can anyone explain today's exec order re:Syria?

[w8liftinglady]

http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2006/04/20060426-1.html
especially this part?
I hereby determine that, to the extent section 203(b)(2) of IEEPA (50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2)) may apply, the making of donations of the type of articles specified in such section by, to, or for the benefit of any person designated pursuant to this order would seriously impair my ability to deal with the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13338, and I hereby prohibit such donations as provided by paragraph (a) of this section.

[pinto]

1. Freeze on Syrian assets in US, block of US donations to Syrian

interests that may be associated with terrorism, specifically: Retaliation for Syria's purported role in the murder of Lebanese Prime Minister.

(edit to say "freeze on" not "seizure")

[wookie294]

2. It appears Bush is disallowing humanitarian aid to Syria

50 U.S.C. 1702(b)(2) allows the president to designate which kind of donations can be forbidden if the president feels the donations would hinder his ability to deal with a national emergency. His executive order today deals with Syria and he has decided that humanitarian aid to Syria is now illegal if America is in a national emergency.

Sounds like Bush is preparing for war against Syria.

[w8liftinglady]

3. Thank you both-I have trouble sorting through the legalese at times

[Robbien]

4. Basically it lays out what will happen if someone from Syria

is identified by the UN to have been involved in the death of Hariri.

No one has been identified so far. But if someone is identified all their assets will be frozen.

Politically it means the US is pointing the finger at Syria. Again.