during protests in 2021. The release was negotiated with the Catholic Church acting as a mediator between the two nations.

3. Mixed Political Reactions: While some Democrats view the move as a long-overdue step toward better relations with Cuba, Republican leaders have strongly opposed the decision, accusing Biden of weakening U.S. leverage.

4. Uncertainty Ahead: There is uncertainty about whether the new U.S. administration under President-elect Trump will reverse the decision, as figures like Senator Marco Rubio are staunchly against it.

Disclaimer:

This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only and reflects the author's opinions based on the available information at the time of writing. The content provided is not intended as political advice or to sway any individual’s opinion on U.S.-Cuba relations. All political decisions and international relations are subject to change, and future developments may alter the context of the discussions presented here.