Vice President Cheney announced enhanced sanctions against Iran
Our government is at it again. It seems that President Bush has been convinced that he is the only one in a position to stop Iran from furthering its nuclear programs. In a widely anticipated move the Vice President Dick Cheney announced enhanced sanctions against Iran stating that the US would freeze assets of banks and a few individuals. Additionally any individual, company or country “doing business” with Iran would suffer the same sanctions and be prohibited from doing business with America and the US financial institutions.
For some reason our government thinks that threatening something it cannot deliver will do any good. Perhaps our government could take a lesson from Sheriff Buford, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” We speak loudly and try to bitch slap someone to make others think we have a big stick. Perhaps buying a fancy sports car for our President and Vice President would be more effective.
Germany, imports 1 percent of its oil from Iran, and France, gets 6 percent, Italy and Japan would be taking the largest hits. The assessment is considered internally "an initial -- first blush -- estimate based on each country's overall volume of exports to Iran, dependence on Iranian oil and degree of investment in Iran oil projects," according to the Treasury memo.
Japan exports nearly $1.3 billion worth of goods to Iran, has nearly $2 billion worth of oil projects there and gets about 12 percent of its oil from the country, which is approximately equivalent to what the United States buys from Saudi Arabia. Italy buys 9 percent of its oil from Iran, and has $3.2 billion in oil investments in the country and $2.7 billion worth of exports to Iran.
I can assure you that these countries will not impose sanctions. I can also indicate without a doubt that China and Russia will not interrupt trade with Iran. Thus our government has told us that we will no longer import goods from Russia. Italian shoes and fashion will no longer be available at Saks and Nordstrom. The only Caviar available will be smuggled and French wines will be stopped in the ports.
Many friends ask me why Europeans have such low esteem of the United States and its foreign policy. It is actions like these that just leave the Europeans chuckling. The perception is that America wants to be a bully but then cowers in the corner when confronted.
We need to build credibility. It is not about making friends as the Democrats would say, it is about thinking about the consequences and whether or not what we say can actually be done and that there is the will to do something.
Our President needs to cool his jets. We do not need to be spouting off. If the world feels that Iran is a problem then the rest of the world needs to take the lead and we can support them.
Tags: Government Politics Iran Corporate America Finance Government Economy Reaganomics
For some reason our government thinks that threatening something it cannot deliver will do any good. Perhaps our government could take a lesson from Sheriff Buford, “Speak softly and carry a big stick.” We speak loudly and try to bitch slap someone to make others think we have a big stick. Perhaps buying a fancy sports car for our President and Vice President would be more effective.
Germany, imports 1 percent of its oil from Iran, and France, gets 6 percent, Italy and Japan would be taking the largest hits. The assessment is considered internally "an initial -- first blush -- estimate based on each country's overall volume of exports to Iran, dependence on Iranian oil and degree of investment in Iran oil projects," according to the Treasury memo.
Japan exports nearly $1.3 billion worth of goods to Iran, has nearly $2 billion worth of oil projects there and gets about 12 percent of its oil from the country, which is approximately equivalent to what the United States buys from Saudi Arabia. Italy buys 9 percent of its oil from Iran, and has $3.2 billion in oil investments in the country and $2.7 billion worth of exports to Iran.
I can assure you that these countries will not impose sanctions. I can also indicate without a doubt that China and Russia will not interrupt trade with Iran. Thus our government has told us that we will no longer import goods from Russia. Italian shoes and fashion will no longer be available at Saks and Nordstrom. The only Caviar available will be smuggled and French wines will be stopped in the ports.
Many friends ask me why Europeans have such low esteem of the United States and its foreign policy. It is actions like these that just leave the Europeans chuckling. The perception is that America wants to be a bully but then cowers in the corner when confronted.
We need to build credibility. It is not about making friends as the Democrats would say, it is about thinking about the consequences and whether or not what we say can actually be done and that there is the will to do something.
Our President needs to cool his jets. We do not need to be spouting off. If the world feels that Iran is a problem then the rest of the world needs to take the lead and we can support them.
Tags: Government Politics Iran Corporate America Finance Government Economy Reaganomics
Labels: Homeland Security, Lying Politicians, Reaganomics, Trade Agreements, War
posted by Small Business USA at 3:31 PM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home