The United States of America (USA) has removed Cuba from the list of countries ‘not fully co-operating’ in its counter-terrorism efforts. This announcement, made by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on 15 May 2024, marked a change in the Biden administration’s approach to the Communist-ruled island. At the same time, this decision reflects the changing dynamics in international relations and counter-terrorism co-operation. The list includes countries that Washington considers not fully co-operating against violent groups.[1]
One of the most important reasons for this change is the resumption of law enforcement co-operation between Cuba and the United States. Noting that the conditions for Cuba’s certification as a non-cooperating country had changed, in 2022 the US State Department designated Cuba as a ‘full non-cooperating country’ and noted that Cuba had refused to cooperate with Colombia on the extradition of members of the National Liberation Army group.
The resumption of law enforcement co-operation has led to an increase in bilateral relations and mutual efforts to combat terrorism. Moreover, Cuba no longer refused to co-operate with Colombia on extradition requests for members of the National Liberation Army (ELN). Indeed, the administration made its position clear by announcing the suspension of the Colombian attorney general’s arrest warrants.[2] This delisting, while a positive step, remains largely symbolic. Shortly before leaving office, former US President Donald Trump labelled Cuba a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’,[3] a decision that caused serious economic hardship on the island, including shortages of basic goods such as food, fuel and medicine.
This decision by the Biden administration could pave the way for a more comprehensive review of the designation of Cuba as a state supporting terrorism. Prof. William Leo Grande of American University stated that this step could lead to a reassessment of Cuba’s status and signal a further change in US policy towards Cuba.[4]
The list of countries not fully co-operating with US counter-terrorism efforts differs from the list of ‘State Sponsors of Terrorism’. The former list is required by law to be submitted by the State Department to the US Congress, and any changes to that designation require a law-based review, also by the State Department. The fact that North Korea, Iran, Syria and Venezuela are currently on the list of countries not cooperating fully emphasises the selective and strategic nature of such designations.[5]
Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez welcomed the decision, but emphasised that it was not enough. In a statement on social media, Rodriguez argued that the United States should completely end its political manipulation on terrorism and completely remove Cuba from the list of states that support terrorism. This is because Cuba is still struggling with various difficulties as it is still unable to shake off its image as a ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’. This reaction highlights the continued frustration with Cuba’s inclusion on the list and its far-reaching implications for the economy and international standing.
The US removal of Cuba from the list of countries not fully co-operating in the fight against terrorism marks an important but limited change in US-Cuba relations. While this step reflects an improvement in law enforcement co-operation, Cuba’s designation as a state supporting terrorism remains unchanged. The future of US-Cuba relations will depend on further developments and reviews based on established legal criteria, as well as the broader geopolitical landscape.
The Biden administration’s decision could pave the way for a more comprehensive review of the designation of Cuba as a state supporting terrorism. It could be a first step towards a more nuanced and co-operative relationship with Cuba, but significant changes will require practical and policy-oriented actions that go beyond symbolic gestures. Therefore, the full normalisation of relations between the two countries will require more far-reaching steps and an increase in mutual trust.
[1] Knicmeyer, E., “Cuba dropped from US counterterrorism list after diplomacy”, AP News, https://apnews.com/article/cuba-us-counterterrorism-list-state-department-diplomacy-a0dc0eb187b9fcc2fcc1dc5df5a8f75a, (Date of Accesion: 17.05.2024).
[2] Cohen, Z., & Gaouette, N., “US removes Cuba from counterterrorism efforts list as Biden administration signals change in approach”, CNN. https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/15/politics/us-cuba-counterterrorism-efforts-list/index.html, (Date of Accesion: 17.05.2024).
[3] “Trump returns Cuba to U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN29G2CY/#:~:text=WASHINGTON%20(Reuters)%20%2D%20The%20Trump,Obama%2Dera%20detente%20with%20Havana, (Date of Accesion: 17.05.2024).
[4] “U.S. removes Cuba from list of countries not cooperating fully against terrorism”, Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/world/americas/us-removes-cuba-list-countries-not-cooperating-fully-against-terrorism-2024-05-15/, (Date of Accesion: 17.05.2024).
[5] Ibid.
