Economic Sanctions on Iraq: Going Nowhere Fast

Abstract : This research paper assesses the effectiveness and consequences of the United Nations (UN) -mandated economic sanctions on Iraq. It begins by noting the increasingly widespread use of sanctions as an instrument of power and evaluating the difficulties associated with sanctions, such as political acceptability, unintended consequences and enforcement. These difficulties are then discussed as they specifically apply to the sanctions on Iraq. Those sanctions, in place now for over seven years, have yet to achieve any of their stated objectives. The many reasons for their failure, among them an insulated dictatorial government, growing international sympathy for the suffering Iraqi people and inadequate enforcement are next explored. Finally, some possible alternatives to staying the present course are offered.