US terrorism list also a political tool

North Korea has not been linked to a terrorist attack in more than two decades, but it is still on the US list of state sponsors of terrorism. Now, it may be on the verge of its coveted goal of getting removed for reasons having little to do with terrorism.
Meanwhile, Washington has what appears to be fresh evidence that Venezuela supported Colombian guerrillas that the US considers terrorists. Yet the terrorism list does not include Venezuela, a major oil supplier to the United States.
Nearly three decades after its inception, the state sponsors of terrorism list is not just about terrorism. It has become a diplomatic tool to win concessions from US adversaries eager to end the stigma and sanctions that come with the designation. It may also be too blunt a tool to be used against strategically important countries, even if the terrorism link appears clear-cut.
"Of course the list is political," said Bruce Hoffman, a professor of security studies at Georgetown University.
The United States has many blacklists for people, groups and countries it deems unsavoury. But the state sponsors of terrorism list has perhaps the highest profile, though only five countries are on it: Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan and Syria.
Those countries designated by the US face restrictions on foreign aid, a ban on defence sales and other sanctions that can hinder their acquiring US technology or doing business with US financial institutions.
The penalties can extend beyond US borders. The United States will use its weight at the United Nations and world financial organisations to try to block assistance to designated countries. The designation could also discourage US allies and multinational corporations from dealing with the designated nations.
By contrast, getting off the list is a sign of a return to the global community.
"This is exactly the purpose: to offer carrots and sticks to engage states and then to use this as a means to persuade them to desist from activities that we think are harmful to America," Hoffman said.
The president may rescind the terror designation by submitting a report to Congress that certifies a country has changed policies and has provided assurances that it will not support future acts of terror.