ABSTRACT
Sanctions only have an effect if they are likely, as in South Africa, to affect the morale and self-belief of those in power. Sanctions, if supported by the United Nations and not merely unilateral gestures by a small number of countries, can have an effect. The strongest argument against dropping sanctions and adopting a change from within approach is that of the danger of nuclear proliferation. The strategy of the West towards Iran over the last 20 years and more has demonstrated the failure of a sanctions policy. They have responded to peaceful protest with violent oppression without any respect for the human rights of the protesters. Economic power remained concentrated in the hands of individuals connected to the ruling group, including the military. Military intervention would be much more difficult in Syria than was in Libya, although surely there must come a time when some action to mitigate the slaughter of civilians will have to be taken.
