1/ @jrezaian has both moral authority and on ground experience to speak to the effects or lack thereof of US sanctions on Iran. @MaloneySuzanne knows as much about Iran's economy as anyone in DC. But me, I've got me a twitter account, so here's my view:
2/ Sanctions have & will not "fundamentally alter Iranian behavior" (wapo.st/2SzYo0q), but neither will any US policy tools. At least not in a controlled, positive direction. And, as desirable as a better govt in Iran is, it's not the only way to secure core US interests.
3/ But @JZarif is wrong that sanctions don't change "policy" (cbsn.ws/2P148Ci). A well designed sanctions program, with tailored aims, can be successful in that, as was the case with #JCPOA.
4/ So, what sort of sanctions?
a. "Interdiction" sanctions that make it more difficult/expensive for entities we have problems with to do business we have problems with.
a. "Interdiction" sanctions that make it more difficult/expensive for entities we have problems with to do business we have problems with.
5/ and,
b. Broader sanctions with narrow aims that do not require Iran to do things that they think risk the country/regime.
thehill.com/opinion/intern…
b. Broader sanctions with narrow aims that do not require Iran to do things that they think risk the country/regime.
thehill.com/opinion/intern…
6/ If you find any of this interesting, check out @CarnegieEndow #DiploPod's "Sanctions 101" with @jrpsaki.
m.soundcloud.com/diplopod/sanct…
m.soundcloud.com/diplopod/sanct…
