Financial Crime World

US Sanctions on Iraq Continue to Evolve

A Complex Web of Restrictions

Washington D.C. - The United States has maintained a complex web of sanctions against Iraq since the Gulf War in 1991, with various laws and regulations being enacted over the years to restrict trade, economic activities, and humanitarian aid.

Background

The Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA) and the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) have been used by the US government to impose sanctions on Iraq. The National Emergencies Act (NEA) has also played a role in the implementation of these sanctions.

Enforcement Agencies

According to federal regulations, several executive orders have been issued to block property and interests in property of certain individuals and entities related to Iraq. These regulations are enforced through various agencies, including:

  • Department of State
  • Department of the Treasury
  • Federal Reserve System

Recent Changes

In recent years, there have been changes to these sanctions. The Iraq Stabilization and Insurgency Sanctions Regulations were amended in 2010 to remove certain provisions and allow for the transfer of claims against the Iraqi government.

UN’s Role

The United Nations has also played a significant role in imposing sanctions on Iraq through various Security Council resolutions, including:

  • Resolution 1546 (2004): reaffirmed the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq
  • Resolution 1483 (2003): reaffirmed the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Iraq

Concerns Remain

Despite these changes, concerns remain about the impact of sanctions on the humanitarian situation in Iraq. Humanitarian organizations have been working to provide aid to the Iraqi people, but restrictions on trade and economic activities continue to pose challenges.

Timeline of Key Events

  • 1991: The Gulf War leads to the invasion and occupation of Kuwait by Iraq.
  • 1995: The United Nations passes resolution 986, allowing for the sale of oil to purchase humanitarian aid for the Iraqi people.
  • 1997: Resolution 1111 extends the provisions of resolution 986 for another 180 days.
  • 2000: The United Nations passes resolution 1293, adding to the allocation for oil spare parts and equipment.
  • 2003: The US-led invasion of Iraq leads to the overthrow of Saddam Hussein’s government.
  • 2004: Resolution 1546 reaffirms the independence, sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Iraq.
  • 2010: The Iraq Stabilization and Insurgency Sanctions Regulations are amended to remove certain provisions.

Sources

  • Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996 (AEDPA), 8 U.S.C.§ 1189, 18 U.S.C.§ 2339B
  • International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C.§§ 1701-1706
  • National Emergencies Act (NEA)
  • Federal regulations, including the Iraq Stabilization and Insurgency Sanctions Regulations
  • United Nations Security Council resolutions, including resolution 1546 and resolution 1483