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Sanctioning Syria: A Moment of Opportunity

(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Patrick Clawson - Since March 8, 2004, Syria has witnessed an unprecedented series of riots by Kurds and protests by human rights activists and intellectuals. These developments set the stage for the Bush administration's imminent announcement about imposing sanctions in accordance with the Syria Accountability and Lebanese Sovereignty Restoration Act. The disappointing reality is that carrots and sticks have not had much influence on Syrian policy; regional developments seem to be a much more important determinant of the regime's behavior. Perhaps a bolder approach would have some success. Such a strategy would entail imposing serious sanctions under the new Accountability Act, not a symbolic minimum. At the same time, the administration would have to spell out what Syria needs to do in order to have certain restrictions relaxed and for Washington to promote quiet Israeli-Syrian talks.
2004-03-19 00:00:00
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