Biden to remove Cuba from state sponsors of terror list
What's the story
In one of his last acts as president, Joe Biden has decided to remove Cuba off the United States's list of state sponsors of terrorism.
The decision comes just days before Donald Trump is set to be sworn in as president.
The White House said an assessment found no information supporting Cuba's designation as a terrorism sponsor.
Cuba is currently listed on the US State Sponsors of Terrorism list along with Iran, Syria, and North Korea.
Prisoner release
Cuba releases 553 prisoners following US decision
In a reciprocal move, Cuba announced the release of 553 prisoners in response to the US's decision.
The move was hailed by relatives of jailed protesters, including Liset Fonseca, whose son Roberto Perez was sentenced to 10 years for participating in anti-government protests in July 2021.
The Cuban government welcomed the US announcement as a positive step but expressed regret over ongoing US sanctions dating back to 1962.
Economic woes
Cuba's economic crisis and US sanctions
Cuba has been struggling with a deep economic crisis, characterized by shortages of basic goods and services.
The country blames the US sanctions, in place since 1962, for the hardships.
Under Trump's first term (2017-2021), the sanctions were tightened after being relaxed under Barack Obama.
However, analysts also cite internal mismanagement and the COVID-19 pandemic's toll on tourism as reasons for Cuba's economic woes.
Political backlash
Biden's decision faces criticism from Trump's allies
Biden's decision to delist Cuba from the terrorism sponsor list has drawn criticism from Trump's allies. Senator Ted Cruz called it "rank appeasement of the Cuban regime."
Colombian President Gustavo Petro and a political party formed by ex-FARC guerrillas, however, welcomed Biden's move.
The White House also said Biden would waive parts of the Libertad Act supporting the US embargo on Cuba and rescind a Trump-era policy restricting financial transactions with certain Cuban entities.