US Considers Sanctions for Syria
The United States is considering targeted sanctions, among a range of possible options, to pressure the Syrian government to stop attacking protesters.
White House Spokesman Jay Carney said Monday sanctions against the government of President Bashar al-Assad are a possible response to make clear that the government needs to cease and desist from the violence against its own people.
He said the rights of the Syrian people should be respected. He said they should not be attacked or killed as they express their grievances to the Syrian government.
Sweeps against thousands of demonstrators have escalated despite last week's repeal of a nearly 50-year-old emergency law. The New York Times, quoting the executive director of the Syrian rights group Insan , said 217 people have disappeared since Friday.
Carney said the United States is looking for ways to put pressure on oppressive governments to change their behavior. He said the U.S. is conferring with its allies and the United Nations.
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