Ploughshares Blog: Iran sanctions

War is costly. If you have any doubts, take a look at our experience in Iraq and Afghanistan: over $1.3 trillion spent and more than 8,000 lives lost, for shaky security gains. And then there are the unintended consequences: loss of international credibility, regional instability, and more. Unfortunately, when it comes to the Iran debate, the potential consequences of war are often lost in the shuffle. Read more »
Posted by Mary Kaszynski on March 15, 2012
On the surface, US-Iran relations are reaching a fevered pitch. The assassination of an Iranian scientist, possibly part of a covert campaign against Iran's nuclear program, is just the latest in a series of troubling developments. Iran has begun enriching uranium at its Fordo facility, expressed defiance of harsh economic sanctions from the West, and continues to threaten to close the Strait of Hormuz. In the US, loud calls for a military strike against Iran are increasing the tension. Read more »
Posted by Mary Kaszynski on January 11, 2012
Last week, more than 90 U.S. senators sent a letter to President Obama urging the president to put sanctions upon Iran’s central bank – essentially creating a financial blockade. While existing sanctions have contributed to constraining the Iranian regime’s nuclear program, this latest sanctions proposal could make dealing with Iran harder and war more likely. Before tempting that risk, Washington should clarify the end goal of sanctioning Iran.   Read more »
Posted by Ben Loehrke on August 16, 2011