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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