What Europe Isn't Doing to Stop Syria and Iran

by Benjamin Weinthal
The New Republic
October 12, 2011

http://www.middleeastclarity.com/3173/what-europe-isnt-doing-to-stop-syria-and-iran

Europe could be doing a lot more to stop Syria and Iran. Benjamin Weinthal writes:

"As the world witnesses the Syrian and Iranian regimes commit countless human rights abuses and, in Iran's case, move ever closer to perfecting its nuclear capabilities, there's a common belief that, short of military intervention, there's nothing that can be done. As it turns out, however, that's far from the truth—but the majority of the initiative must come from Europe. The European Union has thus far failed to confront the Iranian and Syrian regimes to the full extent of its ability. Though they are loath to admit it, European countries are Iran's and Syria's best customers, providing the EU with significant leverage. Meaningful energy sanctions could deliver a one-two punch to Iran's nuclear weapons program and Syrian president Bashar Al Assad's ongoing campaign to snuff out his country's democratic reformers."

Full link: http://www.tnr.com/article/environment-and-energy/96035/syria-bashar-iran-ahmadinejad-europe-gas

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