World

Exports to Iran Surge in Bush Years

by felixdakat | July 8, 2008 at 06:34 am

292 views | 5 Recommendations | 3 comments

Other surprising shipments to Iran during the Bush administration: brassieres, bull semen, cosmetics, fur clothing, sculptures, perfume, musical instruments and possibly even weapons.

The exemptions are designed to help Iranian families even as the United States pressures Iran's leaders.

he fact that the United States sells anything to Iran is news to some.

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dunkelberg

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 06:55 on July 8th, 2008

So, we're exporting military rifles to the Axis of Evil? Isn't that taking the Second Amendment a bit too far?

Sanctions are intended in part to frustrate Iran's efforts to build its military, but the U.S. government's own figures show at least $148,000 worth of unspecified weapons and other military gear were exported from the United States to Iran during Bush's time in office. That includes $106,635 in military rifles and $8,760 in rifle parts and accessories [emphasis added] shipped in 2004, the data shows. . . .
Szubin said it was unlikely exports of military gear occurred, but added that the government was looking into it to be certain after the AP raised questions. He said shipping records are subject to human error, such as citing wrong commodity codes or recording "Iran" as the destination rather than "Iraq." The Treasury Department said Monday it was still checking to see whether it could offer an explanation.

Heckuva job, George.

Anonymous (not verified)

at 08:53 on July 8th, 2008

what is bull semen used for? that seems like an odd one.

dunkelberg

at 12:13 on July 8th, 2008

It's used for its original purpose, although in a manner much less satisfying to the manufacturer. One is given a quick electrical shock from the rear in a most unpleasant place for rapid and targeted "production". The resulting product is used for artificial insemination.