Title: Biden’s Stance on Cuba Policy: A Major Snub to Obama
Introduction:
In a surprising turn of events, President Biden’s administration is maintaining Trump’s hard-line approach to Cuba, despite promises to reverse it. This decision has raised concerns among members of Congress and advocates for a more normalized relationship with Cuba. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind Biden’s refusal to review Cuba’s status as a State Sponsor of Terror and the potential implications of this decision.
Heading 1: Trump’s Controversial Designation
Heading 2: Biden’s Pledge to Reverse Trump’s Decision
Heading 3: State Department’s Shocking Revelation
Heading 4: Congress Reacts with Fury
Heading 5: Biden’s Rejection of Obama’s Legacy
Heading 6: The Impact on Cuba and Migration Crisis
Heading 7: Hopes for Change Dashed
Trump’s Controversial Designation:
In January 2021, former President Donald Trump added Cuba to the list of “State Sponsors of Terror,” reversing the Obama administration’s efforts to normalize relations with the country. The decision was based on Cuba hosting representatives from armed guerrilla movements designated as terror groups by the U.S.
Biden’s Pledge to Reverse Trump’s Decision:
During his campaign, President Biden promised to review and overturn Trump’s redesignation of Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terror. This pledge was seen as a significant step toward restoring Obama’s legacy and improving relations with Cuba.
State Department’s Shocking Revelation:
In a private briefing on Capitol Hill, State Department official Eric Jacobstein surprised members of Congress by revealing that the department had not even begun the review process to overturn Trump’s decision. This revelation contradicted previous assurances given to Congress about an ongoing review.
Congress Reacts with Fury:
Members of Congress, particularly Rep. Jim McGovern, expressed their frustration and disappointment at the State Department’s failure to initiate the review process. The lack of progress meant that Cuba’s delisting couldn’t occur before mid-2024 at the earliest, further delaying any potential normalization efforts.
Biden’s Rejection of Obama’s Legacy:
Biden’s refusal to review Cuba’s status as a State Sponsor of Terror is a significant departure from the Obama administration’s approach. It marks a strong rebuke of one of Obama’s signature foreign policy achievements and raises questions about Biden’s commitment to restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba.
The Impact on Cuba and Migration Crisis:
The terror designation has severe consequences for Cuba, making it difficult for the country to engage in international business and further damaging its fragile economy. The hard-line approach coincides with a surge in desperate migration, with Cubans comprising a substantial portion of migrants arriving at the southern border.
Hopes for Change Dashed:
The State Department’s misleading pledges about the review process, coupled with Biden’s approach to Sen. Bob Menendez, a prominent Cuba hawk, had raised hopes for a shift in Cuba policy. However, there is no indication that Biden and Menendez have discussed Cuba, leaving advocates for normalized relations disappointed.
Conclusion:
President Biden’s decision to maintain Trump’s hard-line approach to Cuba policy represents a major snub to Obama’s legacy and raises concerns about the future of U.S.-Cuba relations. The lack of progress in reviewing Cuba’s status as a State Sponsor of Terror has disappointed members of Congress and advocates for change. The implications of this decision extend beyond diplomatic relations and have significant consequences for Cuba’s economy and the ongoing migration crisis.
