In an executive order, President Biden targeted all sides of the widening conflict in Africa’s second most populous country, demanding an end to fighting and safe passage for aid.
Tag Archives: Embargoes and Sanctions
With Fuel from Iran, Hezbollah Steps In Where Lebanon Has Failed
The militant group trucked more than 1 million gallons of diesel into Lebanon, flouting U.S. sanctions and billing itself as savior to a suffering population.
North Korea Holds Scaled-Down Parade to Boost National Morale
The parade, which marked the government’s 73rd anniversary, was seen as a celebration of those who have borne the brunt of the regime’s effort to rebuild the economy amid sanctions and the pandemic.
Dollarization Is Helping the Collapsed Venezuelan Economy, for Now
After years of deprivations, an informal trade in American dollars is allowing Venezuelans to buy groceries and medication.
U.S. Wrestles With Taliban Sanctions as Afghan Crisis Looms
The Biden administration must balance maintaining pressure and letting humanitarian aid flow.
The New U.S. Challenge in Afghanistan: Coping With Taliban Rule
Its longtime enemy now a fact of life, Washington must choose when to shun or tolerate the group, with all the wrenching trade-offs each policy choice brings.
How Will The US Cope With Taliban Rule?
Its longtime enemy now a fact of life, Washington must choose when to shun or tolerate the group, with all the wrenching trade-offs each policy choice brings.
Aleksei Navalny in His Own Words
Aleksei A. Navalny, the Russian opposition leader, lays out his case — by turns funny, sarcastic and ironic — for the inevitability of democracy in his country.
Naftali Bennett Backs Hard Line on Iran, Softer Tone With U.S.
In an interview before meeting with President Biden, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said he opposed U.S. efforts to restore a nuclear deal with Iran and ruled out peace talks with the Palestinians.
No One in Europe Is Safe From My Country’s Dictator
All democratic countries have a stake in the future of Belarus.
Afghanistan Faces Economic Shock as Sanctions Replace Foreign Aid
The Taliban will be under pressure to keep a fragile economy afloat.
Seeking Global Recognition, Taliban Take a New Approach: Making Nice
The group’s head-spinning claims of moderation follow a common playbook for rebel-held governments, with mixed lessons for Afghanistan’s future.
North Korea to Washington: Timetable on Talks Is Up to Us, Not You
The country turned down an American offer to resume negotiations “without preconditions,” as President Biden’s envoy visited the region.
Iran’s Incoming President Vows Tough Line on Missiles and Militias
Ebrahim Raisi, Iran’s ultraconservative president-elect, said he would not meet with President Biden and that Tehran’s position on its ballistic missile program was “nonnegotiable.”
Belarus Faces Expanded E.U. Sanctions, Targeting Economy
In a new effort to punish the Lukashenko government for repression, European foreign ministers were expected to focus on industries crucial to the country, including potash and finance.
U.S. Preparing More Sanctions Against Russia, Sullivan Says
The national security adviser raised the issue of more penalties in the poisoning of Aleksei A. Navalny days after President Biden met with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia.
A Roadblock for Iran’s President-Elect: He’s on the U.S. Sanctions List
Ebrahim Raisi, who is accused of grave human rights violations, has also been penalized by the European Union.
Iran Election: Ebrahim Raisi Is Headed to Presidency as Rivals Concede
Rival candidates conceded the election to Mr. Raisi, Iran’s judiciary chief, a close ally of the supreme leader who has a record of grave human rights violations.
Kim Jong-un Says He’s Ready for ‘Dialogue and Confrontation’ With Biden
During a Workers’ Party meeting, the North Korean leader reviewed the new U.S. policy on his country and ordered “counteraction,” state news media reported.
North Korea Is Facing a ‘Tense’ Food Shortage
Kim Jong-un said addressing food insecurity was “a top priority” in the country, where millions died in a famine during the ’90s.
Biden and Putin Are Meeting. Here’s How to Make Progress.
They must manage a relationship that has gone sour so things don’t get worse, and figure out how to cooperate where they need to.
Iran Pays Delinquent U.N. Dues, Getting Its Vote Back
The $16.2 million was drawn from Iranian money in a Korean bank that had been frozen by U.S. sanctions but was freed to pay the dues — apparently a conciliatory signal by the Biden administration.
U.S. Lifts Some Sanctions on Iranians Before Nuclear Talks
The move was unrelated to negotiations over the 2015 nuclear deal, a State Department spokesman said. The United States also imposed new sanctions on other Iranians.
In Nicaragua, Repression Deepens as More Opposition Leaders Are Detained
With a stunning wave of arrests of political opponents and civil society leaders, President Daniel Ortega will practically be unopposed in November elections.
Make China ‘Lovable,’ Xi Said. But Don’t Expect Softening.
Xi Jinping’s remarks to top Communist Party leaders suggest Beijing will focus on courting allies rather than easing its rhetoric against the U.S. and Europe.
U.N. Suspends Iran’s Voting Rights for Delinquent Dues. Iran is Furious.
Iran and four other countries were disqualified from voting in the General Assembly because they haven’t paid dues for two years. Iran blamed sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.
Biden Expands Trum-Era Ban in Chinese Firms Linked to Military
The new order includes firms engaged in making and deploying the surveillance technology used against Muslim minorities and dissidents around the globe.
Iran Will Try French Citizen on Spying Charges
Benjamin Brière stands accused of flying a drone and taking photographs in a prohibited area. His lawyer said Iran would put him on trial for espionage, which can carry the death penalty.
U.S. to Reimpose Sanctions on Belarus Over Forced Plane Landing
The move is the latest Western response to the forced landing of a European commercial flight with a Belarusian dissident aboard.
Belarus Is Isolated as Other Countries Move to Ban Flights
The extraordinary forced landing of a commercial flight with a Belarusian dissident aboard escalated into one of the biggest flare-ups in East-West tensions in recent years.
Iran Extends Nuclear Program Inspections Agreement
Tehran agreed to give the International Atomic Energy Agency continued access to cameras at its nuclear sites while it negotiates with the United States over the ruptured 2015 deal.
Changing Tack, U.S. Sanctions Ethiopia Over Abuses in Tigray War
The measures signal a tougher American approach to a war in which Ethiopian forces are accused of atrocities. Ethiopia accused the U.S. of “meddling.”
After the Cease-Fire, Gaza Wakes to a Sea of Rubble
In addition to relief, some residents felt a sense of déjà vu, having survived several recent wars with Israel. After each war, it takes years for Gaza to recover.
Iran’s Oil Exports Rise as U.S. Looks to Rejoin Nuclear Accord
The effectiveness of U.S. sanctions is being called into question as Iran and its oil buyers test whether penalties are worth the risk amid diplomatic negotiations.
U.S. and Iran Want to Restore the Nuclear Deal. They Disagree Deeply on What That Means.
After five weeks of diplomatic shadow boxing, it is clear that the old agreement no longer works for Tehran or Washington, except as a steppingstone.
Nuclear Talks With Iran Could Reach Agreement Within Weeks, U.S. Says
Significant hurdles remain. But it was an optimistic signal by the Biden administration that an American return to the accord between Iran and world powers could be within reach.
Venezuela Releases 6 U.S. Oil Executives to House Arrest
The group, known as the “Citgo 6,” has been held on corruption charges. Their release may be a sign that Venezuela would like to improve relations with the Biden administration.
After Testing the World’s Limits, Putin Steps Back From the Brink
The Russian president pulled back troops from Ukraine’s border and relented on medical treatment for his nemesis Aleksei A. Navalny, after a performance blending fear and force to affirm his power.
Putin’s Tough Talk
Russian troops massed on the border of Ukraine, a dissident gravely ill, new sanctions. What’s it all mean?
Putin Warns of a Russian ‘Red Line’ the West Will Regret Crossing
In a state-of-the nation speech, President Vladimir Putin warned of a “fast and tough” response to security threats, in a message seemingly aimed at President Biden and delivered amid large protests.
The Clock Is Ticking for Biden on Iran
The United States must quickly decide on lifting sanctions and come up with a credible road map for reviving the Iran nuclear deal.
In Russia, a Military Buildup That Can’t be Missed
Russia’s massing of tanks and infantry along its southwestern border with Ukraine was meant to send a message, analysts say.
How to Defeat Myanmar’s Military After the Coup
Elected legislators deposed in the February coup have a plan for building a new federal democratic union. We need help.
Biden Sanctions on Russian Debt Called a ‘First Salvo’ That Send a Message
The curbs on U.S. banks’ purchases of some bonds apply to a small portion of the market but could signal a sharper aim at Russia’s access to global capital.
Iran Talks Resume, Gingerly, After Attack on Nuclear Site
Another round of Vienna talks on reviving the 2015 nuclear accord is considered to be positive despite an apparent Israeli attack on Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility.
U.S. Imposes Stiff Sanctions on Russia, Blaming It for Major Hacking Operation
Following years of wrist slaps under President Donald J. Trump, the new measures are designed to have a noticeable impact on the Russian economy.
U.S. Imposes Stiff Sanctions on Russia, Blaming It for Major Hacking Operation
Following years of wrist slaps under President Donald J. Trump, the new measures are designed to have a noticeable impact on the Russian economy.
Biden Administration to Impose Tough Sanctions on Russia
Administration officials were determined to draft a response that would impose real costs on Moscow, as many previous rounds of sanctions have been shrugged off.
‘Maximum Pressure’ on Iran Has Failed
A return to the nuclear deal is the first step out of the morass.
Iran Nuclear Talks Start on Positive Note in Vienna
Working groups on sanctions and uranium enrichment are making progress, diplomats said. The indirect negotiations between Tehran and Washington are set to resume next week.