“Iran Sanctions are Counterproductive,” an op-ed by our very own Laicie Olson, appeared yesterday in the East Texas Review.
Highlights posted below, or check out the complete article at ETR.
Rushing to pass unilateral gasoline sanctions may send the signal that the United States is no longer interested in engagement. If sanctions become necessary to increase international pressure on Iran, multilateral sanctions targeted at the Iranian leadership and Guard Corps would be more effective.
If Congress ultimately passes unilateral gasoline sanctions this year, Ahmadinejad would have a convenient excuse for delaying negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program and continuing to stifle dissent. Are these counterproductive outcomes worth it just so a few members of Congress can go home and brag to their constituents that they are “doing something” about Iran?
Leadership isn’t about doing something. It’s about doing the right thing.
