Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Obama tells Syria that US to ease sanctions ....

In the WSJ, here

"....The U.S. decision targets spare aircraft parts, information-technology products and telecommunications equipment, sales of which have been restricted by U.S. sanctions on Syria enacted in 2004. The step was conveyed Sunday by Washington's special Mideast envoy, George Mitchell, to Syrian President Bashar Assad during an hour-long meeting in Damascus....

The move represents the latest action in a rapidly accelerating rapprochement between Washington and Damascus initiated after President Barack Obama took office this year, said officials from both countries....

For Syria, Mr. Obama's decision could mean relief from pervasive sanctions that have crippled Syria's airlines and slowed the Middle East nation's entrance into the information age. Among the companies that could be affected are airplane maker Boeing Co.; software companies Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp.; and information-technology companies like Cisco Systems Inc....

The Obama administration's moves toward rapprochement with Mr. Assad, however, are raising concerns among some U.S. allies in the region, such as Israel and Egypt, as well as some Syrian democracy activists. They worry that relieving pressure on Damascus could lessen its willingness to cut ties to Hezbollah and Hamas and to open Syria politically....."

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Smart move by Obama re aircraft parts. In 2006 The EU 3 promised that they would ease sanctions on non military aircraft parts to Iran. The move was apparently hijacked by Bolton at the time much to the dismay of the French and British in particular.

Jack Straw had some harsh words at the time about the US refusal to offer carrots and relaying only on sticks.

Obviously the recent troubles in Iranian aviation are going to have a negative impact on Iran's stance. In my opinion degrading a countries civilian aircraft fleet borders on criminal and is massively reckless. It is endangering civilian lives and not just in the target country but for anyone who flies through that area.

Gonzolegend