U.S., Allies Seek New Ways to Sanction Iran

[WriteDown]

Source: WSJ

UNITED NATIONS -- The Obama administration and its Western allies are looking at new ways to constrict Iran's energy, transportation and financial sectors in the wake of last week's revelation that Tehran had secretly developed a second nuclear-fuel facility.

But the White House will still face numerous challenges matching its rhetoric on sanctions with real international action, said U.S. and European officials involved in the process. That makes the U.S. Treasury -- and not the United Nations -- the main focus of the West's financial campaign against Iran for now, the officials said.

China and Russia are still seen as only half-hearted partners in any effort to push forward expansive new financial penalties through the U.N. Security Council. Even France and Germany are voicing skittishness about targeting Iran's gasoline imports, a strategy that is seen by the U.S. and Israel as inflicting particular pain on Tehran.

European officials stressed Monday they are likely to seriously consider new sanctions only at year-end, citing a December deadline, replacing President Barack Obama's September deadline, that has now been set to see if diplomacy with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad works.

The Treasury has pursued dozens of unilateral sanctions against Iranian banks, government officials and defense companies in recent years in an attempt to pressure Tehran. The U.S. has widened its campaign over the past year by targeting Iranian shipping, insurance and trading firms that play a broader role in Iran's economy.


Read more: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125417342102747375.html?mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1&

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I've always thought that OFEC would be a good idea. Organization of food exporting countries.

We're cutting supply. Oh look, grain went to 200$ a bushel.

[bemildred]

1. How long has this been going on?

At what point do we admit that this is just making us look impotent?

[WriteDown]

2. I'm hoping your questions are rhetorical. nt.

[bemildred]

4. I wish they were.

I realize that that sort of thinking on my part may cause cognitive disconnect in other posters, but that's what I think.

[ronnie624]

3. There doesn't seem to be much enthusiasm among the "allies". n/t

[bemildred]

5. I've been paying attention to this issue since 2003 or so.

And it's been nothing but belligerence and lying and hot air, and if you think that impresses anyone but the Rubes, you and I disagree.

[ronnie624]

6. It was a passing comment on the reluctance of Asians and Europeans.

- China and Russia are still seen as only half-hearted partners in any effort to push forward expansive new financial penalties through the U.N. Security Council. Even France and Germany are voicing skittishness about targeting Iran's gasoline imports

- European officials stressed Monday they are likely to seriously consider new sanctions only at year-end

- A ban on gasoline sales also is difficult to get through the Security Council because Chinese state companies this month began providing up to one-third of sales to Iran

- A total embargo on Iranian oil -- which Israeli officials have suggested -- seems unlikely. U.S. law already forbids U.S. firms from buying Iranian oil, but Europe, Japan and China are big customers. Analysts say an embargo on Iranian oil would drive up prices and damage the global economy

- A U.N. tightening of an arms import ban on Iran would run up against the interests of a powerful sector of the Russian economy.

- U.S. restrictions on companies doing business with Iran have isolated American firms, including in the oil and gas sector, and opened the door for Russian, European and Asian companies.


And if "belligerence and lying and hot air" describes U.S. actions on this issue, then we definitely agree.

Please explain your use of the term, "Rubes".

[bemildred]

7. My apologies if that came across as an attack.

That was not my intention, and I agree with you. The subject annoys me a bit. We've been pursuing this "strategy" against Iran for decades now, and all it does is shore up the existing neanderthal government.

Rube is equivalent to "sucker" or "pidgeon".

[ronnie624]

8. Absolutely.

The reluctance of other governments, the actions of the U.S. Treasury and the proposed congressional action - all outlined in the article - strongly suggest that the ongoing campaign against Iran is a U.S. driven effort, not really an international one. It is the U.S. that has, in earnest, sought hegemony through intrigue and outright violence in the Middle East since the end of WWII, with the obvious purpose of controlling major oil reserves.

No offense was taken. I have always found you to be well informed and civil. Disagreement, in and of itself, is not unreasonable.

[bemildred]

9. Copacetic.

:thumbsup: