Cuba's Terrorism Tag Lifted: What Happens Next?

The Biden administration recently decided to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. This change came after Cuba freed 553 political prisoners, many of whom were jailed following huge protests in July 2021. The move was welcomed by the Catholic Church, which had been negotiating with the government. Cuba's president, Miguel Díaz-Canel, thanked those involved, saying the U. S. decision was a high cost for Cuba. A senior Biden official explained that there's no evidence to support Cuba's designation as a terrorism sponsor. This decision could be reversed by the incoming President Trump. Some Cuban-American lawmakers, like Senator Ted Cruz, criticized Biden's move, saying Cuba's regime still supports terrorism. Havana residents were happy with the news. They hoped it would bring more resources and possibilities for their country. The Biden administration also plans to ease economic pressure on Cuba by allowing lawsuits against foreign companies using confiscated Cuban properties. This could bring quick relief to many arrested in the 2021 protests. Former President Trump had designated Cuba as a terrorism sponsor shortly before leaving office. Every president before him had waived a key law that allowed lawsuits against companies using confiscated properties, fearing it could harm U. S. trade. There's speculation about the future of U. S. -Cuba relations under President Trump, especially with the influence of Senator Marco Rubio, a Cuban-American known for his hard-line stance.