Middle East experts are predicting a more flexible U.S. stance toward Iran, when the Republican George W. Bush moves into the White House on January 20, reported the Khaleej Times.
According to John K Cooley, who published an article in the latest issue of the Middle East Economic Survey (MEES), with a Republican administration in Washington, economic sanctions against Iran are likely to be lifted.
He quoted Hossein Kazempour-Ardeb, the Iranian deputy oil minister, as declaring that representatives of U.S. oil producers had told him that the sanctions would be "lifted swiftly".
Another expert predicting a similar turn of events is Muhammad Javad-Larijani, who advises Ayatollah Khamenei, Iran’s spiritual head. He was quoted before the U.S. elections as saying if Bush won then it will be certain that U.S. oil companies would have more liberty to conclude contracts with Iran.
According to Cooley, U.S. energy firms working abroad have suffered greatly from the imposition of sanctions.
Lucrative contacts, he said, that were given to European firms could easily have been won by U.S. had their government allowed them to issue bids.
Dick Cheney, the United States’ prospective vice president, was formerly the CEO of Halliburton Oil Services, and reportedly built up a worldwide network of energy ministers during his time on the job.
Cheney, who many feel will one of the United States’ most influential vice presidents ever to serve, is believed to be key element in any future decision to alleviate pressure on Iran. – (Albawaba-MEBG)
© 2001 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
