No, No, No
October 1997
The Iranian
The vast majority of those on THE IRANIAN TIMES email list believe the United States' policy of economic sanctions against Iran is wrong. In previous surveys, members on the mailing list have agreed with the terrorism convictions against Iranian officials in connection with the Mykonos trial in Germany, and demanded greater individual freedoms from the new Khatami government.
In a survey sent to 4,190 members of the mailing list on 7 October, 91 percent of the respondents said "No" to the question: "Should the United States continue its current economic pressures against Iran?" Another 7.5 percent said "Yes" and 1.5 percent were undecided.
A total of 195 individuals responded to survey. More than 75 percent of those on the mailing list reside in the U.S. and more than 95 percent are Iranian or have Iranian parents. The following are all the comments received during the first 48 hours. Names and emails have not been posted except by request.
Opposed
EU's better approach
Economic opportunity & negotiations
Sanctions breed contempt
It don't work. Period.
Deal good for people
We're all pawns
Greater communication
Softer approach
Far cry from democracy
Common interests
Cooperation serves U.S. interests
U.S. laws unenforceable abroad
Who benefits? Xenophobes
Trade brings peace
U.S. has become spoiled
Resolution requires dialogue
Direct dialogue
Create Hot Line
Wrong time
Sanctions' opposite results
Worse human rights cases
Got and see the hardships
Terrorism: Stereotype
U.S. does not control the world
Hostage to Israeli lobby
Why?
Promoting positive dialogue
Sanctions create an excuse
No Khatami endorsement
No one's perfect
Change not overnight
Focus on the government
Double-standards
Cautious approach
Proven useless
Government seems to be learning
Give Khatami a chance
Communication Age
Letter campaign
Also, Leave Persian Gulf
Access to Central Asia
Take care of your own business
Human rights used as a tool
Need real pressure
For people's sake
Trade will help
Same as China, Russia
Rich richer
Hurting the innocent
Disasterous policy
People suffering, not government
Only if things could change
Make life easier
France is right
Excuse for hardliners
Hope to improve ties
Least effect on government
Not within U.S. jurisdiction
Imposed by Isreal
Iraq and Cuba
Blaming Jews
Grow up!
Accomodate new government
Too much, too bad
Who the hell...?
Support
Concrete change first
Force compromise
Rafsanjani generated optimism too
Moderate relative to what?
Hit where it hurts
Stopping terrorism
Undecided
Impose sanctions if...
Promises not kept
We're all pawns
I truly believe in Darwin's theory of survival. As it is apparent, we are all pawns in the hands of the greater powers. As long as we can serve the economic or political interests of the US, the US will bend over backwards to make deals with opposition groups against the regime in Iran.
As soon as a breeze of moderation is felt from Iran, the US government abandons all loyalty to people or groups it was supporting. The US government is so cruel and inhumane that it only plays with people who may serve its interest in the short or medium term.
I think that sanctions and whatever the US government claims it is doing to fight Iran is just a game. Unfortunately, we are so naive and gullible that we keep on trusting the US and forget or ignore all the inhumane acts they have done.
Sanctions or no sactions, the US will eventually make mends with Iran at innocent people will pay the price.
Thank you,
Golnar Mahmoudi
GolnarM@NBK.com
Same as China, Russia
I think the US should apply the policy it has toward China, Russia, South Korea, etc. to Iran as well. Iran is a huge, resourceful country, and can be a good useful trade partner.
Wrong time
The United States' containment policy has not resulted in what it was inteded for. It is a bankrupt policy to isolate the largest and most influential country in the Persian Gulf, especially at a time that Iran's new government appears to be ready for a constructive dialogue with the U.S.
The U.S. government should not miss this window of opportunity and re-evaluate its policy toward Iran.
Disasterous policy
The U.S. policy toward Iran and Cuba is a disaster. Since Iranians elected a democratic president (relatively), the U.S. should open dialogue with Iran.
Common interests
It is time to look past the rhetoric and at Iran's objective interests, which have much in common with US interests.
Iran should strengthen ties with Central Asian states to contain Afghan religious fanaticism and develop resource transportation facilities fro Central Asian oil and other goods; it should join the emerging US-Turkish-Israeli axis, a useful bulwark against Iraqi expansionism; it should return gradually to the role it was developing in the 1970's as the guardian of stability in the Persian Gulf.
No one's perfect
I think the U.S. should stop all sanctions against Iran. Iran and Iranians should not be continuously be associated with terrorism and human rights abusers. Those who think their government is perfect in every case should take a second look.
Why?
Why can't everyone live in peace?
Too much, too bad
US wants nothing except gaining her own interests in our country again. Iran is improving; so too much presure will have a negative result.
Government seems to be learning
It seems to me the sanctions are counterproductive at best. The sanctions tend to weaken the whole country if they are successful (thank God they are not!).
On the other hand, Iran has shown that it is comprised of many forces and its government has the potential to change for the better. The old revolutionary fervor seems to be dying and realities are setting in. The Iranian government seems to be learning.
Iran andthe US should gradually and carefuly establish a more amiable relationship, and do away with the old political rhetoric. Otherwise, the threat of a showdown in the Persian Gulf will always have a high likelihood. A cold war, or worse yet, a bloody confrontation is to no one's benefit.
Least effect on government
It is not a matter of government, moderate or fundumentalist or whatever. It has been proved that only the Iranian people suffer from the sanction.
So enforcing a sanction will put more pressure on the people while it has the least effect on the government since the US is alone in pursuing these types of policies.
Ashkan Alavi University of Wisconsin-Madison Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory
Force compromise
I believe that the US should not move away from its current policy on Iran and should impose even harsher sanctions to force the Iranian leadership into compromise.
Moderate relative to what?
Although the reason U.S. has adopted this policy is not Iran's poor record on human rights (even if they claim otherwise), lifting of sanctions will strengthen the regime's grip on Iran. Call the new government a moderate if you wish, but moderate relative to what?! There are still journalists disappearing everyday in Iran.
Rafsanjani generated optimism too
Lifting sanctions and improving relations between the U.S. and Iran are desirable and worthy goals, but the process is a two-way street !
IF the Iranian government moderates its actions, then all sorts of things can happen, otherwise nothing will change. Let us not forget that Rafsanjani's election was also accompanied by the same wave of optimism only to be dashed by the regime's continued use of terror both inside and outside the country, culminating in the ruling of the German court in the Mykonos trial in Germany.
Hit where it hurts
The only way to put the mullahs under pressure; is to hit them where it hurts, i.e in their pocket.
Stopping terrorism
This is a terrorist regime that must be stopped.
Too early to lighten up
It's too early to lighten up significantly. Khatami may be a good guy, but his power is limited. He is especially limited by the regime's lack of internal discipline.
Even if he can change policies at the top for the better, it is likely that radical elements will simply ignore him.
Promises not kept
I don't have any idea what the right strategy toward the Islamic government is. All I know is that Khatami's promises of a more moderate system were not held when I went to Iran this summer.
I faced a way stricter controlling policy than I ever did before.
Concrete change first
I think it is yet too soon to judge the new government. Although their views appear to be more moderate, I think it is necessary to first see what concrete actions are taken to change existing policies, and what positive changes will be made for Iran's minorities (women, Baha'i's, etc.) at home and abroad.
Kristin Aileen Motlagh Web Designer/Graphic Artist
//www.wam.umd.edu/~motlaghs
kmotlagh@geocities.com
kristin.motlagh@mci.com
Need real pressure
I think the US should revise its policy, not because there is any so-called moderate Iranian government but because sanctions are not working against the regime.
The need is for some real pressure on the government of Iran to civilize itself.
Blaming Jews
The only reason America is economically pressuring Iran, is because Iran is a predominantly Muslim country. I believe that it would be completely unnecessary to tell you that the American government, and media hates Muslims.
The truth lies within America's actions. Why do you think their is such an unfair bias toward all countries with Islam as their predominant religion? The answer: the Jews who play a major role in the government, and the Jewish media.
I blame the Jews who run this country for many of the hardships, that not only Iran has to face, but other Muslim countries as well. I can't even talk enough about the Jewish media.
It is not a habit of mine to generalize groups of anything. However, I have to say that based on their actions, and presenting America a different side, far from the truth; they are the scum of the earth.
Nonetheless, America must stop acting as God, and keep its nose out of everything. They don't care about "world peace, and safety." Only a fool would believe that. All America (and I do mean the American government, and media, and in no way whatsoever America as a whole, just to clarify myself) cares about is whether they get their oil, and how cheaply they can get it. Thank you.
Accomodate new government
Every effort should be made to accomodate the new government in Iran.
Double-standards
1) If it is about human rights, why isn't Saudi Arabia punished and instead, is the best US ally?!
2) If it is for nuclear weapons and terrorism, why isn't Israel punished for trying to assasinate her opponents and holding nuclear weapons?
3) And last but not least, isn't it the same US who opposed the Arab embargo against Israel 25 years ago and said Arabs have no right to extend their law to the US? They even penalized companies who conformed with the Arab sanctions against Israel.
Trade brings peace
Voltaire wrote that with trade comes peace. Economic liberalization will surely lead to a compromise on Iran's record of human rights violations.
America doesn't need to become a stick in the mud when it comes to economic prosperity. Besides, our hypocritical American government doesn't seem to mind doing business with China, and their human rights record is abominable!
Mesbah Motamed
Student
mudflap@mail.utexas.edu
Who benefits? Xenophobes
US sanctions have a negative impact from both the US and Iranian perspectives. In the short term, sanctions play into the hand of the xenophobic and reactionary political circles within Iran, and tie the hands of the pragmatists. In the long term they further alienate the popular culture and socio-political aspirations of Iranian society.
As a weathervane country in the Middle East and the Muslim world, the way the US interacts with Iran, really speaks to how the US is engaging the populace of the whole region. A populace dominated by a youth in search of their own identity, both intrigued by and untrusting of the West.
The evidence is inconclusive at best regarding the effectiveness of sanctions in "changing the behavior" of the Iranian government, but it is pretty clear what it does to the psyche of this and future Iranian generations.
Impose sanctions if...
The US government should make an effort to explore the possibilities for a more constructive relationship with Khatami. It should give the Khatami government a chance to show its willingness to put into effect some real changes in the areas of human rights and foreign affairs.
If it proves to be the case that Khatami either does not intend to bring about genuine changes in these areas or is prevented from doing so by hardline groups and institutions, then the US might be justified in trying to mobilize support for economic sanctions.
Sanctions breed contempt
Although it is important to fight against the human rights abuses and otherwise restrictive regieme of modern Iran, economic sanctions have not proven to be the path to accomplish this goal.
Rather, the deteriating Iranian economy - in great part due to the U.S. sanctions - is strengthening the government's control over the people, while allowing the growth of contempt for the US.
The international community needs to engage in a more productive manner of pressuring the Iranian government to mend its ways, without starving the innocent citizens to death.
Softer approach
Considering the new political climate in Iran, especially among the youth, a softer approach based on dialogue particularly on human rights issues would be more fruitful.
International pressure exerted through legitimate requests is shown to be a productive way to deal with the Iranian government. One encouraging example is the fate of Faraj Sarkouhi whose life, I believe, was saved by applying this policy.
All oppressive regimes need an external enemy to put every failure on its shoulder. It is the right time to deprive the Iranian government of having such an opportunity.
Worse human rights cases
I really believe that the majority of the Iranian people abroad oppose US economic sanctions against Iran. Let me ask all my fellow Iranians some questions if I can.
1. Do we deserve to have an independent Iran - free from all foreign influences? 2. Could Iranians themselves decide their own destiny? 3. Do our people deserve a better economic prosperity? 4. Do we have enough talents both inside Iran and abroad to make a difference? 5. Are we proud to be Iranians? You better believe it. 6. Has US economic sanction against Cuba, Iraq, and Libya been a failure? My answer to all of those questions is "YES." I also like to give you my perspective of what is going on with America and its foreign policy.
I have been living in America for more than half of my life. I was raised and educated in this country and like all of you, I have been productive member of its society. As you know Iranians are among the most educated minorities in the US. Have you ever heard any official publicly announce what Iranians have contributed to science, medicine, and.... I have not heard anything but "IRAN BASHING" since the 1979 revolution.
America has used a "My Way or No Way" policy for many years. A lot of developing countries, due to limited resources, are dependent on America's goods and services. So America is influencing their internal affair, whether they want it or not.
For those of you who think America is pressuring Iran because of lack of human rights, terrorism, and construction of nuclear power and... let me remind you of the following: there are countries with worse human rights violations but they are also the best business partners with America (China, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, UAE, Algeria, Nigeria... )
Yes. I also mentioned terrorism and nuclear power. It was only two nights ago when agents of Israel,America's closest ally, were assigned to assassinate Hamas leaders in Jordan. What country in the Middle East has nuclear and atomic bomb capabilities in the region? You guessed it right, Israel.
America with these double standards is loosing its credibility among governments in the world. So do you agree with me that America with its "Red Neck" mentality does not care about Iranian human rights? I hope you are convinced.
I am not writing this for "America Bashing." On the contrary, I have a lot of American friends and consider them to be very friendly people. I lived with many of them through college, and I appreciate everything they have done for me. Also, I believe in the First Amendment [of the U.S. Constitution] and I believe if things are not working in this country such as its foreign policy, it needs to be brought to the surface.
A couple of months ago our people were shouting for a change in Iran. As the United Nations observed the election in Iran, they reported that more 90% of eligible voters in Iran voted and majority of them voted for Mr. Khatami. We need to support our people's decision and we also need to give Mr. Khatami a chance to perform. All opinions are welcome. please email to fsadeghi@ix.netcom.com
Grow up!
Firstly the USA is acting like a little spoiled brat who cries every time it doesn't get what it wants! GROW UP!
Secondly, the USA is not the Iranian people! We will do what WE want with our goverment and it's none of anyone's business whether it's moderate or not. They want to trade fine, they don't want to trade fine too; we know there are others who are more than willing to trade with us and at the same time will respect us and do not interfere in our affairs.
Oh and what's all this terrorist business? We support resistance fighters. People fighting for their land. Under international law it is clearly stated that fighting for your land can be done under any means what so ever!
I think the US goverment is the one which needs to moderate its interference in other people's govts before it gets another 'IN THE FACE' from another nation.
Whoever is making US policy needs a reality check because they are walking on thin ice.
Zende baad Iran!!!!!
Sultan
Focus on the government
Any action targetted against the Iranian people cannot work. The people of Iran are not fools. If Americans or anybody else really care for the people and human rights they should avoid any action that can lead to suffering of the Iranian people.
These kinds of actions can only have the supports of those who live abroad or have enough protection inside Iran (less than 1% of Iranians).
Those who want to oppose the IRI system should concentrate on it itself. The damage caused by the Mykonos trial in Germany or the activities of those such as Faraj Sarkouhi, Abbas Ma'roufi, Abdolkarim Soroush, etc., are hundred times more effective than U.S. economic pressures.
As a matter of fact, it seems the sanctions only serve the IRI to mobilize its forces and make them stronger and stronger. In today's Iran, there are many who think Americans or Israelis actually favor the IRI system. Their logic is that the Americans and Israelis give the IRI the best excuses for internal propaganda!
For people's sake
Current U.S. economic pressures should be stopped for the sake of Iranian people. It has nothing to do with moderate or consevative nature of the government in our beloved country. It has always been a burden on poeple's shoulders not the government's.
Not within U.S. jurisdiction
United States can apply its laws only within its own jurisdiction and is not entitled to punish other countries for doing business with Iran.
Iran needs economic development. Without economic improvements there will be little social progress in Iran. Mr. Khatami is the legitimate president of Iran and has been selected by the Iranian masses. And sanctions against his government amount to direct sanctions on the Iranian masses.
Don't understand Iranians
U.S economic pressure against Iran won't result in an effective change in Iran policy on terrorism and human rights. This kind of pressure only affects people's economic life.
Iraq has been under international economic pressur since 1990 but its government has not been damaged effectively. As a matter of fact these pressures have destroyed only the lives of the Iraqi people. I believe that U.S politicians don't understand the Iranian people. People in Iran believe that their troubles are theirs and no country can and/or wants to help them. This fact has been obvious during the last two centuries.
I have an idea for those who want to help the people in Iran: the best way is to improve social, economic and political conditions. If this is realized ,the government's behavior will modify.
It is seems that the new goverment of Iran is better at least at face value. We hope it will direct its diplomacy toward a suitable solution.
Iraq and Cuba
Sanctins never have the desired effect. For example, look at Iraq and Cuba.
Hope to improve ties
Economic sanctions have not worked in the past and will not work in the future. I hope the Clinton Administration finds a better policy to improve the relationship between Iran and the US.
France is right
France's objections about the United States trying to enforce its own laws in the global theater are also valid.
Hurting the innocent
Sanctions will only hurt the innocent citizens of Iran. The ruling class will never be affected by such economic arm twisting since they'll off load the negative impact unto the people.
Cooperation serves U.S. interests
Unilateral sanctions don't work. Constructive engagement and diplomacy are more effective than hostility.
Our national interest can be advanced by recognizing Iran's positive role in promoting peace and economic cooperation in the region. Our economic interests are harmed by unilateral exclusion from Iranian markets and by policies which discourage cooperation with Iran.
Bradley J. Hernlem, Ph.D.
alihernlem@hotmail.com
Proven useless
In numerous studies done relating to trade sanctions it has been concluded that only the innocent people of the sanctioned country(ies) suffer and those who are in power and controlling the country gain from others' misery.
EU's better approach
First of all, economic sanctions are not warranted in dealing with Iran. It simply places additional restraints in improving Iran's relations with the West, including the US.
In my opinion improved economic ties, as the Europeans are attempting, is more likely to modify the Iranian goverment's actions at home and abroad. The current unilateral sanctions imposed on Iran, even though they are backed by punitive threats against third parties, have been tested by Total SA and proven to be without substance.
This paves the way for future non-US, in particular European, firms entering negotiations with Iran, knowing that US is unwilling to risk confrontation with the EU over a flawed policy.
Kourosh Parham
parham@neuron.uchc.edu
Human rights used as a tool
I do not agree with sanctions. Sanctions are a behaviour of giant countries who are losing political , economic benefits in the X,Y and Z countries. It is the behaviour of giant countries to make X,Y and Z countries politically, militerally, culturally and econimically dependent.
It seems to me human rights issues are becoming tools for these giant countries to pressure X,Y and Z countries to reach their unrelated humanitarian goals. Looking into the last 60 years, Iranians have not had a government that really cares for them. The interests of outsiders were more important than the Iranian people.
Iranians have been exploited by foreign countries ( British, Soviets, French, etc.) who supported the only government who can gurantee their interest. If we are true Iranians, we should work toward an independent Iran. This is done by eliminating foreign influences by selecting a genuine, trustworthy and independent governemnt that can support individual freedoms, integrity and the human rights of the Iranian people. Lets find that governemnt.
Deal good for people
Regardless of what we think about repressive internal policies of the present regime in Iran, this gas deal will prove beneficial for the financial betterment of our country and our people.
The only individuals who oppose it regard their own personal agenda higher than those of their supposed motherland.
Sanctions' opposite results
By antagonizing the IRI government, the US is providing an environment that benefits the fanatics and hurts the moderate forces in Iran.
In effect, the current policy is self-defeating. By giving a free rein to the extremists, it is prolonging the agressive policies and poor human rights record that it's supposed to fight.
Communication Age
The U.S. efforts and resources should be aimed at promoting democracy and human rights throughout the world, including Iran and the Middle East. Hence, it is imperative that "constructive communication" strategies and "mutual respect" become operative at both domestic and international levels.
Unfortunately, it appears that most politicians still subscribe to the old-fashioned notion of "gunboat diplomacy" or "force" rather than to "peaceful" means. Have they forgotten that this is the "communication age" not the "dark age?"
Cautious approach
I believe that the United States should employ a cautious approach toward Iran.
Khatami may be moderate when compared to others; but he is a "son" of the revolution. It must be remembered that Rafsanjani was hailed as a moderate too. But in effect he continued the reign of terror against Iranians both in and out of Iran.
Still it is possible that through direct approach with Iran, greater influence and moderation may be realized. Therefore, I believe that a gradual lifting of the economic sanctions may be in order.
U.S. laws unenforceable abroad
Whether the U.S. chooses to continue with its economic embargo against Iran or not is unclear. What is clear however is that the U.S. will not be able to enforce its laws outside the US borders.
Direct dialogue
I strongly believe that the hostile and irrational U.S. policy toward Iran must be changed and a direct diologue should be started immediately to reduce the tension in the Persian Gulf as well as the rest of the world, and also to resolve the outstanding issues between the two imporatnt countries.
Iran has stated so many times that it is willing to normalize relations with every country in the world that respects her independence and soverinty.
As far as the unilateral sanctions go, one must be really blind not to see that they have not and will not work, in fact they only hurt the U.S. companies and keep them out of the huge market in Iran. Moreover, they have had little effect in modifying Iran's rogue policies.
What will change the Iranian government behavior is constructive engagement and a healthy relationship. A good example is China and Vietnam, especially as a moderate president has been elected by a vast majority of dissatisfied Iranians.
Promoting positive dialogue
It is high time the Iranian/American community showed its political will and petitioned the American government to engage in a positive dialogue with the Iranian government.
Where does it say the US policy in the Middle East should always be dictated by the views of AIPAC (American Isreal Political Action Commitee )?
U.S. does not control the world
I think the US should realize that it does not control the world. Each and every country has its own government perfectly capable of making decisions on who to deal with and who not to deal with. A dictator is a dictator, in any uniform, color or shape. No one likes a dictator.
It's fantastic to see that countries like Russia and France make this known to the rest of the world. Too many countries do not have the balls to stand up to the US and tell the US government to mind its own business.
Economic opportunity & negotiations
The hard-line stand against Iran feeds the hardliners in both sides with more ammunition, and reduces the chance of any softening in either party's positions.
The U.S. knows full well that Iran as a country that has been going through a revolution has had to adjust itself. This adjustment has been most painful to Iran and Iranians, the rest of the world has suffered as well to a lesser degree. The end result, however, will be a better world community.
How long it will take us to get there, depends on our mutual understanding of our differences, and our unique challenges. You can't take from Iran what it does not have, and hurt it. Iran for a long time has been out of the world market, so any small deal with a European company is a victory for it; i.e. Iran does not feel the pain of its absence from the world market as it should; i.e. the sanctions are not as painful as we here in the west think they are.
Compare that to China which is actively taking part in the world economy, and think how painful it would be for it, each time the US talks about increasing the import tariffs on Chinese goods. In the same way once Iran has starts tasting the sweetness of being a partner in the world economy, we can bring it to the negotiating table for any issue, with the threat of sanctions. Now Iran does not have what you are not giving it. So it will take a very long time before we achieve any results.
Those who think Khatami's election was a result of the embargo, are far from the realities of life in post-revolutionary Iran. The effects of the sanctions are mostly economic. Khatami was not elected because of a great economic platform (in fact he had no economic platform to talk about); he was elected because of his stand on cultural and legal issues.
Economic sanction against Iran is a bad idea, and it achieves no purpose but to increase the animosity between the two great nations. It is time we took a hard objective look at the problems between us, and attempt to resolve them.
Give Khatami a chance
One should give this new moderate government a chance to prove itself.
U.S. has become spoiled
It is amazing to see that after only five decades of being the world's most prominent hegemony, the United States has become very spoiled and self-serving. They feel that their policies are the best, in every way, shape, and form.
People who beg to differ with their ideas, whether they be about their policy toward Iran, or their policy toward the Palestinian Peace Process, are either ignored, persecuted, or ridiculed.
The United States will soon have to realize that their opinion is not the only opinion that sports meaning, and that they need to respect the ideas of people all over the world in order to live in harmony with others.
Siyavash Sharp
Ordibehesht@digicron.com
Who the hell...?
Marg bar Aamreekaa. Who the hell are they to impose or depose ANY sanctions against Iran?!?!!? They want to play god.....and we as a People shall have nothing to do with it. Remember: Iran holds the upper hand: NAFT! (petroleum!) Amreekaa is in NO position to be dictating Our economic activities!!!!!!! AAREZOO BAR JAVAANAAN EIB NIST
$eyyed $ina HRCman1@aol.com
Terrorism: Stereotype
I think that this is all child's play. Iran will get through with deals with other countries. The U.S. doesn't have the right to interfere. The claim that these deals will fund terrorism are all false. The idea of terrorism in Iran is more of a stereotype rather than reality.
The country of Iran should be equal to that of the U.S. Just like the U.S., Iran should be able to decide who it wants to trade with. In that case the U.S. shouldn't be able to trade (by President Clinton's terms) with any country. It can be argued that the U.S. directly supports the CIA, its own form of terrorism.
Take care of your own business
Who elected the US as the world's watchdog? If the US government is so able it should sort out its own internal problems before imposing its will on other nations!
Greater communication
Putting sanctions on a country, up to a certain extent, may strain their economic flow, which in turn may call for political reform. Although the US needs to realize that its "economic pressures" on Iran are utterly worthless if other major trading countries (in this case being France, Russia, and Mayalsia) are still going to continue to trade with Iran.
The current U.S. economic "sanctions" on Iran are not working anyway, because American goods are leaving and entering the country daily by Iranian intermediaries that conduct commerce in Dubai.
Nevertheless, revising U.S.-Iranian relations will bring out into the public the failure of the U.S. policy toward Iran, causing the U.S. to possibly reform its policies with what it calls "rogue" states.
Calling for a more open relationship between the two countries, these revisions can only be a step toward greater communication between the two countries that I am proud to be citizens of.
Sara R. Zamani, 17 years old
azman@jps.net
Go and see the hardship
As an Iranian-American with all of my family living in Iran, I think sanctions brings nothing except poverty for the common people,i.e. my family, in Iran. It makes a selected few supper rich. It does very little if any to pressure the government of Iran to bring about change. It rather gives pretext to the government to blame everything on outside forces. If you have any doubts, just look at Cuba's experience for the last 30 years.
Maybe it's time for Iranians who are advocating sanctions, to take a trip back home and see the conditions that Iranians in Iran have to live in and the pressures they have to deal with on a daily basis. Maybe they should visit some of the hospitals and talk to some of the patients who have to wait many months for a simple operation.
One quick look at Senator D'Amato who has sponsored this bill reveals his real intention for writing this bill. Yes my friends, D'Amato does not care for Iran or Iranians. last thing we want is to let the U.S government dictate and intrepret international trade laws and other countries' foreign policy.
Create Hot Line
US has to open a communication channel with Iran ASAP, which for the benefit of both administrations it should be on very low profile in the beginning.
The agenda for this communication channel (or Hot Line ) would be to discuss and plan future official contacts, understanding each others' real positions ( beyond the usual slogans ) and avoiding any potential confrontation.
I expect a clash at the Persian Gulf in very near future due to miscommunications. This incident would start by a spark. A US marine would fire an unauthorized warning shot at an Iranian gunboat, and it fires back with an RPG-7 killing or wounding him and then the Americans kill the basiji in the boat and......you write your own conclusion.
All I know is that there are enough zealots in both Iranian and US governments who would love such a scenario. However the US administration should be wiser that them. By openning a direct Hot Line not only such incidents could be avoided but also more good would come out of it.
Letter campaign
How about a letter campaign to END THE SANCTIONS?
Rich richer
The sanction have not worked; only the poor suffer; the rich get by with no suffering.
Excuse for hardliners
The US sanctions against the IRI only isolates the US among Iranians regardless of their political views. The sanctions provide an excuse to hardliners in the IRI (who are secretely affiliated to British Conservative politcians and the CIA) to repress progressive forces of Iran as pro-American agents and individuals.
US friends have always been dictators and traitors. CIA and American politicians cannot deal with democratic states. Any democacy in the world should be punished to give way for American expansionism.
The US and UK have always collected information about democratic and popular states and individuals and have sold them to dictators and oppressors. The last one was selling Tudeh Party of Iran to the IRI (Dr Saiid Rahnema).
Dr Asghar Abdi
Birmingham, UK
asghar@btinternet.com
Resolution requires dialogue
Can this information be made available to our elected officials? Who better to counsel Washington with regard to its relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran than Iranian-Americans?
By not providing Washington with our viewpoint, we forfeit our voice and contribution to the future developments between both countries. Let's remember to remind Washington, that conflict resolution requires dialogue.
It don't work. Period.
Sanctions do not work on Iran. Period. This is not 1953 when the Iranian economy wasn't well integrated with the world economy and where almost all countries participated in the boycott. This is 1997 and Iran has made both the EU and Japan dependent on its oil, and soon also on its gas. One cannot isolate Iran and one shouldn't even try.
To see Iranians call for sanctions is, in my eyes, as big of a treason as Mojahedin's siding with Iraq during the war. For us to sit in the West and try to create democracy in Iran by naively and egoistically starve our people to death is outrageous. Those in Iran know that they are the only ones to suffer from the sanctions, the regime will go unharmed.
Especially now after the election of Khatami, the least rational step would be to call for sanctions. Improvments have occured and there are many indications on that more are to come. Yet many claim that nothing has changed in Iran. I strongly disagree.
For instance, we have held elections in our country, and although they weren't democratic (due to the GC), they were seen as legitimate enough by our people that 90% of them (!) chose to participate in them. And the result was an astounding no to the radicals.
Furthermore, according to the lawyer of Faraj Sarkoohi, a women and a harsh critic of the regime by the name of Ebadi, the relatively soft verdict on Sarkoohi was due to Khatami's persnal intervention. Had Nateq Nouri won the elections, Sarkoohi would have been in a much worse situation, according to Ebadi.
Now if that isn't an improvment, a STEP in the right direction, then what is? We are moving in the right direction and we shouldnt sabotage this. If we call for too much too quickly time, we will end up getting nothing.
Now that our brave people back in Iran have fought and defeated Khamenei, we shouldn't punish them by calling for sanctions. We should lobby for increased efforts in OPENING Iran up, not closing it.
Remember that Khamenei rather see sanctions than engagement, it is radicals like him that fear and prohibit satellite dishes that "infiltrate" the "pure" Islamic state he dreams of. They know that they dont have a chance remain in power if Iran gets open; politically AND economically.
We are a group of individuals that do work for the opening up Iran; dialogue, trade and engagement. You can reach us at: //www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Lobby/3725/
Trita Parsi
Stockholm School of Economics
m74tp80t@students.su.se
Also, leave Persian Gulf
U.S. army should go away from Persion Gulf also.
Make life easier
I am not really concerned about the politics behind the sanctions. I just think that the recent oil and gas deal and, hopefully, similar deals might make the economic situation, and therefore life, easier for the people in Iran.
People suffering, not government
I am not sure if Iran is supporting terrorism, and if they do that's not the Iranian people who are supporting terrorism. However, it's the Iranian people who are being punished by American sanctions.
Change not overnight
US should give Khatami a chance; things don't change overnight.
Imposed by Isreal
This is not the policy of the US Government, it is a policy imposed on US politicians by the Israeli lobby.
Far cry from democracy
I don't necessarily believe that "normal" trade relations with the US would be a good option for Iran. Normalized relations or trade with the US would require a very tricky balancing act on the part of the Iranian government--especially given the aggressive history of the US with respect to Iran, in the region and with other nations in general.
My issue with sanctions against Iran is the hypocrisy with which these supposedly "moral" policies are implemented by the US. If the issue is human rights abuses or state sponsorship of terrorism, then a great many nations should be subject to economic sanctions, including some of the most prominent US allies.
The US, it seems, feels more comfortable in a relationship where it can push its weight around, and make unilateral decisions that have international impact--as evident in the Helms-Burton Act and the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which are extraterritorial attempts at imposing US laws on third parties. This is a far cry from democracy.
Hostage to Israeli lobby
It has become painfully obvious that American foreign policy continues to be hostage to powerful Israeli lobby in Washington. It is becoming more and more difficult to find any interest or concern other than those of the State of Israel in the Middle East to explain the harshness and intensity of American policy toward Iran at the present time.
To continue the economic pressure will only result in a justification for the hard liners in Iran's ruling regime to repress and push back any resurgence of modernism and pragmatism in Iran's political future. Furthermore, the administration elected by a phenomenal lanslide will be shut down before it has a chance to deliver the political, economic and social reforms that are supposedly championed by the American Way of Life!
The idea that imposing economic shortages on Iranian society will somehow result in the submission of the ruling mullahs to western style governance or that it will cause the people of Iran to question the regime and possibly revolt against it is as far away from reality than the so called League of Iranian-American Voters is from being a true representative of voters of Iranian origin in this country.
Based on my first hand experience from several visits to Iran in the past few years, the regime and its military/political programs or the lifestyle of the ruling class will not feel the effects of the current sanctions. To make the long story short, the jet fighters, tanks, military technology and the late model Mercedes Benz automobiles will be bought first and the basic needs of the public will be considered second! And the shortage will then be masterfully blamed on the Great Satan and the vicious sanctions imposed by him!
I think that United States policymakers should take a realistic step back and shut off the Israeli lobby long enough to realize that the government of Iran has no interest in destabalizing the Persian Gulf since it needs the oil revenues more than anyone in that region. Furthermore, any intervention that may be practiced by the official or unofficial Iranian sources in the Palestinian conflict is the direct result of the current void of backbone and leadership in the Arab world. Until and unless the aspirations and pride of the Arab masses are ignored and traded off by spineless and corrupt leaders, there will always be room for radicalism in that region.
Constructive engagement with Iran will result in positive changes in and outside of Iran. Let's all be realistic.
Only if things could change
In general economical pressure only works when there is a possibility to [change] current status. It is only the people who suffer not the government.
Sanctions create an excuse
I think economic sanctions punish the Iranian people and not their government. If anything, they give the government an excuse for the awful state of their economy and allow them to avoid the blame for the consequences of their own disastrous economic policies.
Economic sanctions against Iran should be dropped.
Access to Central Asia
I believe that sanctions should be lifted. In addition, I might add that it is more than likely that both Iran and the U.S. have fallen victim to a policy to deprive the U.S. of access to Central Asia via Iran, or at least this is how events seem to be progressing.
Leonard Clapp
lclapp@delanet.com
No Khatami endorsement
Your survey limits the reason for a "No" answer as an endorsement of the Khatami government as a moderate. We need to keep in mind that Khatami is governing only because the rule of "Velayat-e Faqih" has made it possible for him to be considered for the presidency. People's vote is only secondary to the formerly mentioned rule.
Trade will help
I agree that by increasing the middle class in Iran, democracy will grow. There is no need for blood shedding or making the common Iranian more miserable. Peace and trade will help Americans and Iranians. No need for civil war and/or another revolution!
Pake Parsi, M.D.
PParsi@aol.com
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