Trump revoking Biden’s removal of Cuba from the US state sponsors of terrorism list highlights the volatile nature of US foreign policy. This 180-degree shift every four years makes international negotiations incredibly difficult; how can any nation trust agreements with a country whose policies change so drastically with each administration? The sheer unpredictability undermines international relations and creates an atmosphere of distrust.
Trump’s action underscores a deeply partisan and spiteful brand of politics within the US. The simple act of reversing a previous administration’s decision, regardless of its merit, becomes a priority, demonstrating a lack of continuity and a focus on symbolic gestures over substantive policy.… Continue reading
Following negotiations facilitated by the Catholic Church, the Biden administration removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, resulting in the release of 553 political prisoners. This action, coupled with waivers on Title III of the Helms-Burton Act and the rescission of National Security Presidential Memorandum 5, aimed to ease economic pressure and improve human rights conditions in Cuba. The decision, however, faced immediate criticism from Republican members of Congress, who argued that Cuba’s actions did not warrant such concessions. The administration asserted that the changes would provide immediate relief to imprisoned protesters and their families.
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President Biden will remove Cuba from the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list, reversing a Trump-era decision. This action, part of a prisoner release deal facilitated by the Catholic Church, is intended to normalize relations and alleviate Cuba’s economic hardship. The deal includes the release of hundreds of prisoners, potentially including those detained following 2021 anti-government protests. While Cuba welcomes the move, the decision’s long-term impact remains uncertain, particularly given potential future administrations’ policies.
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President Biden notified Congress of his intention to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism, a decision facilitated by the Catholic Church and intended to secure the release of numerous political prisoners. This action, coupled with eased economic pressure on Cuba, reverses aspects of the Trump administration’s stricter policies. The Biden administration cited a lack of credible evidence of Cuban support for international terrorism in recent months. However, the incoming Trump administration may overturn this decision given its previously stated positions on Cuba and the expected appointments of Secretary of State-designate Marco Rubio and Mauricio Claver-Carone.
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Eastern Cuba was struck by a 6.8 magnitude earthquake on Sunday, adding to the island’s recent string of hardships. The quake, with its epicenter south of Bartolomé Masó, was felt across the eastern region, including Santiago de Cuba, though there have been no immediate reports of damage or injuries. This latest event follows weeks of devastating hurricanes, widespread blackouts, and ongoing economic struggles that have left many Cubans in a state of distress. The earthquake’s impact, however, adds another layer of concern for the island nation already facing significant challenges.
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A powerful earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 6.8 struck eastern Cuba on Sunday, sending tremors across the region and leaving residents shaken. The earthquake, which occurred just 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso, follows weeks of hardship for the island, including hurricanes, blackouts, and a deepening energy crisis. While initial reports indicate no major damage or injuries, the quake further complicates the situation in Cuba, where many are still struggling to recover from previous disasters and grappling with ongoing economic difficulties.
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Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread power outages and significant damage. After weakening to a Category 2 hurricane, Rafael is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially impact the southern and southwestern regions. The storm’s future track remains uncertain but it is unlikely to significantly impact the northern Gulf of Mexico. Rafael’s potential for significant impact on the United States is decreasing, though the storm’s moisture could lead to torrential rainfall in the Southeast.
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Cuba is standing at a precipice, teetering on the edge of what can only be described as a total collapse. My heart aches as I watch a nation that once held a romantic allure deteriorate into a landscape characterized by widespread blackouts and economic despair. Just three weeks ago, I returned from Cuba, a place that I have visited numerous times in the past fifteen years, and the drastic changes I observed were unsettling. It is not merely the infrastructure that crumbles; it is the very spirit of the Cuban people that seems to be under siege.
The pervasive blackouts have become a common, tragic echo in the lives of everyday Cubans, affecting their ability to work, live, and hope.… Continue reading
As I read about Cuba’s grid collapsing once again, my heart aches for the people living in such difficult conditions. With a looming hurricane adding fuel to the fire, the situation seems dire. The energy and mines minister’s promises of a fully functional grid by Monday or Tuesday are likely just empty words, further exacerbating the suffering of the Cuban people. This regime seems to be hanging on by a thread, with leaders possibly fleeing to safe houses in Miami and Mexico, abandoning their citizens in their time of need.
The idea of a hurricane hitting an island already struggling with an indefinite power outage is truly a recipe for disaster.… Continue reading
As I sit here reflecting on the recent news of Cuba’s electrical grid collapsing once again, just as a hurricane looms on the horizon, I can’t help but feel a sense of sadness and frustration. The fact that power had been restored to only 160,000 clients in Havana before the collapse is truly disheartening, especially considering that Cuba has a population of over 11 million people. It must be incredibly challenging to restore an entire island with outdated equipment and a lack of resources.
The state of Cuba’s electrical grid seems to be a reflection of the larger issues plaguing the country.… Continue reading
Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker
Hurricane Rafael Intensifies, Sparks Political Divide as It Heads Towards Cuba and Gulf Coast
Hurricane Rafael made landfall in Cuba as a Category 3 hurricane, causing widespread power outages and significant damage. After weakening to a Category 2 hurricane, Rafael is expected to move into the Gulf of Mexico and potentially impact the southern and southwestern regions. The storm’s future track remains uncertain but it is unlikely to significantly impact the northern Gulf of Mexico. Rafael’s potential for significant impact on the United States is decreasing, though the storm’s moisture could lead to torrential rainfall in the Southeast.
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