"It's because the Americans have put us under tremendous economic pressure with sanctions," he said.

So I have no problem at all with really strong sanctions against Iraq.

"I have no problems with economic sanctions as an instrument of diplomacy," he added.

Then it tried to destroy him with economic sanctions, which the general promptly turned to his advantage.

If he refuses, Syria could be hit with economic sanctions.

American officials acknowledge that with economic and military sanctions already in place, they have few other options.

And he says the regime must be threatened with further sanctions if it doesn't comply.

Should we not show more patience with diplomacy and sanctions in the future?

We need an independent body, he says, with proper sanctions including financial penalties.

In those circumstances we prefer to continue with our own policies and sanctions.