30 August 1997
San Antonio Express-News
Editorial

If sanctions don't work, they shouldn't be used

Frequently, when another nation is accused of some violation of human, civil or other rights, the United States slaps unilateral economic sanctions on the alleged offender - and we all feel good about ourselves.

But what does it really mean? Too often, it means that while the target nation's citizens can't buy their farm implements or medical supplies or other goods from U.S. producers, it doesn't mean they can't get them; they just buy the stuff elsewhere.

USA Engage, a coalition of 600 companies, many headquartered or with branches in Texas, suggests that the hip- shot practice of trade sanctions has gone too far.

In 1995, USA Engage reports, it cost U.S. businesses between $15 billion and $19 billion in exports, and it cost American workers some 200,000 jobs.

And in 1996, the United States exported $93.9 billion in goods to countries now at risk for proposed federal, state and local sanctions.

It doesn't always not work, i.e., the case of South Africa, but sanctions are overused - 188 U.S. sanctions against 42 countries just since 1993.

U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar, R-Ind., and U.S. Rep. Lee Hamilton, D- Ind., will introduce legislation soon that will require, before sanctions are imposed: a finding that a new sanction will have its desired effect; the cost to U.S. businesses; an annual review; and expiration after two years unless Congress renews them.

This is sound, common sense legislation that is long overdue.

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