This thesis is a single case study analyzing the impact of sanctions on Iraq's current and projected future economy. The evidence presented indicate sanctions caused long-term economic devastation, but appear incapable of promoting political change. The paper outlines Iraq's economy in four sections. The first, demonstrates the nation's economic position prior to sanctions showing Iraq's vulnerability to international pressure and economic isolation. Next, sanctions are defined, illustrating the reasons, the variety and demonstrating their comprehensive application. The third section details the current economy after six years of unified global embargo and looks at Saddam Hussein's desperate attempt to generate foreign exchange despite multinational opposition. Finally, the paper projects Iraq's ability to promote economic recovery following the removal of sanctions. Evidence concludes that Iraq's economic growth potential for the next three decades has been stymied, thereby, making economic sanctions unnecessary. The hard-line U.S. stand against Iraq, is preventing the settlement of war reparations, imposing a generation of Iraqi people to poverty and causing friction among our allies. As the second term of the Clinton administration begins, perhaps now is the time to develop a new U.S. regional strategy.