Sanctions and Embargos

And Smugglers, Bandits and Pirates

Those who think sanctions will work to influence the cultures of the Middle East are ignorant of thousands of years of pure commerce as practiced in the real world.

I can’t recall a single episode of successful embargo anywhere in the world especially the Middle East. These ancient cultures have found and used every possible type of trade, commerce, bribery, extortion, piracy, smuggling, robbery and many other crimes for profit. Nomads and ancient city states used every trick and gimmick at their disposal to survive, prosper, build and destroy nations, cultures, enemies, families, friends and rulers since the time before Mesopotamian clay tablets.

Iraq traded “oil for food” for US currency, munitions, weapons, and many other prohibited products and services while under increasing scrutiny of more than a dozen UN sanctions. They may have moved “Weapons of Mass Destruction” to neighbors while under intense surveillance by the US in preparations for attacks.

Nomadic tribes have trafficked in every imaginable commodity across vast deserts by camel caravans in broad daylight and through raging sand storms on moonless nights finding willing customers hundreds of miles away for thousands of years.

Iran built and destroyed dozens of empires by conquering and controlling trade routes for thousands of years some still in use today.

It is highly unlikely that a non trading partner like the US can thwart the movement of anything, especially in concert with two or three of Iran’s current trading partners (Russia, China, Japan, India, Italy, turkey, South Korea, France) regardless what they may promise. Not to mention numerous other neighbors who will act as an intermediary with anyone to supply their needy neighbor for a massive profit. It has long been the regions way of life.

Keeping suppliers and customers apart is a lot like keeping rabbits from mating; futile.

Extreme efforts and precious resource will be required for marginal, if any, results. Any real success will require military interdictions at key locations with likely violence and international condemnation, leading most likely to an all out war with Iran and a few neighbors.

Don’t waste our time and money on silly sanctions and embargos. The US can’t even control prohibited commodities in its own country.

Stop Iran dead in their tracks now, or police them closely from now on.