Unit 4: Institutions of National Government

“White House approves new sanctions on Iran”

http://firstread.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/30/10944314-white-house-approves-new-sanctions-on-iran

Synopsis: The Obama administration approved further sanctions on Iranian crude oil exports after determining that oil supplies were adequate to justify the new penalties. These sanctions were written into law by Congress and are to take effect at the end of June. These sanctions will bar foreign banks from doing business in the U.S. if they buy or sell Iranian crude oil. The President’s Press Secretary Jay Carney, stated that the administration believes that “the oil market became increasingly tight over the first two months of 2012” and “that tightness remains today,” there still “appears to be sufficient supply of non-Iranian oil to permit foreign countries to significantly reduce their import of Iranian oil.” Out of the 23 countries that publicly import Iranian oil, the State Department announced exemptions from these sanctions last week for 11 of those countries. They are Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Japan. These countries have taken steps to significantly reduce their imports of Iranian crude oil.

Analysis: This article brings up to roles that the president has, that is the role of Guardian of the Economy and Chief Diplomat. This article illustrates President Obama’s role of Guardian of the Economy because with these sanctions on Iran he has to make sure that he does not allow gas prices to go up to the point where Americans cannot afford oil or that they run out of it. The article represents President Obama’s role as Chief Diplomat because he is making decisions that deal with foreign policy with Iran.  The President’s staff and Cabinet are also mentioned in the article. His Press Secretary releases a statement and the State Department does research on the countries that should be exempted from the sanctions.