Former University of the West Indies (UWI) International Relations Professor, Mark Kirton, believes that Cuba could soon be removed from the US list of terrorism sponsors. Kirton states that Cuba has made significant efforts to be part of the global anti-terrorism movement and that the US and Cuba have a less tense relationship [a2c66211]. If the Biden administration removes Cuba from the list, it would signal globally that Cuba is not engaged in terrorism. Kirton also credits the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for consistently backing Cuba and voting against the US economic blockade.
The calls from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Baptist groups, and Whitney's article in CounterPunch underscore the growing international pressure on the United States to end the economic ban on Cuba. The appeals highlight the dire humanitarian conditions in Cuba caused by the economic blockade and emphasize the need for solidarity and support from the international community [f4457cc5] [0bc520e2] [c4ab96ec].
The economic ban on Cuba has had severe consequences on the country's economy and people, hindering access to essential resources and impacting various sectors, including healthcare and education [19e84020]. Critics argue that the sanctions have impeded Cuba's ability to obtain medical supplies, including COVID-19 vaccines and medicine for childhood cancers [f20f5093]. The dire economic situation in Cuba has led to food shortages, rising street crime, and mass migration [48dfac6a].
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and three Baptist groups have added their voices to the growing international pressure on the West, particularly the United States, to lift the economic ban on Cuba [f4457cc5] [0bc520e2]. The NLC, represented by President Joe Ajaero, met with the Cuban Ambassador to Nigeria and expressed solidarity with Cuba, commending its resilience in the face of the economic blockade [f4457cc5]. The NLC called on Nigeria and the international community to pressure the United States to take action [f4457cc5]. In recognition of the NLC's support, the Cuban Ambassador presented Ajaero with 'The Friendship Medal' [f4457cc5]. The NLC pledged to continue working with the Cuban Embassy to promote social justice and eradicate discrimination [f4457cc5].
Similarly, three Baptist groups, including the Alliance of Baptists, American Baptist Home Mission Societies, and Baptist Peace Fellowship of North America, joined 17 other church-based entities in urging President Joe Biden to make major changes in bilateral relations with Cuba [0bc520e2]. They called for the removal of Cuba from the State Sponsors of Terrorism List at the U.S. Department of State, citing the dire humanitarian conditions on the island caused by failed U.S. foreign policies and Cuban economic policies [0bc520e2]. The church bodies expressed concern about the shortages of food, medicine, and energy in Cuba, as well as the critical need for relief in hospitals [0bc520e2]. They also highlighted how the listing of Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism has limited their ability to provide crucial assistance and financial aid to Cuban partners [0bc520e2]. The Baptist groups called on President Biden to remove Cuba from the list, end the economic embargo, and normalize relations with the country [0bc520e2].
In a recent article published in People's World, W. T. Whitney Jr. discusses the need for U.S. labor to take a stance on Cuba and highlights the historical connection between U.S. labor activism and workers' struggles in Cuba [a7be4df5]. Whitney argues that the U.S. economic blockade of Cuba violates international law and has led to shortages and despair [a7be4df5]. He calls on U.S. labor unions and activists to support Cuba and press their government to end the blockade [a7be4df5]. Whitney references José MartÃ's 1886 essay 'A Terrible Drama,' which recounts the Haymarket events in Chicago and the execution of labor journalists and agitators, to emphasize the importance of solidarity between workers in both countries [a7be4df5]. He points out that Martà defended U.S. workers fighting for the eight-hour day and that U.S. working people can express solidarity with Cuban workers by ending the blockade [a7be4df5]. Whitney urges labor unions to fulfill their responsibility to act, as they have done in the past in opposing authoritarian regimes and supporting workers' struggles [a7be4df5].
According to an analysis by Robert Kuttner in The American Prospect, the fall of Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ), the now-suspended chair of the powerful Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will remove a prime obstacle to normalization of relations with Cuba. Menendez, whose family emigrated from Cuba in 1953, has repeatedly used his power to warn Biden against any normalization. As a candidate for president, Obama argued that the U.S. policy of isolating and impoverishing Cuba with an economic embargo had failed. Obama relaxed restrictions on remittances and travel, and the Cuban government reciprocated by liberalizing Cuba’s state-controlled economy. In 2014, Obama and Castro announced the restoration of full diplomatic relations, including the reopening of embassies. However, President Trump reversed these policies, tightening the embargo and ending open travel to Cuba. Biden promised to restore the Obama policies, but only token reversals have been made so far. With Menendez losing influence, one major obstacle to Biden carrying out his campaign pledge on Cuba is now presumably gone. [c650d0d3]