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40 years of revolt and suffering: the forgotten tragedy in Irak, Iran and in Afghanistan (Part 2)

Since the late 1970s, the West has imposed various constraints on Iran, initiating a meticulous examination of the profound impact of the embargo. This scrutiny highlights diverse forms of the embargo, including financial and trade restrictions.

These measures, initiated around the late 1970s, encompass a broad spectrum, from restrictions on international banking transactions to limitations on the export of specific goods. Operating theaters in Iran now face shortages of anesthetics, compelling hospitals to resort to outdated options. This scarcity, intensified periodically since the late 1970s, has recently led to reports of deaths due to a lack of essential medicines, compounding the already staggering death toll resulting from historical events like the Iran-Iraq war.

The reasons behind the embargo, ostensibly presented as a means of political pressure, have failed to yield positive outcomes. Despite four decades of stringent sanctions, there is a glaring absence of progress towards democracy and the rule of law in Iran.

The death toll from historical events, compounded by the ongoing embargo, is staggering. Medical journals, including The Lancet, extensively highlight the tragic consequences, emphasizing the impact on patients with various ailments. The dire consequences include a sudden fifty percent surge in drug prices, affecting over six million patients with complex diseases.

Efforts to circumvent the embargo persist, underscoring its inefficiency. Specific legal texts, such as the U.S. Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act (CISADA) enacted in 2010, elucidate the limitations and inefficiencies inherent in economic sanctions.

Regarding circumvention, individuals and entities navigate the embargo through various means. This includes exploiting legal loopholes, engaging in trade through intermediaries, and leveraging alternative financial channels. Cryptocurrencies have also emerged as a tool for evading traditional banking restrictions, allowing for more discreet transactions.

As for the details of the measures against Iran, their initiation dates vary, with some implemented in the late 1970s and others introduced more recently. This chronological aspect is crucial for understanding the evolving nature of the embargo and its impact over time.

Sources:


OpenEdition suggests that you cite this post as follows:
Baudry Pierre (July 24, 2024). 40 years of revolt and suffering: the forgotten tragedy in Irak, Iran and in Afghanistan (Part 2). Deciphering international politics - religion, economics and international affairs. Retrieved March 17, 2025 from https://doi.org/10.58079/tl2j


Baudry Pierre

Ph.D. CNRS/EPHE (Paris), Assistant professor.

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