The threat of military action was , however , very effective in getting allies to take economic actions that were contrary to their own national interests . Gary Sick : Sanctions against Iraq were approved by a majority of the United States Congress and signed into law on December 21, 1991. Sick : Sanctions against Iran causing anti-Americanism and ruining ordinary lives . 16 years of Iran sanctions changed nothing , he says , amount to war in all but name . Sick : When sanctions get harsher and harsher and do nothing , war becomes inevitable .
Gary Sick : Sanctions against Iraq were approved by a majority of the United States Congress and signed into law on December 21, 1991. Sick : Sanctions against Iran causing anti-Americanism and ruining ordinary lives . 16 years of Iran sanctions changed nothing , he says , amount to war in all but name . Sick : When sanctions get harsher and harsher and do nothing , war becomes inevitable .