Marco Rubio reacts to Biden's decision on Cuba

In a context of growing tension, reactions have not been long in coming following the Biden administration's recent decision to remove Cuba from the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. This decision also included the elimination of restrictions that had been imposed by the Trump administration, which has generated a broad debate on the implications of these actions.

Marco Rubio, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for Secretary of State, has expressed his firm stance on the issue. During his appearance before the Senate, Rubio was questioned by Senator Ted Cruz about his opinion on whether Cuba should be considered a state sponsor of terrorism. His answer was clear and forceful: “Without a doubt.”

Rubio argued that the Cuban regime has maintained ties with terrorist organizations, specifically citing the FARC, which he described as a narco-terrorist organization. He said that Cuba has provided support to the Colombian group throughout its history, which, in his opinion, reinforces the need to keep Cuba on the list of terrorist countries.

Rubio also highlighted Cuba's relations with other terrorist organizations, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This point underscores the concern that the Cuban regime not only harbors hostile groups, but also facilitates their operations.

In his remarks, Rubio also highlighted the presence of spy bases in Cuba operated by countries that are adversaries of the United States, such as Russia and China. Located just 90 miles from the American coast, these facilities represent a threat to national security, according to the senator. “This is something that cannot be ignored,” he said.

The senator also recalled that the United States is aware that there are individuals wanted by the US justice system in Cuba who have committed serious crimes, including the murder of police officers. According to Rubio, the Cuban regime protects these fugitives, which prevents the US justice system from taking action.

The conversation turned to how the new administration might approach Cuba policy. Cruz asked Rubio if he was prepared to reverse Biden’s decision as soon as he took office. While Rubio avoided making a commitment at the time, he made clear that the outgoing administration is not obligated to adhere to Biden’s recent decisions, allowing the new administration to take immediate action.

Rubio ended his speech by reiterating that nothing agreed upon in the last few hours is irreversible, which leaves open the possibility that the next administration could once again include Cuba on the list of countries sponsoring terrorism. This point is crucial, as many expect the Trump administration to act quickly once it takes power.

The situation in Cuba and the decisions of the Biden administration will continue to be topics of debate in the political arena. With Trump and Rubio coming to power, many are paying attention to how US foreign policy will develop towards the island. The voices of Cuban-American congressmen, such as María Elvira Salazar and Mario Díaz-Balart, have also been heard, promising to remind the new president of the need to take concrete actions regarding Cuba from the first day of his mandate.

January 20 will be a key day that could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy toward Cuba. Attention is focused on how these events will unfold and what decisions will be made regarding such a sensitive and strategically important issue.