Only Comprehensive Sanctions Will Influence Iran to Suspend Enrichment

(Institute for National Security Studies-Tel Aviv University) Ephraim Asculai - Iran managed to gain another crucial year in its quest for a nuclear weapons capability, and every passing day brings it closer to its ultimate goal: having the potential to produce deliverable nuclear weapons. It successfully delayed the West from pursuing a more severe sanctions regime, and the West is behaving as if it has all the time in the world. It does not. The only sanctions that could influence the Iranian regime to cave in and at least suspend the uranium enrichment program are Iraqi-type sanctions. These should limit imports into Iran of anything but foodstuffs, medicines, and other humanitarian aid. No other imports including oil distillates or technical equipment would be supplied to Iran until it agrees to the West's conditions. It is a mistake to assume that any less severe sanctions would do the trick. If this is not undertaken by the Security Council, the U.S. should implement it with all the friends it can muster.


2010-01-26 08:24:20

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