• CmdrShepard@lemmy.one
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      9 months ago

      This is like arguing you shouldn’t get prison time after committing a murder because you have kids and they’ll struggle without you around. These sanctions can be more targeted like in cases of Russian oligarchs having their properties seized. In this specific case, a US company was transporting oil in violation of US law and were served a court order. Iran is free to send their own tankers to China and Russia. I doubt the US would blow one of them up.

        • Franzia@lemmy.blahaj.zone
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          9 months ago

          Well I have to agree they target the people and have unintended consequences. BUT I disagree that they don’t hurt the rich and powerful.

          1. Just like here, the rich absorb 90% of the new wealth created. If wealth isn’t being created, they lack power in capital to exert.

          2. We have recently sanctioned Iranian individuals. This means they have trouble leaving their country, and any trade with them is illegal, which again reduces their bargaining power - so that actors like China can swoop in and take advantage of Iran.

          The iranian citizens are standing up and revolting. Iran has seen a lot of direct action over this 40 year history during sanctions. The idea that we are keeping evil people in power is new to me and feels really abstract. In my mind the only way we are making the situation worse is by increasing poverty in Iran. But are sanctions also stopping political upheaval, and how?