U.S. sells Syria dual-use tech that could be used by IranWASHINGTON — The Bush administration has approved the sale of advanced dual-use computers to Syria.
"It's a major piece of equipment and is being given to an ally that could use it for military purposes as well as share it with Iran," an official said.The export, disclosed by the U.S. television network Fox, was approved despite U.S. sanctions on Damascus of military and advanced dual-use systems. Syria, deemed a terrorist sponsor, has been in the same category as Iran and North Korea.
Officials said the State Department has provided a license for the sale of advanced computers for a Syrian border surveillance program. They said the systems were being provided through a United Nations program that could significantly enhance Syria's military capabilities.
"We promise, George, if you give us the computers we will stop the infiltrating jihadis, George. Just ask Condi, we an be trusted"
In 2004, President George Bush signed legislation to severely restrict technology exports to Syria, deemed a gateway of Al Qaida for the war against the U.S. military in neighboring Iraq. But the legislation allowed the president to waive sanctions on grounds of U.S. national security.
Officials said the U.S. firm Cisco would supply computers and networking equipment to Syria under UN program. They said Syria would receive about $2.2 million in equipment under a program termed "Modernization of Syrian Customs Directorate," launched in 2005 and meant to be completed in early 2008.
Would that be the same customs that turns its back to jihadis entering Iraq?
Cisco was granted a license by the U.S. Commerce Department to sell the computers to Syria in September 2006. The UN has confirmed the sale while the Commerce Department has not responded to the report.
A federal investigation has determined that the U.S. Defense Department approved the export of spare parts of the F-14 fighter-jet to front companies for Iran. The aircraft parts as well as other U.S. military equipment were said to have been purchased by brokers for China and then relayed to Teheran.
Why are we engaged with these guys at all? Syria, Iran, NoKo. the HEART OF DARKNESS. To them profit is a tool by which they can manipulate americans. It's ridiculous. Obama could hardly be more naive. Or is the explanation worse?
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Iran Controversy at State Department
http://newsmax.com/timmerman/ameri-yazdi_iran/2008/01/29/68452.html
Tuesday, January 29, 2008 7:29 PM
By: Kenneth R. Timmerman
A controversial Iranian-American, Goli Ameri-Yazdi, will appear before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday, to answer questions about her role in raising funds for a lobbying group whose stated goal is to oppose U.S. trade sanctions on Iran and to promote a resumption of diplomatic ties with Tehran.
Both goals run directly counter to current Bush administration policy
[snip]
Since then, she has been appointed as a U.S. delegate to the United Nations General Assembly, and to a U.N. human rights forum.
She has been nominated to become assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, her first government job with line authority.
If confirmed, she will coordinate the State Department’s cultural exchange and educational programs, including Fulbright scholarships,
Why are we bothering electing a president or any elections at all when the state department dictates Arab friendly policy despite what our laws or government is elected to do?
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