US Looking at New Sanctions Against Russia

(ANTIWAR.COM) — Three unnamed “senior” Trump Administration officials told reporters on Wednesday that they are advancing through the process of considering new rounds of sanctions against Russia, rejecting criticism that they weren’t sanctioning Russia often enough. The officials said that the review process is slow and arduous, and that as a result the administration isn’t able to impose […]

New US Sanctions on China and Russia

[image: Getty]Unilaterally imposed sanctions on any countries for any reasons are flagrantly illegal.

They’re hostile to international relations. They’re how hegemons operate – extrajudicially by their own rules alone.

On Tuesday, 16 Chinese and Russian entities and individuals were targeted, along with two Singapore-based companies for alleged involvement in trade with North Korea, sanctions expanded to include oil – what Security Council members excluded from their August 5 action.

Attempting to justify the unjustifiable, Treasury Secretary Mnuchin said “(i)t is unacceptable for individuals and companies in China, Russia, and elsewhere to enable North Korea to generate income used to develop weapons of mass destruction and destabilize the region.”

“We are taking actions consistent with UN sanctions to show that there are consequences for defying sanctions and providing support to North Korea, and to deter this activity in the future.”

Beijing blasted what it called America’s “long-arm jurisdiction.” A statement by its US embassy said “(w)e strongly urge the US to immediately correct its mistake, so as not to impact bilateral cooperation on relevant issues” – highly unlikely, further straining bilateral relations.

Moscow responded sharply. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said “Washington has stepped on the same rake again. This time, on the subject of North Korea.”

“The trend towards persistent destruction of bilateral relations, initiated by the Obama administration has been carried on.”

“It’s a fourth such escapade since the arrival of the new team in the White House…(W)e get down to pondering a response inevitable in this situation.”

“Washington should have learned in the past years that we do not accept the language of sanctions, since actions in that vein only impede the solution of real problems. But it looks like they have failed to grasp such obvious truths for the time being.”

Last month, Ryabkov said US sanctions once imposed won’t be lifted no matter what Russia does or doesn’t do – even if “we agree to anything and hoist a white flag.”

Russia and China foster good relations with all countries, favoring diplomacy to resolve differences.

Washington doesn’t negotiate. It demands – its policy consistent since Soviet Russia’s 1991 dissolution, the high point of bilateral relations during the Reagan/Gorbachev era long over.

Additional US sanctions were imposed at a time of heightened tensions – with large-scale joint US/South Korean military exercises underway, continuing through August 31 – what Pyongyang believes is preparation for war on its country.

Last week, DPRK state media denounced what it called a provocation “driv(ing) the situation on the Korean Peninsula into a catastrophe.”

Urging by China and Russia to halt the exercise in return for Pyongyang suspending its nuclear and ballistic missile testing was ignored in Washington and Seoul – on the phony pretext of needing to proceed for self-defense, despite North Korea posing no threat.

Following imposition of new sanctions, Rex Tillerson noted Pyongyang “restraint” since July 28, its most recent missile test – its last nuclear test in September 2016.

Russia, China and North Korea are permanent US enemies, targeted for regime change as long as they remain free from US control – risking eventual catastrophic nuclear war if dark forces in Washington aren’t curbed.

Will Europe Stop Taking Orders from Washington?

America has interests, not allies. Post-WW II, it’s pressured, threatened and forced other countries to bow to its will.

Instead of working cooperatively with other nations, it demands subservience, unchallenged global dominance its aim.

It tolerates no sovereign independent states, targeting them for regime change by assassinating foreign leaders, color revolutions or war, the latter its favorite strategy given how many it wages in multiple theaters.

European nations, Japan and others are virtual US colonies, pressured to serve its interests at the expense of their own, their countries infested with Pentagon military bases, their economies taken advantage of to let corporate America thrive.

In response to House members overwhelmingly imposing new sanctions on Russia’s energy and other sectors, Senate passage and Trump going along virtually certain, Brussels said it’ll “act within days” with countermeasures if EU “concerns (aren’t) taken into account.”

Post-WW II, EU countries bowed to Washington’s will, its member states failing to break ranks and go their own way.

Rhetoric is meaningless without followup action. China and India ignored US sanctions on Iran, buying its oil, Washington unable to do anything to stop it.

It’s time for a European declaration of independence from Washington, its member states serving their own interests, not America’s when following its diktats harms them.

New US sanctions on Russia have nothing to do with phony accusations of US election meddling and nonexistent aggression against Ukraine.

They have everything to do with wanting greater access to European markets for US natural gas producers.

They continue longstanding efforts to contain, marginalize, weaken and isolate Russia – its main geopolitical rival along with China for their sovereign independence, not for any threat to US security they pose.

A strongly-worded joint statement by German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel and Austrian Chancellor Christian Kern, saying “(w)e can’t accept the threat of illegal and extraterritorial sanctions against European companies” is a hopeful sign.

“Europe’s energy supply is a matter for Europe, and not for the United States of America,” they added.

Key is what, if anything, will they do about tough US sanctions on Russia certain to be enacted. Talk is meaningless without follow-up action.

Europe should declare its sovereign independence, declare US sanctions invalid, lift its own on Russia, and take meaningful steps for mutual political and economic cooperation – Washington unable to prevent it.

On Wednesday, Russia’s EU representative Vladimir Chizhov urged these steps, including European banks halting their financing of US companies.

“I can put it baldly. The future vector of our cooperation with the EU will depend on how the European Union will behave in this situation,” Chizhov stressed.

The subtitle of US sanctions legislation is “Countering Russian influence in Europe and Eurasia,” revealing the measure’s primary aim.

Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Russia will impose retaliatory measures in response to US sanctions, explaining this message was delivered to Washington many times – always falling on deaf ears.

In a sharply worded statement, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the following:

“(N)ews (about new US sanctions) is very sad from the perspective of Russian-American relations and the perspectives of their development.”

“This is no less disheartening from the point of view of international law and international trade relations.”

“The attitude to (new US sanctions) will be formed on the basis of a thorough analysis, and the decision (on how to respond) will certainly be taken by…President Putin.”

He “makes foreign policy decisions, and we will inform you if and when they are adopted…We are talking about extremely unfriendly manifestations, so the reaction is obvious.”

On Wednesday, Senate Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker said “I am glad to announce that we have reached an agreement that will allow us to send sanctions legislation to the president’s desk” – likely this week.

Enactment with Trump’s signature increases US hostility toward Russia, Iran and North Korea. It strains relations with Brussels and Berlin.

Will they respond appropriately or meekly bow to Washington’s will? Much rides on what they’ll do

Russia Retaliates Against Western Sanctions

Putin has ordered his government to prepare retaliatory measures against Western sanctions. [image: Reuters]Congress is considering tough new sanctions on Russia, including on its vital energy sector.

It’s unclear if Trump will go along. It won’t matter if veto-proof legislation clears both houses – overwhelmingly in the Senate so far, yet to be considered by House members, though an anti-Russia majority of its members is likely to be similar to the upper body.

Last week, EU member states agreed to extend sanctions on Russia through yearend. European Council president Donald Tusk lied, claiming it was for “lack of implementing the Minsk Agreement.”

Russia alone among Normandy Quartet countries involved in Minsk continues going all-out for implementation. Ukraine undermined the process. Germany and France more hinder and help enforce its principles.

According to an unnamed Western diplomatic source, some EU members oppose extending sanctions on Russia, “believ(ing) an automatic procedure is inappropriate.”

They called for Germany and France to give clear recommendations – instead of automatically going along with counterproductive US policies.

In response to extended Western sanctions, Russia extended its own until December 31, 2018, according to a decree Putin signed on Friday, saying:

“Extend from January 1 to December 31, 2018, the effect of responsive special economic measures envisaged by the August 6, 2014, Russian presidential decree…and extended by presidential decree.”

On June 29, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said in response to extended Western sanctions, “we will respond adequately. Yesterday we discussed this issue with the president. The government will propose to the president that the counter measures should be extended for another year until December 31, 2018.”

During his mid-June annual marathon Q & A with reporters and others submitting questions, Putin said he’d decide on tit-for-tat sanctions based on actions by Western countries.

“We will see how our relations develop with the countries that imposed sanctions on us,” he said.

“As for endless expansion of sanctions, if our counterparts lift their economic sanctions, then we will do the same, since otherwise we will face issues within the World Trade Organization.”

On June 30, he signed a decree, extending Russia’s counter-sanctions until December 31, 2018.

US-dominated Western countries continue hostile policies toward Russia instead of responsibly seeking improved relations.

Senate Bill Limits Trump’s Power to Lift Sanctions on Russia

Republican and Democrat Senate leaders agreed to tough new sanctions on Russia – including limiting Trump’s power to lift them. More on this below.

The measure will be attached to legislation imposing new sanctions on Iran, targeting individuals involved in its legitimate ballistic missile program, US businesses and individuals aiding it, along with the country’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.

In late May, bipartisan Banking Committee members announced their intention to strengthen US sanctions on Russia for its (legal) actions in Ukraine and Syria, as well as (nonexistent) interference in last year’s presidential election.

The Senate measure sure to pass both houses by a veto-proof margin was agreed to Monday night.

Foreign Relations Committee chairman Bob Corker (R. TN) said “(i)t really touches all the components” – targeting Russia’s intelligence and defense apparatus, its energy, mining, railways and shipping industries, along with Russian officials wrongfully accused of corruption and human rights abuses.

Asked if Trump intends supporting the new measure, Corker said “I have to believe that the administration has to at least strongly consider” it – adding he’s sure it’ll be veto-proof.

A bipartisan statement said “(t)he amendment to the underlying Iran sanctions bill maintains and substantially expands sanctions against the government of Russia in response to the violation of the territorial integrity of the Ukraine and Crimea, its brazen cyberattacks and interference in elections, and its continuing aggression in Syria.”

Fact: There’s not a shred of truth in any of these accusations. Targeting Russia and Iran irresponsibly is part of longstanding US bashing of both countries – for their sovereign independence and resistance to Washington’s imperial agenda.

Last week, deputy White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the Trump administration “is committed to existing sanctions against Russia.” They’ll remain “until Moscow fully honors its commitments to resolve the crisis in Ukraine.”

The new Senate measure greatly constrains Trump’s power to lift sanctions on Russia – by executive order or other presidential actions.

It empowers Congress to review and block any future administration decision to remove any or all sanctions – making it virtually impossible to happen.

It gives Congress 30 days to respond to any executive actions pertaining to lifting them – 60 days when its members are in recess.

It codifies sanctions on Russia imposed by Obama’s executive orders, while letting Trump impose new ones on its economy.

The measure hardens US hostility toward Russia and Iran. Last month, White House National Economic Council director Gary Cohn said “we could probably look to get tougher” on Russia.

Congress Weighing New Sanctions on Russia, Iran and Syria

US imperial strategy includes endless aggression and illegal sanctions, among other deplorable actions.

When returning from spring recess next week, Congress reportedly is considering legislation to impose new sanctions on Russia, Iran and Syria – punitive measures if passed by both houses, aggravating things rather than alleviating them.

According to House Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Ed Royce (R. CA), proposed “legislation will give the administration much-needed diplomatic and financial leverage to help stop Assad’s slaughter of innocent Syrians” – a despicable Big Lie.

“It encourages real negotiations by targeting Assad’s backers,” Russia and Iran. Among other provisions, Iranian airlines are targeted for allegedly transporting weapons and munitions to Syria.

Companies like Boeing would be prohibited from selling commercial aircraft to Tehran. Its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be designated a terrorist organization.

So-called Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act legislation proposes new sanctions on Russia, Iran and Syria for crimes of war and against humanity – irresponsibly blaming these countries for US-led high crimes against peace.

It’s unclear whether Trump administration officials support these measures. Taking a hardline approach with Moscow will further damage already dismal relations.

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson bashed Russia and Iran for supporting Syria. On the one hand, he wants more sanctions. On the other, he called on Moscow to help rid Syria of “toxic Assad.”

The Big Lie persists, irresponsibly accusing him of killing his own people, falsely blaming him for CWs attacks carried out by US-supported terrorists.

Johnson sounds buffoon-like, calling on Russia to ally with US-led efforts to topple Assad. He criticized Moscow for vetoing last week’s (one-sided, anti-Syria) Security Council resolution, drafted in response to the April 4 Kahn Sheikhoun CW attack.

Moscow is committed to combat the scourge of terrorism Washington, Britain and their rogue allies support.

It responsibly backs Syria’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and right of its people to choose who’ll lead them – free from foreign interference, including US wars of aggression for regime change.

Senate Bill to Block Trump Easing Sanctions on Russia

(image: © Getty Images)

Senate Russophobes Chuck Schumer (NY) and Ben Cardin (MD) proposed it. Lunatic fringe neocons John McCain (AZ) and Lindsey Graham (SC) support it.

Proposed legislation prohibits lifting sanctions on Russia without congressional approval, blocking Trump from acting by executive order in the interest of better bilateral relations, along with improved chances for world peace and stability – notions bipartisan congressional lunatics reject.

Other Democrats will likely support the anti-Russia measure overwhelming. How many Republicans go along remains to be seen. It’ll be Trump’s first big test on Russia if the measure passes both houses.

Will he responsibly veto it or go along? His action will show if his rhetoric about getting along with Vladimir Putin was serious or meaningless.

Hopefully he’ll do the right thing if legislation comes to his desk. He called US relations with Russia “horrible.” He said Americans against good relations with Moscow are “stupid.”

“Having a good relationship with Russia is a good thing, not a bad thing,” he stressed. “Only stupid people or fools would think it is bad. We have enough problems around the world without yet another one.”

At his January 11 press conference, he said “if Putin likes Donald Trump, I consider that an asset, not a liability.” Both leaders can cooperate in defeating ISIS, he stressed often.

He signaled numerous times about wanting better relations with Russia, both countries cooperating in combating terrorism. Post-inauguration, it’s show me time.

On Monday, Putin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a phone call between both leaders “is being agreed on. We expect that the date…will be agreed very soon.”

A summit remains a way’s off. No preparations are being discussed so far. Putin indicated he’s willing when Trump believes the time is right.

According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, “we see a lot of overlapping points on fundamental issues relating to the view of foreign policy objectives set out by Donald Trump.” They’re “closely intertwined with the way President Putin sees the foreign policy goals of the Russian Federation.”

Improving bilateral relations is only possible “on the basis of equality, on the basis of respect for each other’s interests and on the basis of a search for a balance of those interests,” Lavrov stressed.

Trump has many issues on his plate. Positive overtures to Putin would be an important turnaround from Obama’s provocative policy – reckless brinksmanship, pushing things toward direct confrontation.

Will Trump Lift US Sanctions on Russia?

(image: Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

Some mainstream reports indicate Trump can at least partly do it, but not easily unless able to convince Congress of Putin’s good intentions – despite no evidence of any wrongful geopolitical actions on his part. Claims otherwise were fabricated.

What’s never explained in the mainstream is the legal status of US imposed sanctions. Only Security Council members can impose them on countries – not individual nations against others.

All unilaterally imposed US sanctions against other nations have no legal standing. They’re illegitimate. Trump can lift them against Russia or any other country if he wishes – not, however, without potential political consequences.

Lunatics infesting Washington want adversarial relations maintained with Russia, China, North Korea, Iran and other countries.

Neocon John McCain outrageously calls Putin “a thug, a bully and a murderer…” Likeminded congressional members express similar sentiments – polar opposite hard truths.

Yet most Americans may be brainwashed to believe what’s patently false, malicious and ridiculous.

Trump enters office the most widely disliked president in US history. He’ll certainly try turning things around once in office. Whatever he does to further arouse anger will complicate his task.

He’ll likely tread lightly on issues like lifting sanctions on Russia – perhaps not doing it straightaway, later some, not all, at least during his early months in office.

Another issue is distinguishing between sanctions imposed by Obama executive orders and others by congressional action, making them US law, despite their illegitimacy.

Lifting what Obama imposed can be done with a stoke of Trump’s pen. Undoing congressional actions is another matter entirely – risking a confrontation between the executive and legislative branches if he proceeds, what he wants to avoid.

US sanctions on Russia were imposed for arms sales to Syria, Iran, North Korea and other governments Washington opposes, alleged human rights abuses, and nonexistent “Russian aggression” in Ukraine, including Crimea rejoining Russia, falsely called “annexation.”

Imposing them was entirely for political reasons, part of longterm US strategy to isolate, contain, weaken, and marginalize Russia – a failed scheme.

Things turned out polar opposite what Washington intended. Yet unsuccessful policies continue. Adversarial relations with Russia, China and other nations mean lucrative contracts for war-profiteers.

Justifying bloated military spending requires enemies, Russia considered America’s top existential threat by lunatics infesting Washington and the Pentagon.

This type thinking provides a strong headwind, perhaps restraining Trump from normalizes ties with Russia and cooperating with Putin in combating terrorism – at least to the extent of what he may have in mind.

GW Bush and Obama were weak presidents, putty in the hands of America’s deep state, front men for their agenda.

Trump is strong-willed, likely the main factor contributing to opposition in high places, intensified by go-along media scoundrels, continuing even though he’s president-elect, soon to succeed Obama.

His messages are mixed, wanting a more robust military, including a “greatly strengthen(ed) and expand(ed) nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes” – separately saying “(l)et their be an arms race…(w)e will outmatch them at every pass and outlast them all.”

In contrast, he said “(w)e’ve spent $4 trillion trying to topple various people that, frankly, if they were there and if we could have spent that $4 trillion in the United States to fix our roads, our bridges, and all of the other problems – our airports and all the other problems we have – we would have been a lot better off, I can tell you that right now.”

“We have done a tremendous disservice not only to the Middle East – (W)e’ve done a tremendous disservice to humanity. The people that have been killed, the people that have been wiped away – and for what?”

“It’s not like we had victory. It’s a mess. The Middle East is totally destabilized, a total and complete mess. I wish we had the 4 trillion dollars or 5 trillion dollars. I wish it were spent right here in the United States on schools, hospitals, roads, airports, and everything else that are all falling apart!”

Ignore political posturing. Follow what politicians do in office. Their actions define them. Trump’s agenda is unknown because he has no public record. Judge him solely on how he serves once inaugurated.