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Bush has double-track strategy for Iran

SPECIAL TO WORLD TRIBUNE.COM
Friday, March 16, 2001

WASHINGTON Ñ President George Bush is renewing sanctions on Iran. But quietly his administration is counting on the Islamic republic to help Washington's policy to topple Iraqi President Saddam Hussein.

U.S. government sources said this might mean a significant weakening of sanctions when the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act comes up for renewal in August.

On Thursday, the Bush administration formally renews current sanctions on Iran. U.S. officials cited Iranian sponsorship of terrorism and its development of weapons of mass destruction.

"The fact that we're rolling them over doesn't limit our policy options," White House spokeswoman Mary Ellen Countryman said. "The president still has authority to modify or terminate these sanctions at any time if it's in the national interest."

But the administration inherits an anti-Saddam policy that has become increasingly dependent on Iranian participation. Officials acknowledge that Washington needs Iranian shelter and aid for the U.S.-supported Iraqi National Congress. It also depends on Iran's approval for the Iraqi Shi'ite opposition to cooperate with the INC.

The Shi'ite opposition is regarded as the most effective element against the Saddam regime. In 1996, Shi'ite insurgents shot and seriously wounded Saddam's son, Uday.

INC leader Ahmed Chalabi has held talks this week in Teheran regarding Iranian help for the opposition to Saddam. Chalabi wants Iran to provide a safe haven for INC members along the border area with Iraq.

At the same time, U.S. officials are expected to meet Shi'ite opposition leaders. Diplomatic sources said contacts are being held to bring a delegation of Iraqi Shi'ites to either Washington or New York.

Bush will review U.S. policy toward Iran over the next few months.

Officials said the president will probably modify U.S. sanctions on Iran.

The Iran-Libya Sanctions Act bans from the United States foreign companies that invest more than $40 million in Iran.

Officials said both Vice President Richard Cheney and Secretary of State Colin Powell want a reassessment of U.S. sanctions on Teheran. Both men are said to feel that sanctions against Iran are counterproductive.

Friday, March 16, 2001

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