Iran and the Great Sanctions Debate

The article discusses the possibility and utility of economic sanctions against Iran in the face of their nuclear program. The author reflects on the historical impact of sanctions in other instances such as those imposed by the U.S. and United Nations against Iraq under the dictatorship of Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein. It is suggested that U.S. president Obama's call for dialogue and negotiations with Iran and development of a sanctions regime indicates a clearer strategic response from the U.S. Other topics include the U.S. response on political opposition within Iran, international cohesion behind sanctions, and inducing behavior changes in the Iranian government