The White House has decided to keep Cuba on the list of state sponsors of terrorism, despite acknowledging this week that both governments are cooperating on related issues. Amid heavy criticism for removing the island from the list of "countries not fully cooperating with counterterrorism efforts" on Wednesday, Deputy State Department Spokesperson Vedant Patel stated in a press briefing on Thursday that more actions are needed from the Caribbean nation.
"You can cooperate in the fight against terrorism, but we still believe there are actions being taken that support terrorist activities," explained Patel during the press briefing. However, the official did not specify the exact actions Cuba must take to be removed from the list of countries promoting terrorism. The island has been on this list, which entails several economic sanctions, since 2021, as part of the last decisions made by the Donald Trump Administration.
On Wednesday, the Joe Biden Administration removed Cuba from the list of countries "not fully cooperating with counterterrorism efforts," and immediately, Havana urged Washington to go further and remove it entirely from the second list. Both countries resumed police cooperation in 2023, including discussions on terrorism. Therefore, the State Department argues that claiming the island does not cooperate in these efforts "is no longer appropriate."
For some analysts, the exclusion from the first list appears to be an initial step toward removing the Cuban nation from the list of sponsors. On Thursday, the Cuban Foreign Ministry thanked several U.S. congressmen for their efforts in this regard.
Key Questions About Cuba's Status on the Terrorism Sponsor List
Here are some essential questions and answers regarding Cuba's ongoing designation as a state sponsor of terrorism and the implications of recent developments.
Why is Cuba still on the list of state sponsors of terrorism?
According to the State Department, despite some cooperation in counterterrorism, there are still actions being taken by Cuba that support terrorist activities.
What are the economic sanctions imposed on Cuba due to this designation?
Being on the list of state sponsors of terrorism subjects Cuba to various economic sanctions, including restrictions on U.S. foreign assistance, a ban on defense exports and sales, and certain controls over exports of dual-use items.
What actions must Cuba take to be removed from the list?
The State Department has not specified the exact actions Cuba needs to take, but it involves ceasing activities that support terrorism and demonstrating full cooperation with international counterterrorism efforts.