State Department spokeswoman Victoria Nuland has reiterated US threats to impose economic sanctions on Pakistan if it dares to follow through on the oft-delayed plans to build a gas pipeline to neighboring Iran.
“If this project actually goes forward, that the Iran Sanctions Act would be triggered,” Nuland noted, insisting that they have been “straight up with the Pakistanis” about that fact.
Nuland has regularly presented Pakistanis with a choice between sanctions and US help in overcoming its energy crisis, which is choking the nation’s economy and is the prime mover behind the pipeline. The US pledges never seem to materialize, however, though they have caused several delays to the pipeline.
In the end, Pakistan may find itself in a position to call the administration’s bluff on sanctions, as the US almost certainly will not risk tit-for-tat sanctions that could close the Pakistani supply route into occupied Afghanistan. The final decision may hinge on the results of Pakistan’s upcoming election, however, and whether forces calling for economy independence through trade and industry can top the factions hoping for US handouts to finally materialize.
Proceed, US, on the downward path.
@Bill Lee. I concur!
Empire building or free market capitalism, which shall win out in this economical tug of war?
For five economical powerhouses would benefit greatly from this pipeline, namely, India its final destination, Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran.
Perhaps the BRICS should pitch in and assist Pakistan in paying for it. That would really piss off the US State Department who believes it can dictate to a another government how it should receive it's energy!?!?
You know. I don't like the Iranian or Pakistani govt like I don't like Republicans or Democrats but I wouldn't tell any of them how to make a living. The problem with our govt is they believe that they own the world and they must do what we demand because we pass domestic laws against a foreign country. The rest of the world is changing and don't particularly like being told what to do. Pakistan should tell Nuland go f yourself and fine we will do business with the BRICS at your loss.
Indeed, the world WILL be multipolar within the next two decades. DC will lose it's seat of power as countries are sick of being told what to do – often times against its own interest. My worry is how will Washington deal with this? Will they plunge the whole planet into nuclear war or quietly accept that it will continue to have a PART in the world, not run it.
Problem I have, is they may not like being told "what to do", but the sure don't mind raising he11 when the US threatens to cut off the BILLIONS in aid.