Sweeping Sanctions

Congress approves dramatic expansion of US sanctions

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Sweeping Sanctions
by NIAC
25-Jun-2010
 

The House and Senate voted Thursday to impose sweeping new sanctions against Iran, sending the legislation to the President’s desk for approval. Proponents have called the legislation the “toughest Iran sanctions ever proposed,” while critics argue it will do nothing to halt the Iranian nuclear program and that Congress should have eased sanctions that punish innocent Iranians.

The bill’s supporters have made it clear that their primary intention is to punish Iran’s nuclear activities, though human rights concerns have been added as a secondary consideration.

The Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act of 2010 was approved unanimously, 99-0, in the Senate and by a vote of 408-8 in the House, with one Present vote. The bill is a dramatic expansion of current US sanctions on Iran, focusing extensively on imposing sanctions on foreign companies that export refined petroleum to Iran or invest in Iran’s energy sector with the goal of destabilizing Iran’s economy.

The bill also expands the existing US trade embargo on Iranian goods and reverses a goodwill gesture by the Clinton Administration in 2000 that had allowed Iranian rugs, pistachios, caviar, and dried fruit to be brought into the US. These goods, which accounted for $62,500,000 in trade in 2009, according the IMF, are now once again banned in the U.S.

In codifying the embargo on Iran, the sanctions bill makes it substantially more difficult for the President to lift sanctions on Iran in the future.

The legislation also codifies the prohibition on exporting products to Iran, though it does provide for certain exceptions. The legislation includes a special exception for Internet communications technology, including hardware, software and other technology necessary to help Iranians access the Internet -- though it remained silent about anti-censorship and anti-surveillance tools. While NIAC strongly opposed the overall sanctions bill, NIAC actively worked to ensure that communications software and anti-censorship tools to be exported to the people of Iran.

“Crippling” Sanctions

A key component of the legislation is to impose severe sanctions on companies that export refined petroleum to Iran, since Iran is unable to refine enough of its oil to meet its demand for gasoline. The legislation effectively bars companies that provide Iran with refined petroleum from doing business in the United States -- though the President has the option of waiving these sanctions on a case-by-case basis. Many Members of Congress wanted to eliminate the President’s flexibility to waive certain sanctions, but ultimately the President’s flexibility was retained on a more limited basis.

The bill expands the scope of Iran sanctions to include insurance, financing, and shipping companies that contribute to the development of Iran’s energy sector. It also strengthens measures to prevent products from being sent from the US to Iran through a third country.

The bill also authorizes state and local governments to divest their assets from international companies that invest in Iran.

Punishing Human Rights Abusers

In addition to the economic sanctions aimed at Iran’s society as a whole, the final version of the legislation includes measures targeting Iran’s human rights abusers specifically, many of which were first called for and strongly supported by NIAC as part of the Stand With the Iranian People Act (H.R.4303).

The final bill included two provisions of the Stand With the Iranian People Act, imposing travel restrictions on Iranian human rights abusers and barring federal contracts for companies that provide Iran’s government with repressive technology.

The bill also recognized that “it is in the national interest of the United States” to allow American humanitarian and human right NGOs to work in Iran and to state that the US should ensure American NGOs are not “unnecessarily hindered from working in Iran to provide humanitarian, human rights, and people-to-people assistance” to the Iranian people. However, this language is nonbinding and the bill did not lift the ban that prevents humanitarian relief and human rights organizations from working in Iran.

In contrast to its refusal to lift the ban on American humanitarian NGOs operating in Iran, Congress did provide an export exception for organizations “promoting democracy in Iran.”

The Act also requires the President to develop a list of Iranian officials responsible for human rights abuses since last June’s presidential election, and impose targeted sanctions against those officials including freezing their assets. Those sanctions will remain in place until Iran unconditionally releases all political prisoners and ceases its practices of violence, unlawful detention, torture, and abuse of its citizens.

The new bill also responds to a number of concerns made last year that Western companies have provided Iran with advanced censorship and surveillance technology. A provision of the bill strongly supported by NIAC will bar federal contracts for companies that export this type of repressive technology to Iran, in the hopes that such companies will cease their sales of technology that is used to restrict Iranians’ freedom of speech.

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AMIR1973

Response to MOOSIRVAPIAZ

by AMIR1973 on


I'm only on iranian.com in order to be a voice for the iranians who are INSIDE iran and be the voice of the silent majority of iranians outside iran. 

So you're "a voice" for a nation of 70 million people? Such modesty. 

I give my share of Islamic republic bashing and many times even Israel defending views on farsi websites like balatarin for the audience that matter.

So Iranians living outside Iran don't matter? Don't you live outside Iran? (I believe Iranian.com is blocked in the Islamist Utopia) Does that mean you do or don't matter? 


Iraneh Azad

Good Job Congress!

by Iraneh Azad on

More pressure on the mullahs. More proof that NIAC is an IRI lobby.


Onlyiran

I don't know why mullahs just don't leave while they can

by Onlyiran on

it's not like they have any love for, or allegiance to, Iran.  Most of them aren't even Iranian citizens.  A lot of them were either born in Iraq or South Lebanon and just came over after the revolution.  Plus, much like their supporters, they are stateless ideological gypsies ("SIG").  They would even admit it if you ask them.  They would say that they are part of the Islamic Ommat as opposed to the Iranian nation.  So, why not just leave?  Just pack up the tens of millions that they have [each] stolen, get on a plane and go to Syria and South Lebanon.  Things are quiet there.  No one will bother them.  Hey, may be even they can set up an Islamic Republic in South Lebanon and try their luck there.  So, why not just leave while they can?


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

MOOSIRvaPIAZ

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

Alright. For the record I always buy things made in Iran when possible. I rather send my money to some regular Iranian. I really do not like the idea of sanctions. Then I also don't like IRI. Therefore while I do not agree to sanctions I understand why some people advocate them. People are frustrated and want change.


MOOSIRvaPIAZ

VPK...

by MOOSIRvaPIAZ on

I did not call you specifically a traitor. I called anyone who knowingly advocates sanctioning iran AND lives outside iran and doesnt have to suffer the consequences.


MOOSIRvaPIAZ

AMIR1973

by MOOSIRvaPIAZ on

I dont need to prove my credentials to you. I'm only on iranian.com in order to be a voice for the iranians who are INSIDE iran and be the voice of the silent majority of iranians outside iran. I'm sure you know that the majority of viewers and posters here live outside iran.

I give my share of Islamic republic bashing and many times even Israel defending views on farsi websites like balatarin for the audience that matter.


MM

I said discuss one by one - not in general terms.

by MM on

Those general statement were exactly what was said about the sanctions that were put on Saddam's regime.


benross

What will bring this 'quick

by benross on

What will bring this 'quick end' to IRI? by whom? how? What will happen next? Does anybody know?

There is no plan for 'quick end'. The sanctions are primary targeted to reduce the power of repression of IRI. This reduction won't be felt that much by people on the ground, by it will reduce substantially the sustainability of repressive force. The rest of the game is for Iranian people to play. By regrouping and setting up a political agenda. The sooner we move in that direction, the lesser will be the harm as a result of sanctions. If you don't like sanctions, move faster! US will not let IRI to build nuclear weapon, period.


MM

Are these sanctions worst than Saddam's sanctions?

by MM on

Those who forget history tend to make the same mistakes.

Iraq, during 1991-2003 saw some of the wrose sanctions put on any country on earth, including a no-fly zone.  Unfortunately, the world did not realize that Saddam's regime did not care about the people of Iraq.  So, whatever UN/US allowed Iraq to import/export was gulped by the regime and not a dinar trickled to the people.  The Iraqi regime, as a matter of fact created a big black market that only benefited Saddam and his henchmen, while thousands of Iraqis perished.

The times were so good for Saddam that he built some of his most spectacular palaces in that period which ended in 2003 with the US invasion.  And, I do not yet see any invasion to end IRI like Saddam.  So, someone tell me how IRI heads will suffer, as an example, when IranAir's planes crash and people die because of sanctions and the IRI heads reserve/rent the best planes for themselves.

I am not against sanctions, but it would help all of us to know how any sanction will hurt the IRI-heads and force a regime change.  You and I are sitting in our comfortable homes in the west and wishing the worst for the Iranian people.  Let's discuss them and form our own opinions instead of just agreeing with lobyists in D.C.  Instead of insulting each other, discuss each of the possible sanctions, and see if it will end in a quick death of IRI or slow bleeding of the Iranian people.

I will start the first controversial sanction that could bring a quick end to IRI.  The only sanction that may bring a QUICK end to IRI is a total blockade of Iranian oil exports which will cut the money to IRI and force them out just like what the oil strike did to the late Shah.

No chop suey, but I hear kaviar is being served in some circles because of the recent sanctions!


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

desire to go

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

back to Iran is a valid one. However many of US are prefectly able to go back anytime. Getting Iranian papers is not a problem for most of us. But we want to see Iran prosper.That is impossible with IRI. That is why some; not all of diaspora may support sanctions. Others like me who also want IRI gone are not big on sanctions.


AMIR1973

MOOSIRVAPIAZ: you could have fooled me

by AMIR1973 on

I dont support this regime

Really? Have you ever written an unkind word on Iranian.com against the entity which is the Number One killer of Iranian men, women, and children, or do you prefer instead to focus your criticism entirely on "neocons", "Zionists", and the like. How many Iranians have the Zionists killed? Give me an estimate.


Onlyiran

VPK is absolutely correct - we are not supporting sanctions

by Onlyiran on

I'm personally against it because I know that sanctions--at least the way they are now-- will only strengthen the regime.  The problem is that IRI's well organized and well funded propaganda machine calls everyone who doesn't follow their marching orders "pro-sanction", "pro-war", "Zionist", etc.  It's part of their well-organized propaganda effort, and one should only be retarded not to see right through the BS.    


MOOSIRvaPIAZ

i support rape and murder * laugh track *

by MOOSIRvaPIAZ on

good joke, VPK.

fooladi, dont kid yourself. you are the traitor and you know it. nice try with the defense mechanism though. I dont support this regime. you on the other hand, seem to love sanctions. you wouldnt mind seeing iranians suffer at the expense of your desire to go back to iran before your miserable life ends in exile. better luck next time.


fooladi

These sanctions must be hitting some hard in their pockets :)

by fooladi on

From ahmaghinezhad, to islamic regime's west residing cyber warrier brigade are barking like mad dogs, calling the rest of humanity "TRAITORS".  I think they must be worried about their next pay checks :)


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

MOOSIRvaPIAZ

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

You have a lot of nerve to talk. Most of us have not called for sanctions. Nor would USA listen to us if we did. If reminds me of an American "demanding" from me 30 years ago that the hostages be freed. I politely told him IRI was not taking orders from me. Note: USA does not take orders from Iranian diaspora.

However those like you sir who openly support rape and murder are a traitor. Your kind is already written as traitors. Make no mistake your kind and your gang's names are in history of nang right next to Salmane Farsi.

VPK


Veiled Prophet of Khorasan

Why

by Veiled Prophet of Khorasan on

 

do some people keep associating IRI with Iran. Here are a few simple facts. They should be obvious but I will repeat them. No more obfuscation; it is boring!

  • Iran is not the same as IRI.
  • Iran is not the same as Islam.
  • It is possible to hate IRI and love Iran.
  • It is possible to hate Islam and love Iran.
  • It is possible to oppose IRI and not belong to AIPAC.
  • It is possible to oppose IRI and Islam and also AIPAC. That would be me.

VPK


MOOSIRvaPIAZ

iranian not living in iran calling for sanctions...

by MOOSIRvaPIAZ on

are the biggest traitors to iran and they will be known for it in history books. how can they have the chutzpah to call for sanctions is beyond me...


maziar 58

Iranian for Iran

by maziar 58 on

YES INDEED ; Mr. Ala

But without the RAPIST REGIME.                

And their supporters.       thanks  Maziar


Niloufar Parsi

onlyaipac

by Niloufar Parsi on

what's the point of being neutral with traitors like you? you continue to spew your hatred against iran as you wish. but don't cry foul for being called a traitor.


Onlyiran

Sad...just sad - Niloufar anti-Parsi

by Onlyiran on

It's actually pretty good that this has happened.  You are doing away with the facade of neutrality that you had put up for yourself.  You're showing your true colors, which is rapist supporting, Iranian murderer supporting, Iranian oppressor supporting, IRI loving, IRI slave, IRI propagandist, dictator loving and dictator worshiping piece of trash that you are.

The only entity that is "attacking" Iranians is your beloved government, which is killing Iranians on the street, jailing them, torturing hem and murdering them.  And no amount of name calling and bogeyman diversionary tactics--which is a shameless regurgitation of IRI's play book for the past 31 years is going to take away from that fact.  Now, get your butt off the couch in the comfortable "west" and walk over to the IRI embassy.  You've done well.  It's time to pick up your "shirini".   


Niloufar Parsi

onlyaipac

by Niloufar Parsi on

don't get upset. traitors like you are what they are. you sit there cheering aipac and other american zealots on while they attack iran. you are only aipac.

Peace


Onlyiran

"onlyaipac"

by Onlyiran on

it's really sad that all IRI supporters can do is slander and attack people personally.  It just shows that you have no argument and nothing to say...just like the IRI...


Niloufar Parsi

onlyaipac

by Niloufar Parsi on

that's very kind of you, but as usual you got it totally wrong!

Peace


Onlyiran

Here NP, I corrected your comment

by Onlyiran on

seems like [IRI] politicians are total failures in managing their own country so they pick on others to make it look like they are doing something useful. let them sanction themselves out of the [world]  market. they will only worsen their own plight by making it harder for themselves and [Hamas and Hezbollah-their only allies] to do business freely.

Peace. 


Niloufar Parsi

seems like

by Niloufar Parsi on

american politicians are total failures in managing their own country so they pick on others to make it look like they are doing something useful. let them sanction themselves out of the iranian market. they will only worsen their own plight by making it harder for themselves and their allies to do business freely.

Peace


Ahura

Sanctions Bad for IRI Good for Iranians

by Ahura on

The Islamic Republic of Iran regime has killed more than half a million Iranians in prolonging the war with Iraq, has executed thousands of freedom seeking Iranians, has imposed inhumane Sharia laws on Iranians, has curtailed the freedom of speech, has enslaved the women, has destabilized the middle east by engaging in terrorist acts, has brainwashed Iranian youths with religious fanaticism, has plundered the oil revenues of the country, and has actively pursued nuclear weapons to prolong its reign of terror over Iranians. Without the slightest doubt IRI is the enemy of Iran, and unarmed freedom seeking Iranians are no match against the armed IRGC thugs and their ruthless mullah bosses who beat, rape, imprison, and execute them.

The simple reason that sanctions will be effective in loosening IRI’s grip on Iran is that the regime does not like it. It must deprive it from its source of income, alienate the masses who can see their plight because of IRI policies, and help opposition movement in Iran to overthrow this regime.

The Iranian expatriates must look beyond their petty business interests and stop supporting IRI now that there is a golden chance to help remove the regime by starving the beast.


Dariush The King

Wasn't that the whole point

by Dariush The King on

Wasn't that the whole point of the invasion.  Why try to negotiate with OPEC when a member can be invaded and all the oil needed could be sucked up for almost free. Who knows how many gallons are being pumped out?  That is the problem.

Perhaps Iran should twist some arms in the region and ask the international friends into some oil sanctions of their own. But that cannot be effective as long as oil is pumped out of Iraq.  Europe is much more vulnerable. It will collapse in less than a month and China will feel the pain too.  Iran should bank on Israeli aggression as they themselves free the political prisoners and reduce the tension in Iran.  Iraq is the key.


Mohammad Ala

Iranians for Iran.

by Mohammad Ala on

Iranians for Iran.  No one cares about us, we need to take care of ourselves and protect Iran.


default

As AlexInFlorida alludes

by Kaveh Parsa on

The aim of these sanctions is to give obama enough time to ensure that Islamic Republic Lite (Rafsanjani mafia) can take over and deliver what "Big Oil" needs.

Clinton's statement say: "We are committed to fully implementing this legislation in a manner that advances our multilateral dual-track strategy of engagement and pressure."

But there is no accounting for IR's own stupidity, and if the current mafia doesn't hand over to the preferred mafia, within an acceptable timeframe, then AlexInFlorida's prediction (i.e disintegration) becomes the next best option.

This is where the Iranian people have a unique window of opportunity to once and for all assert their will. Everything & everybody is against us on this, but we can acheive our aim by re-discovering our identity & traditions.

May god protect Iran


Darius Kadivar

FYI/Polona Demonstrates against IRI in China

by Darius Kadivar on

استقبال سبزهای لندن در فرودگاه هیترو از دو دختر انگلیسی که به تنهایی در چین روز 22 خرداد به پشتیبانی از جنبش سبز ایران روبروی سفارت جمهوری اسلامی در پکن تظاهرات کردند و بوسیله پلیس چین دستگیر شدند

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=sobg0XGsUG8&feature=player_embedded

Do You still Serve chop suey at the NIAC Cocktail Parties ? ...