politics
Biden sanctioned man who owns Georgia, made sure checks still cleared
On Dec. 27, 2024, the Biden administration’s Treasury Department did two things, and only one of them made the news.
TL;DR
- The U.S. Treasury sanctioned Bidzina Ivanishvili for acting on behalf of Russia while influencing Georgia, but simultaneously licensed his companies.
- This action is criticized as a pattern of naming problems while allowing them to continue operating, citing historical examples in Georgia and Europe.
- Legislation passed by the House to address Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia awaits Senate votes.
- Europe has also employed a similar strategy of delaying action and accepting promises of compliance, which have not always been upheld.
- The author argues that true clarity would involve resolving contradictions, such as maintaining sanctions while licensing the sanctioned individual's network, and demanding consequences for constitutional violations.
- The current approach is described as a hedge rather than a coherent policy, with Western capitals showing little tolerance for discomfort.