(Los Angeles Times) U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen - For more than ten years, Tehran has succeeded in deceiving foreign governments, thwarting nuclear inspectors and keeping sanctions weak and feckless. During that time, Iran has not broken stride in expanding its nuclear program. The range and accuracy of Tehran's ballistic missiles continue to improve, with U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East and Europe now within striking distance. Iran is also quickly accumulating an array of advanced conventional weapons in its effort to dominate the Persian Gulf and the world's oil supply. Iran has assumed a major role in fueling the insurgency in Iraq and is backing Taliban militants in Afghanistan. Nothing less than overwhelming and crippling sanctions could produce a reversal of its threatening programs and policies. That is why the U.S. must be prepared to act alone, if necessary, and with every weapon in its political and economic arsenal. The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act is one such tool. These sanctions must be coupled with action on all fronts. The U.S. must also specifically reject Iran's claim to an inalienable right to produce nuclear fuel. We must strengthen existing laws to prevent the transfer of prohibited materials and technology to Iran. Responsible nations should impose a ban on travel by senior Iranian regime officials and their families to Europe and the U.S. We should strengthen bilateral and multilateral efforts to shut down accounts of those doing business with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps or its affiliated entities; deny Tehran access to euros and U.S. dollars; and freeze the assets of those who violate UN sanctions on Iran. Concurrently, we should offer our full support to the Iranian people and increase funding for Iran democracy programs. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Fla.) is the ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
2009-12-16 08:52:57Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive