Cuba Frees Prisoners After US Removes it From Terrorist List: A Necessary Step or a Costly Mistake?
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.
John Q. Hosedrinker