Staff Reports
Biden’s decision to remove Cuba from the United States list of state sponsors of terrorism just a hair’s breadth before handing over the keys to the White House has prompted a wave of disbelief among human rights activists and conservative politicians alike. This parting gift to the Castro regime, arguably a fitting capstone to an administration defined by its concessions, raises eyebrows and blood pressures across the political spectrum. It appears the outgoing president is trying to make the most of his twilight hours—perhaps as a way to play nice with the international left. However, it’s just another case of Biden throwing national security concerns to the wind for the sake of misguided diplomacy.
The Biden administration justified this massive concession with a rather dubious claim that the Castro regime hadn’t sponsored terrorism in the last six months. One can almost hear the collective guffaws from Cuba’s repressive leaders as they received assurances from Washington that they would play nice in the future. It’s the kind of logic that would make any aspiring geopolitical strategist roll their eyes. Meanwhile, Cuba’s communists have deemed the removal “limited,” insisting that more needs to be done, likely underlining their perpetual appetite for handouts and relief from U.S. sanctions. These are not the actions of a regime genuinely seeking reconciliation—they still plan to squeeze every last concession from Biden before he exits stage left.
Cuba engineered 'sonic' attacks on US diplomats. It supports Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran. But Biden is removing it from the state sponsor of terror list.
Cuban exiles in Florida traditionally vote (R) and Dems can now forget about ever changing that.https://t.co/ESobWUQNuK
— OutKick (@Outkick) January 15, 2025
The back-and-forth negotiations allegedly involving the Vatican only fueled suspicions that this move was little more than an attempt at making nice with a regime notorious for its severe human rights violations. What exactly did the hungry communist machine agree to in return? A small “excarceration” of a mere 553 prisoners, hardly a cause for celebration. The rundown by the human rights organization Prisoners Defenders suggests this “release” is just another Orwellian twist where individuals are still under tight control, perpetually living under the thumb of a regime that has shown zero qualms about detaining dissidents, regardless of their innocence.
Members of Congress haven’t held back their outrage. Representatives from Florida, where sentiment against the communist regime is particularly strong, has vociferously condemned this move. Phrases like “an affront to national security” and descriptions of the Biden administration as a calamity for America highlight the severity of dissent among conservatives. Biden’s decision is seen as more than just a diplomatic faux pas; it’s an act that could potentially embolden a regime already known for its oppressive tactics. By granting legitimacy to a state that harbors terrorists and oppresses its own citizens, Biden has managed to raise the hair on the necks of those who prioritize not only American security but also the plight of freedom-seeking individuals in Cuba.
Even the supposed release of prisoners during this negotiation has an air of insincerity. The technical language surrounding the term “excarceration” fails to capture the grim reality; those released are left in limbo, vulnerable to persecution and harassment by the state. The picture painted by Prisoners Defenders is harrowing, suggesting that individuals’ liberties are conditional and can be revoked at the whims of an oppressive regime. As moral clarity blurs, the need for true, substantiated reforms becomes glaringly obvious. The conservative concern remains rooted in a simple truth: any time concessions are made to dictators, it is the people who suffer most—not the regime that continues to hold power through fear and oppression.
Ultimately, Biden’s last-minute maneuver stands as a testament to the left’s ongoing apology tour for authoritarian regimes. As the curtain falls on this presidency, the broader narrative emerges: while Biden may be vocal about human rights abroad, the actions often speak louder—and in this case, they suggest a disturbing inclination to play footsie with tyrants. If the first act of the new administration focuses on coddling Cuba’s communist regime, conservatives will remain vigilant, pushing back against any further erosion of freedoms at home and abroad. The time for action and accountability may be just around the corner, but whether it will be heeded remains to be seen.
