By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Trump administration is considering increasing restrictions on several delegations attending the upcoming U.N. meeting, including those from Iran, Sudan, Zimbabwe, and potentially Brazil. These restrictions may severely limit their travel outside New York City and even bar them from shopping at wholesale stores without express permission from the State Department. These measures follow the denial of visas for Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas and his delegation. Simultaneously, the administration has granted a waiver to Syria, easing its travel limitations. The State Department has yet to comment on the potential restrictions.
Read the original article here
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting, and the initial reaction is, well, a mixture of disbelief and bemusement, isn’t it? Honestly, it sounds like something straight out of a satirical news site. You’d think, with all the pressing global issues, the focus wouldn’t be on whether people from a particular country can buy bulk-sized ketchup and paper towels. Yet, here we are.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting; the more nuanced understanding that seems to be emerging is that this isn’t about banning *all* Iranians, but rather, specifically targeting Iranian diplomats. The logic behind this, as far as I can gather, is that these diplomats, due to the sanctions and economic isolation imposed on Iran, can access items in the US that are either unavailable or ridiculously expensive back home. So, they’re buying up large quantities of these things. This ban would presumably prevent them from doing so.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting; the comments are already filled with irony. Someone joked about how devastated Iran’s leadership must be at the prospect of missing out on the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo. The idea of a nation’s foreign policy pivoting around a fast-food bargain is inherently funny. The comments really capture the absurdity of the situation.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting, and the discussion has quickly turned to the nature of sanctions and diplomatic tactics. Some people are questioning the effectiveness of such a move. It’s a fair point. Is denying diplomats access to cheap consumer goods a real deterrent? Or is it just a symbolic gesture that’s more likely to be seen as petty than impactful?
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting; it’s worth noting that there are many opinions expressed on the subject matter. On one hand, it’s considered an unfair move. Imagine the poor Iranian diplomat longing for the sweet taste of freedom, of the Costco food court. On the other hand, some see it as a valid way to limit access to goods that might otherwise be difficult for Iran to acquire.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting, and the practical aspects of such a ban are also being discussed. Who would enforce this? Would it be up to Costco employees to check IDs? That sounds like a logistical nightmare, and certainly not a responsibility they signed up for.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting; the comments touch on the broader implications of such a policy. Some suggest that this kind of action sends a message of exclusion. Others feel it could backfire, creating resentment and further complicating already strained diplomatic relations. Some even speculate that it could be seen as a sign of weakness.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting; there’s the issue of whether this is all a distraction. While this might seem like a minor detail on the grand scale of international affairs, there’s a sentiment that it’s a bizarre focus.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting; it’s a question of priorities. Is this the best way to address the complex issues surrounding Iran? Perhaps it would be more effective to focus on more substantial policies.
US considers banning Iranians from shopping at Costco during UN meeting, and overall, the whole scenario highlights the absurdity of some international relations, making it almost impossible not to crack a smile.