May 9, 2025 4:17 am
Full News

US removes Cuba from list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’

In 1982, then-President Ronald Reagan added Cuba to its list of ‘state sponsors of terrorism’ for the first time.

President Joe Biden wants to remove Cuba from the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. The White House said on Tuesday that he made the decision as part of a prisoner release agreement.

Shortly after the announcement from the White House, Cuba announced the release of 553 prisoners held in the country for various crimes. The detainees are expected to include those who took part in anti-government protests four years ago.

It’s unclear whether Biden’s decision will reverse after Trump takes office. Trump will be sworn in for a second term as President of the United States on January 20. He has chosen Marco Rubio as his foreign minister. Rubio has advocated for an embargo on Cuba.

The island nation was removed from the list in 2015 under President Barack Obama. But Trump came to power in his first term and criticized communist Cuba for helping Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro and re-added the country to the list.

Cuba said Biden’s move, albeit on a limited scale, was a step in the right direction. The country’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the decision would put an end to certain coercive measures. These measures, among other things, have caused serious damage to the Cuban economy, as well as the devastating impact on the population.
The foreign ministry said in a separate statement that hundreds of prisoners would be released gradually. No details were given on which prisoners would be released.
In 2021, anti-government protests broke out in Cuba after the country’s economy collapsed. Several protesters were arrested at the time. They are expected to be among the prisoners to be released.

The United States currently has Cuba, North Korea, Syria and Iran on its list of state sponsors of terrorism. Now, the decision to remove Cuba from the list not only opens the door to prisoner release, but is also seen as a step towards normalizing relations between the country and the United States. The move could also pave the way for dialogue between the two countries on other contentious issues.

The move could also help save Cuba’s sinking economy. Due to the inclusion of terrorists in the country, some big banks and foreign investors have to struggle to operate legally.
The White House said in a statement that Biden will brief Congress on his plans for Cuba. The plan also calls for lifting economic sanctions imposed on some Cubans under Trump. Biden also plans to limit his ability to claim ownership of privately owned assets confiscated in Cuba, the statement said.
However, it is not yet clear whether Biden’s decision will change after Trump takes office. Trump will be sworn in for a second term as President of the United States on January 20. He has chosen Marco Rubio as his foreign minister. Rubio has advocated for an embargo on Cuba.

Rubio is Cuban-American. When Cuba’s communist revolution broke out in the 1950s, Rubio’s family fled Cuba for the United States. Fidel Castro came to power in Cuba through that revolution.

Related News
Haalnd penalty saved as Amn city held by Everton.
85 More Killed in Gaza; 600 Palestinians Die in Three Days
Ant-Man Set to Return in Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars
HBO Founder Charles Dolan Dies at 98
Biden and Harris Call for Unity and Resilience After Defeat in 2024 Election
Biden Warns of Tech Industrial Complex and Misinformation in Farewell Address
Related Posts
Trump Appoints Jeanine Pirro as Interim U.S. Attorney for D.C.
U.S. Consulate in Lahore Orders Staff to Take Shelter Amid Security Threats
Journalist Attacked with Bricks by Miscreants in Bangladesh
Alert in Rajasthan and Punjab: Police Leave Cancelled, Missiles Ready
India Launches Overnight Drone Strikes Across Pakistan; 25 Drones Shot Down
Biggest Stock Market Crash in a Decade Hits Bangladesh
More News

Where Is Biden Going On His Last Day?

Sunday (January 19) marks Joe Biden’s final full day as President of the United States since he will be succeeded by Donald Trump on Monday. It has been reported that on his last day as President, Biden will visit South Carolina, where he will also observe the national holiday in honor of Martin Luther King […]

Trump’s Potential Interest in Chagos Islands Deal Acknowledged by Downing Street

Downing Street has publicly acknowledged the possibility that former U.S. President Donald Trump might seek to negotiate a deal concerning the Chagos Islands, particularly Diego Garcia, which is part of the British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT). This acknowledgment comes amidst a backdrop of complex geopolitical tensions, historical injustices, and ongoing legal battles over the sovereignty […]

In Pictures: U.S. Election Goes Live

North Carolina is the first swing state where polls have opened. People line up to vote outside of a polling station in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Election day worker Sean Vanderwaal prepares to open a polling place in Dearborn, Michigan. US Election 2024 LIVE Updates: Republican vice-presidential nominee JD Vance, his wife Usha Vance and children vote […]

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Visit South Korea, Japan, and France Amid Political Crisis in Seoul

The U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will embark on a trip to South Korea, Japan, and France from January 4 to 9, the State Department announced on Friday. This visit comes amid a political crisis in Seoul, where South Korea’s presidential guards and military troops recently prevented authorities from arresting impeached President Yoon Suk […]

Challenges Persist in Reviving Trilateral Cooperation: China, Japan, and South Korea Meet in Tokyo

On March 22, foreign ministers from China, Japan, and South Korea convened in Tokyo for their 11th trilateral meeting, aiming to strengthen cooperation amidst geopolitical complexities and domestic challenges. Despite hopes for a future leaders’ summit, no firm commitment was made, as Japan’s goal to host the summit in the first half of 2025 was […]

US and UK to Announce Trade Deal on Thursday

U.S. President Donald Trump is expected to announce a new trade agreement between the United States and the United Kingdom on Thursday, according to a report by The New York Times citing three sources familiar with the matter. Trump hinted at the deal in a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating he […]

Yunus Wants to Be in Power for 4 Years? Social Media Claims Raise Questions Over Political Ambitions

Dastagir Jahangir Washington, D.C. – Professor Muhammad Yunus, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate and renowned social entrepreneur, is at the center of a growing political crisis in Bangladesh. According to unverified sources circulating on social media, Yunus is alleged to have expressed a desire to remain in power for a period of more than four […]

Trump Furious with Putin Over Ceasefire Negotiations

The war between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing for over three years. Since taking office for his second term as President of the United States, Donald Trump has been actively working towards ending the conflict. However, despite weeks of efforts, no significant progress has been made in ceasefire talks. Trump has expressed being “very […]

Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Could Exceed 10,000: USGS Survey

A powerful earthquake in Myanmar has already claimed over a thousand lives. However, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) predicts that the death toll could surpass 10,000. On Friday, March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake struck Myanmar, devastating airports, bridges, and highways. The tremor also shook neighboring Thailand, causing extensive damage and casualties there as well. […]

CBI Chair Accuses UK Government of Treating Businesses as a ‘Cash Cow’ Over Workers’ Rights and Tax Hikes

LONDON – Confederation of British Industry (CBI) chair Rupert Soames has sharply criticized the UK government for treating employers as a “cash cow” in the wake of the recent budget and urged ministers to reconsider plans for stricter workers’ rights. Speaking at the CBI’s annual conference on Monday, Soames said, “In the budget, business has […]