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The Obama administration approved further sanctions Friday on Iranian crude oil exports after determining that oil supplies were adequate to justify the new penalties.
President Obama announced the new sanctions, which were written into law by Congress and will take effect at the end of June, which actually bar foreign banks from doing business in the United States if they buy or sell Iranian crude oil.
The White House was careful not to speculate on how this would affect global oil and gas prices. A Democratic aide said that while congressional leadership had been notified of the president's decision before it became public, there was no mention of the strategic petroleum reserve in that notice.
According to a statement from Press Secretary Jay Carney, while the administration believes "the oil market became increasingly tight over the first two months of 2012" and "that tightness remains today," there still "appears to be sufficient supply of non-Iranian oil to permit foreign countries to significantly reduce their import of Iranian oil."
The State Department believes there are currently 23 countries that publicly import Iranian oil. The State Department announced exemptions from these sanctions last week for 11 of those countries. Those 11 countries (Belgium, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan) have taken steps to significantly reduce their imports of Iranian crude oil.
Senior administration officials say that the exemptions list is not finalized, and they are still in consultations with allies like South Korea and Turkey about how to proceed. This was one of the issues that came up during Obama's talks with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak earlier this week when the President was in Korea for the Nuclear Security Summit. There were indications that South Korea had an interest in pursuing a reduction in importing Iranian oil and avoiding these sanctions.
Two other countries on the sanctions list, India and China, are significant importers of Iranian oil. A senior administration official says that even if these two countries do not reduce their imports, the moves by the U.S. government will put pressure on Iran "above and beyond anything it's experienced before." And the official clarified that they continue to have a dialogue with both India and China.
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Joe Biden was right...
When it comes to foreign policy, President Obama has a spine of steel!
Compared to Willard who is sporting a spine of J-E-L-L-O!
Refreshing not to have to bomb the @!$%# out of something for a change...
WTF? We don't get to shoot up some Muslims? Another weekend down the drain.
Would that be the same Joe Biden as Vice President of the United States stated that the Taliban, the guys that have killed and still killing, nearly 2,000 American service members, are not the enemy - the guy who doesn't even know who the enemy is in the longest war in US history?
Is this the same genius that stated having 30 SEALs take out the old man OBL and the 4-5 guys protecting him was the boldest military decision in the last 500 years?
Is this the same clueless dumbass that asked for a guy in a wheelchair to stand-up for some applause?
Spine of steel?
The guy that begs for time until after the election so he doesn't have to worry about the American voters?
The guy that sells our friends out to appease Putin.
The guys that sells America's security, missile defense to appease Putin.
The Putin that sent helps Iran get the bomb, sends troops Syria to back the murdering Assad ....
More like Putin's poodle.
Aw now gee Bob, who was the GOP Governor that invested in that Ruskie banker who invested in Iran's nuclear program? If you crap, it is supposed to be in your backyard.
I heard a clip of Romney today saying that if he were president, he'd give Iran an ultimatum. Clueless didn't say what he'd do when Iran tells him to take his ultimatum and fly a kite; then what Mitt, shock and awe and another expensive war? It's reassuring to know that President Obama gets it.
Well Bob at least he did not forget about Bin Laden you know the guy that was responsible for attacking us and killing thousands of American civilians right here on our soil. You know Bob the guy Bush forgot about "because I have not heard much from him lately". It does not get any more disgraceful than that, probably why Bush seems to be now hiding in a cave somewhere. Bottom-line Bob republicans could not get it done Obama got it done. It needed to happen and Obama made it happen Bob. In the words of MC Hammer "You Can't Touch This".
ideot-
Do you have something relevant to say or am I just starring with amazement at an idiot with nosebleed?
Jody,
That is what Willard would do today - tomorrow will be a whole different story...
McFlipper in action...
"Written into law by Congress"? An awkward phrase...
Of course, the clueless Obama worshippers claim it was all his doing....
If it is viewed as a political plus, Obama did it.
If not, it was the evil GOP...
Nope.
The military assets, the intelligence assets, much of what Bush set up got it done.
The same guys/agencies/assets that ran the Taliban, Al Qaeda and OBL out of Afghanistan in 2 months are the ones that got him 10 years later.
Btw - Why did it take 10 months for Obama to say OK to the operation if the great one is so bold and so decisive? And really, revenge is foreign policy ... I thought that was kinda cowboyish to libbies.
And one more thing ... if it was all about getting OBL, why have 961 Americans died in Afghanistan since Obama learned OBL wasn't even in the country ... why are they still dying (at the hands of people who aren't even the enemy according to the VP!) if that was the liberal goal?
Ha Bob Bush by his own admission forgot all about Bin Laden, don't try to credit him with success when he himself admits failure. Obama collected the murdering bastard's head, he went into a sovereign nation without their permission to do it, that is a bold decision Bob but it needed to be done and in 8 years Bush and his republican administration could not get it done, so they forgot about the guy that attacked us because they had not heard from him lately, which tells you just how good their intelligence was, so don't trt to tell me after the fact how they should get credit. They are responsible for the capture of Bin Laden in the same way fire extinguishers are responsible for fires! Bin Laden beat Bush and his republican team, Obama and his team beat Bin Laden. I'm going with the winner Bob, you keep cheering for the losers, it sounds mighty liberal of you to be so concerned about their self esteem, nobody is a loser, everybody gets a trophy, right Bob, hell you sound like a bleeding heart liberal when it comes to poor George and his team.
Forrest,
You are so wrong about the man of steel. Obama didn't go hunt for the guy - it was an intelligence priority for some time. It happened during Obama's watch, but unlike Clinton, he did authorize the mission to get OBL.
Does he get the credit? Yes, but what about the thousands of people who work in the intelligence community? THEY and their agents did the long years of work to find and terminate him.
Actually, it was one of the OBL wives who did the deed to collect the funding for his capture or termination.
Why no reporting from MSNBC about the plot during the G8 in France?
@ Jody I heard a clip of Romney today saying that if he were president, he'd give Iran an ultimatum.
It's not much of an ultimatum when it is presented on an Etch a Sketch!
Winemaker, how do you now deflect it to Clinton, we were not attacked on Clinton's watch, we were attacked and Americans died on Bush's watch and they supposedly had Bin Laden within their grasp at Tora Bora but did not pull the trigger. It is not Clinton's failure it is Bush's failure. Yes lots of people work hard behind the scenes but the department heads changed under Obama and he brought their hard work to fruition. Bush failed all those hard working people behind the scenes now didn't he. Poor George all dressed in his flight suit and doing his best Yosemite Sam impression, I'm surprised Bin Laden did not die from laughing at him, no wonder Bush just wanted to forget him. Bush sure did talk a good game for awhile, Obama said very little but collected Bin Laden's head, I like Obama's style and results much better.
Does Romney understand the particulars of the President announcing new sanctions on Iran on March 30 and commencing in June? if not, he should if he is a serious candidate.
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/31/business/global/obama-to-clear-way-to-e
The senate passed this mandate 100-0 vote and put it in the defense bill. The president will decide every six months if sanctions and penalties to Iran and those who buy oil from Iran are appropriate. The president can pass if it will not be in our national interest.
So it is a bipartisan call and our allies support it . In fact, talks are going on right now to coordinate US, France and UK to open their strategic oil supplies if necessary. Saudi Arabia has increased production oil to take up the slack too.
The facts and policy are always more than a sound bite by anyone.
Forrest - I hope you are feeling better now.
You asked winemaker how he could deflect to Clinton. You stated that we were not attacked on Clinton's watch. For your information the following attacks took place on Clinton's watch:
2/26/93 - WTC in NYC - 6 dead 1042 injured.
Oct 93 - U.S. Military personnel killed in Somalia (remember "Black Hawk Down")
6/25/96 - USAF Khobar Towers in Saudi Arabia, 19 American soldiers killed, 240 injured.
1/15/98 - US Embassy in Peru bombed
8/7/98 - US Embassies in Kenya and Tanzania bombed. Total of 302 killed, including 12 Americans
and 5,086 injured.
10/12/2000 - USS Cole attacked, 17 American Sailors killed & 39 injured.
There are a few more, but you can see there were more attacks under Clinton than Bush. (An attack on an Embassy is considered an attack on the Country).
One more point Forrest - In 1996 the Government of Sudan offered to arrest OBL for the U.S. Clinton's Administration tried to get Saudi Arabia to take OBL, but the Saudi's balked in 3/3/96. 10 weeks later the Clinton Administration gave up and refused to accept OBL because they felt they didn't have a legal case. OBL was expelled by Sudan and went to Afghanistan. From Afghanistan he planned & financed the bombings of our Embassies, the USS Cole and WTC on 09/11.
Had Clinton taken OBL into custody and brought him to the United States to stand trial there might not have been an attack on 9/11 or on the USS Cole, the whole terrorist movement might have been crippled and ineffective.
I agree that President Bush took his eye off the ball in Afghanistan and maybe he could have had OBL at Tora Bora and we would not have been in Afghanistan. As for giving Obama credit, it was on his watch and he gave the order, however, to take the credit is suspect since any President would have made that decision.
Have a good day Forrest, and I really hope you are feeling a lot better.
I'm doing okay, Thanks Sarge!
Ok you folks on the right. You all were belly aching about not being tough on Iran. Well, we are going to get tougher - so don't go complaining about gas prices. You can't have it both ways.
I do believe a war on Iran would make gas prices go a heck of a lot higher, so you are correct Phine, the righties need to sit down and wait it out like the rest of us.
Do you really believe Iran will fold their nuclear program because of this?
It won't accomplish anything except to jack up the gas prices right before the summer driving season.
3 1/2 years into the gig and this is Obama's plan?
And really, do you really think we are stupid enough to fall for your insipid little trap?
Nope, this is a senseless, too little, too late, typical liberal symbolic stunt and we will hammer him for it.
OH the fruits woke up. ya bob lets just bomb them into submission right. We need another war since the two we had are closing up. Or do you have a better idea with your vast knowledge. Come on boy spill the beans.
Here's a question for you Bob ... How many times can the US arsenal of Nukes turn Iran into a sea of black glass? About the same amount of times Iran would think twice? Whenever I read your crap I duck and cover first.
Watch it Phinephancy you are screwing everyone up that claims the president has no power over gas prices with that statement! Never mind that repercussions of foreign policy never crossed their minds!
ZERO.
Never happen with Putin's gutless poodle as president.
The world knows it.
Put me on ignore. You have never been able to refute anything anyway ... and that way I don't have to respond to insipid replys.
Bob,
Has anybody ever told you that you are part of the problem, not part of the solution? If not, consider it said.
Wow Bob, you don't "have to reply" to anyone. You have the right idea about the ignore button. Most people have you on it anyway, and the rest ignore you after they get half way through your latest hateful fits. Looking at the last one, you must have been foaming at the mouth. You'd best not watch the election returns in November. You might have a stroke.
The better question is ... has any liberal ever been able to refute a post, to cogently respond and present a thoughtful, persuasive argument?
Answer is .. nope ... mostly drivel like you responded with.
Bob,
So mister you have all the answers, give me the answers. Tell me the solutions to the problems, without blaming one party. I consider myself a reasonable person. I am willing to listen. However, I am tired of everybody pointing fingers at each other and not putting anything on the table. So, put something on the table.
phinephancy,
I need to leave, but if you are serious, I would love to continue this tommorrow or if you would like I can post something on First Thoughts next week that addresses not only Iran but the point of honest civil discourse and use it as an exercise.
My preference is the latter, but let me know.
Thank you for your response. We get all get caught in the muck to varying degrees and I apologize for being dismissive of you if you are truly serious.
Look forward to your reply in the morning.
You and Mr. phinephancy have a good weekend.
Bob,
I am very serious. I would much prefer civil discourse any day of the week. (Of course, a little humor, at no one's expense is always nice too)
Mr. p and I are busy planning our summer vacation with the granddaughters. Always fun!
OK where is the right on this, so much for the president not controlling the price of gas, come on guys were are you. Someone want to shake the tree, the fruits are not dropping.
Tis the Season ... the fruits are not dropping.
Perhaps because they are hanging from the tree with their ropes around their necks?
Now that is a picture for the weekend thanks,
Tis the Season
Not a problem, my aim is but to please and to displease.
ideo,
What was that?
When you started posting here you put up smart, well thought out bits that though I did not always agree I enjoyed reading. Seems lately you have resorted more to snarky one-liners that are definitely ideologically based, and are indeed spoiling the view.
Intelligent perspective from our brothers up north is good. Looking forward to more.
Marc
I would love this to be a 'game' of rational thinking. Do you really believe that any of us has control of the game board? Perhaps collectively we did at one point. Let me just say that I am moving into the camp of the Scallop Slayer.
You question my analogy to the song 'Strange Fruit' ... If the current strain of Republican is busy hoisting himself on his own petard, am I to blame for pointing it out? You are one of the few reasonable Conservatives posting here and you know it. Spank your children first.
ideo,
I missed the song reference. Strange Fruit indeed a classic. Your comment, albiet rather extreme, makes more sense now.
As far as controlling the game board is concerned the only real control any of us have is our own square.
Cheers.
Expect more domestic turmoil, economic hardship and political repression in Iran as the petrodollars fade away. If the State Dept. and intelligence agencies can lend more support to the greens there, this could turn the tide of nuclear fears in the world's favor. An accompanying further restriction on Iran's international banking capabilities could cause all those dollars to become unspendable. You may have circuses all day, but no bread, no regime.
ForePlinger
The west needs to stay out of internal Iranian politics big time ... we have meddled far too often and the result is the present discourse.
I would respectfully disagree, without "meddling" from the French, this country wouldn't exist. As long as we confine ourselves to non-violent support (i.e. agit-prop and democratic leadership development), there could be an outcome beneficial to both the region and the world. Let's give them the support we didn't give Mosaddegh.
France is part of the West! This is a century old history that the Brits and the US made worse. BTW, Persia aka Iran is the oldest known State Civilization.
Doesn't anyone, but a very few, EVER pick up a history book anymore? Ideology, you, my friend are one of the few.
Phine ... there ain't nothing like repeating history when in the arms of a Cleopatra.
Ideology,
Just no asps if you please. I hate snakes!
Snakes are a pain in the asp. Sorry, phine, I just had to.
Respectfully, you missed my point. Nation states throughout time have support internal dissent in other countries for various reasons that have supported that nation's interest. I say it's time for the U.S. to make amends for supporting the Shah's police state and support the internal movement(s) in Iran that advocate a return to democratic rule. In essence, we broke it (with the Shah), so we bought it (let's support democracy with non-violent assistance).
And yes, I'm aware that for all their Shi'a religious fervor, the population there are Persians first; perhaps the most negotiation driven culture in the entire world.
ForePlinger, I am of the opinion that there is nothing the current rulers of Iran would like better than what you propose. It would give the Mullahs even further reason to crack down on dissenters.
Over half of the countries that are currently buying Iranian oil have already gotten waivers on the sanctions. What the hell good it that? The Iranians will just sell their oil to a third nation and that nation will sell it to those covered by the sanctions.
This will do nothing to stop Iran from continuing their quest for nuclear power, both civilian and military. I remember President Clinton and President Bush continuing threatening N. Korea about it's nuclear program, and we threatened right up to the time that N. Korea detonated a nuclear weapon. I believe it was pretty much the same with Pakistan.
Jobless claims fall to four-year low!
Jobless rates fall in 29 states!
Consumer confidence rebounded to its highest level in 13 months at the end of March as optimism about jobs and income overcame higher prices at the gasoline pump, according to a survey released on Friday
What a wonderful day!!
Thank you President Obama!! Reelect President Obama 2012!!!
How thick are your rose colored glasses? As thick as Joe Biden's noggin...
Tommy-thanks for reminding us of this good economic news.
I was out today in a less-affluent section of Pittsburgh, one that has been hit hard by the economic situation. Was happy to see signs for 3 new businesses opening, people working out in their yards to make them look nice for spring, For Sale signs with "Sold" on them---all signs of recovery.
How many signs are in peoples yards that are a part of the 3 to 4 million less unemployed then when oBAMA was crowned? Still the economy is better! How many more households are on foodstamps and lost their homes since oBAMA was crowned? Still the economy is better! Why is gas over twice as much now and with no end in sight then when oBAMA was crowned? Still the economy is better? Why is there more class and race warfare erupting over this great country? Why would anyone vote for an administration that has doubled the national debt in 3 years compared to all the previous presidents from Washington on?
I am so very confused. First people scream for lower gas prices - and one of the factors for higher prices is the threat of war with Iran. Next, they yell we need to go to war with Iran which will make the gas prices go up. So what is it that you want? All this partisan bs is enough. I get it. The far right hates anything and anybody on the far left and the same goes the other way. Here's the magic question - does either side really care about the US or just winning for their own side?
Nice post. I am an independent that is alarmed more every day by both Republicans AND Democrats that have let their "party hat" fall so far over their eyes they are blind to the destruction their own party causes and seem OK with it because, after all, it's "their party". The truth is there is very little difference between the two parties today. Most the members of each are more concerned with re-election than doing their job IE: doing what is best for the COUNTRY not their own personal gains.
Time to stop looking at the party and judge the individual!
Phine, your question as to "does either side really care about the US or just winning for their own side?" answers itself if you consider the majority of representatives that your country elects.
Before the trolls beat me down, the same is true in my land of the freer than free. It is the nature of the modern politician to spew crap out of the mouth while having dollars crammed up the butt.
No phinep you summed it up just about right. The problem is no easy quick fix so we have to bitch about it. No my idea, no mine , mine is better, no its not. 3rd grade I beleive, problem is the right thinks military action fixes everthing, so why talk look what it did the last time let just kill the bastards and take over the world. Suprise that is harder than you think, and how long do you think China will just sit back and let us do that to their supply of oil. No phinep you just have to accept the right is right and the left is wrong. The big problem is they do not fully understand that it is not just Iran or the issues with them causing the gas prices to go up. Greed is first then world demand which is growing, but lets not look at or develope renewable sources we have a 100 years of oil in the ground, right. Yep but it will only get more expensive each year. We have to develope renewable sources now and accept the failed attempts and work on the successes. But not until we outgrow our inner child.
Ideology and 96ws, you both are right. Wonder if any of these blokes ever picked up a history book and looked what has happened to other civilizations that acted in this same way? Not a very pretty ending for those guys. Again, another stupid question. I already know the answer to that. :(
"I beleive, problem is the right thinks military action fixes everthing..."
Not really. But is is demonstably true the left thinks government programs fix everything..and that will be the death of our way of life...
Look at history...freedom works, socialism fails.
Bob in Virginia,
I would suggest you pick up a history book sometime. Might want to start with the Greek civilization, the Roman civilization and learn something. Or, just keep snarking about your infamous moonbats or whatever it is you like to call folks who disagree with you. You offer nothing to the discourse but the same kind of blind following that the far left does. With the same results.
Bob IV. I beg to differ with you on "Not really" Which party has been and is looking to pick a fight right now with Iran. Mitty, Ricky, McCain just to name a few. How is the other way Socialism, that one is out of right field well beyond the fence. Are you saying that trying to squeeze someone financially is Socialism, you need to look at history yourself. Tell me what took down the roman empire Socialism or selfrightous self importance.
TtS,
Actually is was attitude that took down the Roman Empire, the citizens finally got to the point where they didn't give a damn, because the Government wasn't responsive to them anymore. (probably because it became impotent due to it's bloated administration that only cared about perpetuating itself)
This is what the Founding Fathers were talking about when they were stating that we have a republic, if you can keep it.
Egilman,
The Roman Senate was interested in their own personal wealth and power that they forgot who they served. Kinda like today's, yes?
Bob in VA,
Actually, both is true, and both will be the death of our nation. The first because provocation only leads to backlash which grows with each subsequent provocation. The second because each government program is layered upon the first without ever considering if the first was successful not. (the whole "Throw more money at it" problem) layering more and more is just throwing good money after bad.
Both sides do both.
The Country cannot stand any more of it. We will die by bursting, either bursting bombs or bursting bubbles, You know what, I would rather go by natural causes...
phine,
The parallels are stunning aren't they?
The drumbeat of poverty marches gladly to the drumbeat of war ... at least there is a possible meal in the offing ... perhaps a lowly village to plunder and rape ... a chance perchance to sing a song of virility. T'is but how the terrorists recruit.
Egilman,
Stunning or scary - depending on your point of view. Thing is, the world went into the Dark Ages after the fall of the Romans. Hate to have to go through that, again.
Ideology,
YES, the rattle always rouses the rabble...
phine,
I don't believe the American citizenry will allow us to sink that far, the damn shame is, it might take a lot of bullets to straighten the mess our "Enlightened" citizens have gotten us into.
Unfortunately, history always repeats itself.......
Bob you don't know what socialism is. Socialism is when the government owns business, we have a system where business owns the government. The dog is not wagging the tail, the tail now wags the dog.
Hi Forrest!
Good to see you up and running! Hows things going? Well I pray....
And you are right about the tail wagging, what scares me is when the tail starts wagging the tail, we will be in a world of hurt then...
Doing okay Egilman, thank you for asking, I have been very busy, I guess when you go through what I did, it might be wise to slow down and "smell the roses" but instead of that I have thrown myself into my work with a vengeance I want to make sure I get my projects done and more in case things go south. I want to leave a body of work that will benefit and help train the young people learning the business in my union. Ha and in the worse case scenario if I am going to leave Mrs. Grump a widow, the least I could do is leave her a more financially well off widow. This morning I took Mrs. Grump out to breakfast and visited a local casino for a few hours, then this afternoon I took some time off to enjoy FR a little, I have been doing a hell of a lot of technical text writing and needed a break from my geekathon. Don't get me wrong I have not received any bad news, but it occurred to me that I have a lot of work to do and none of us really know how much time we have, so work hard, play hard.
Forrest,
I look at each day as a gift. Take it with open arms and at the end of the day, I say thank you.
Enjoy your weekend with Mrs. Grump.
x
OFF TOPIC BUT JUST IN:
In a speech in Janesville Wisconsin last night, candidate Rick Santorum calls the President; "anti-war goverment "n-bomb". The tape is one hour, seven minutes long; remarks at 35 minutes into speech. With an attitude like that; how could this person achieve any foreign policy credibility?
Wow...just wow.
Former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton weighs in on Obama's relentless campaign to betray and undermine Israel. This leak is part of an ongoing campaign to thwart Israeli defense strategy against the Iranian genocidal threat.
NOBAMA2012.....the End of an ERROR
With Obama as your ally, who needs enemies??
If Iran niked Tel Aviv tomorrow, what exactly would Obama's response be?? More sanctions??
Diplomacy is a good thing. If McCain had been in the Oval Office we would have already had bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran and one hellofamess.
baldeagle,
Could not agree more!!! Diplomacy, and sometimes you have to apply reality though sanctions, boycotts etc to get people to the table.
You have a great weekend.
Well that's refreshing. 1 out of 2 isn't bad. He wasn't able to get his Senate to impose restrictions on American Oil Production and companies, but he'll go after Iran. He's got to get those oil prices up, somehow and he's got to have somebody to blame.
Obama needs to keep the focus on Iran. Without Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, Obama would be the biggest A$$hole in the news.
I fail to see where high oil prices help Obama? If anything you'd think lower gas prices would be better for him... no?
I wonder if Obama will apologize to Ahmadinejad and tell him he'll have more flexibility after the election?
Is this more "foreign policy" by Obama and his appointed Arkansas sweat hog??
Hillary is in an Obama trainee position. But she just goes through the motions and collects a check. No foreign policy experience. Half assed hillbilly lawyer.