US threatens sanctions against Pakistan if deal with Iran goes forward

Michael Eaton

http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/445011/20130312/iran-pakistan-oil-gas-pipeline-washington-tehran.htm


The possibility of a multi billion dollar deal between Iran and Pakistan over natural gas has prompted the white house to threaten sanctions against Pakistan. The Iran Sanctions Act, as it is called, could be put into effect, if the deal goes through.

The Act allows the US to impose a ban on any non-American company that invests more than $20 million in Iranian oil recourses.

Iran clames that the pipelines being completed will aid the peace process in the region and help foster a better relationship between the two countries. It will also help Pakistan, a country in desperate need of energy, to help out its neighbor in need, (due to other sanctions)

However, Washington thinks that this is taking Pakistan, "in the wrong direction" away from the US. Even with the added peace and cooperation between the two countries with this pipeline, it is not a good enough reason for most in Washington trying to keep Iran under control.

Personally I think both sides have an argument, but at the end of the day, if it will help keep peace in the region, then we should just let the project go through. It might help Iran, but there are bigger issues to be adressed, not only in that region, but elsewhere in the world.