Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 09/2008

PolicyWatch #1274: The Smarter Way to Target Iran

Patrick Clawson, Michael Jacobson

August 2007

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy

Abstract

On August 15, the New York Times and Washington Post reported that the Bush administration was considering sanctioning Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for its terrorist-related activities. This designation could have a significant impact, as Iranian leaders are vulnerable to the types of "smart sanctions" that would result. Finding others to join in this designation, however, would make it far more effective.