US Removes Cuba From Terror List

President Obama's push to normalize relations with Cuba keeps steamrolling ahead: The State Department has officially removed Cuba from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, reports the BBC. The expected move will likely be followed by the reopening of embassies in the two countries. Obama notified Congress of his intention to drop Cuba from the list 45 days ago, and the window closed today on any possible objections. Cuba had been on it for 33 years, and now only Iran, Syria, and Sudan remain.

"Being delisted will bring an end to certain financial and trade restrictions on Cuba," observes the Miami Herald. "But with the embargo and Helms-Burton Act still in effect, the economic impact for Cuba won't be as far-reaching as it might have been." Only Congress can end the embargo. Still, foreign companies and banks should be more willing to do business with Havana now that the threat of US regulations is over. (More Cuba stories.)