Sanctions on Businessman Target Syria's Inner Sanctum

[kickysnana]

Source: Washington Post


The Bush administration yesterday froze the U.S. assets and restricted the financial transactions of Syrian businessman Rami Makhluf, a powerful behind-the-scenes middle man for the Syrian government, in a move targeting the political and economic inner sanctum in Damascus.

As a cousin of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Makhluf, 38, is a key player in the Assad dynasty and is the force behind Syria's effort to privatize state-owned enterprises. However, his power over vital business monopolies has helped the government retain control over Syria's most important economic assets, according to U.S. officials and outside experts.

"Once you hit Rami Makhluf, you're at war with Syria," said Joshua M. Landis, a former Fulbright scholar in Syria who teaches at the University of Oklahoma. "When you sanction Rami Makhluf, you're also sanctioning all the people who deal with him, including the wealthiest and most powerful people in the country."


Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/02/21/AR2008022102839.html

[Purveyor]

1. Why any foreign entity labeled as 'enemies of israel' still has assets in the US is beyond me except

perhaps, they are so well funded, it is just an oversight and petty change on their part.

[kickysnana]

3. I wondered if this is an asset sent out into the cold n/t

[truthisfreedom]

2. Can someone take the keys away from these children in our White House?

I think it's time for the adults to intervene in this ever-lasting frat party.

[bemildred]

4. More impotent whining and tantrum throwing from the Bushites. nt