WASHINGTON — President Bush Wednesday ordered a new round of financial sanctions against the Syrian government after concluding that it is not doing enough to stem the flow of fighters into Iraq.
The executive order broadens the number of Syrian officials whose assets can be blocked by the Treasury Department, officials said.
Administration officials said they are still developing the list of individuals to be subject to such sanctions.
The Bush administration has a variety of grievances against the Damascus government, especially what it regards as an effort to undermine Lebanon’s government and its support of militant groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. But in announcing the new sanctions, U.S. officials cited Syria’s inattention toward shutting down a flow of fighters into Iraq, such as by strengthening visa requirements. The United States first imposed sanctions on Syria in 2004.
The Washington Post
