U.S. eases rules on sale of medicines to Iran

[rachel1]

Washington is apparently worried that suffering among ordinary citizens could erode support for the West's sanctions targeting Tehran's nuclear program.

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration has quietly eased restrictions on the sale of medicine to Iran amid signs that concern over the suffering of ordinary citizens could complicate an international campaign to punish Iran for its disputed nuclear program.

Though U.S. rules have always permitted American firms to sell medicine and medical supplies to Iran, exporters have been required to apply for special licenses. Last month, the Treasury Department changed the rules to provide what amounts to a "standing authorization" for sales of certain foods and medicines to ease the paperwork burden, a spokesman for the department's Office of Foreign Asset Control said.

"The goal is not for the sanctions to obstruct this kind of trade," said the spokesman, who declined to be identified, according to his agency's policy.

The rule change, first reported on the website Al-Monitor.com, comes at a time when a propaganda battle seems to be shaping up between Iran and the West over whether ordinary Iranians are suffering under the sanctions. The U.S. and European sanctions were sharply tightened last summer, cutting Iran's oil exports in half, weakening its currency and restricting imports.

http://articles.latimes.com/2012/nov/02/world/la-fg-iran-sanctions-20121102

That's one good decision.

Now, how about extending a hand to Iran by removing ALL the pointlessly antagonistic sanctions and seeking diplomacy in a way which doesn't involve unilateral harassment and constant threats of warmongering?

Have there been enough bloodthirsty imperialistic adventures in Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Pakistan?

[flamingdem]

1. It would be nice if they'd do that with Cuba

who is our neighbor, doesn't threaten anybody, and just wants peace with it's neighbor bully.

Many have suffered and died because the USA keeps a lock called the Embargo around Cuba's neck. Don't let anyone fool you, it's a disgrace and they block medicine and medical equipment from being sold to Cuba by third countries as well if those countries want to do business here.