U.S. Removes Cuba from the state-sponsored terrorism list

On Friday May 5th, 2015, the Obama administration has officially taken Cuba off the state sponsored terrorism list. This was an important step in the process of normalizing ties between Cuba and the United States. Although Cuba has been taken off the list, it does not mean that the disagreements revolving around Cuba's policies and actions have been resolved. According to the State Department spokesman, Jeff Rathke, the disagreements fall outside of the criteria related to the rescission of a state sponsor of terrorism designation. In addition to the still present disagreement, the Obama administration and Cuban officials have recently failed in re-establishing diplomatic relations and open embassies. Yet, by the Obama administration taking Cuba off the state sponsored terrorism list, it is a step away from the Cold War-era hostility which could possibly lead to an improvement in the relationship between Cuba and the United States.
Written by Sarah Prosia
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/30/us/us-removes-cuba-from-state-terrorism-list.html?ref=world&_r=0