Policymakers often view economic sanctions as an attractive middle option between doing nothing, or intervening directly to change an intractable government's behavior. But sometimes providing the 'carrot' of economic rewards, rather than the 'stick' of economic sanctions, can be more effective in persuading a government to change its policies. VOA's Bill Rodgers takes a look at some alternatives to sanctions.

For decades, sanctions have been used as a diplomatic tool to pressure governments to change their bad behavior. VOA's Margaret Besheer takes a look at how sanctions are imposed and enforced.

Gaza Strip's only power plant has shut down due to an Israeli border closure that is blocking fuel deliveries. The generating station's shutdown late Sunday plunged large parts of the Gaza territory and many of its one1.5 million people into darkness. As Robert Berger reports from VOA's Jerusalem bureau, the tightening siege on Gaza has raised fears of a humanitarian crisis in the impoverished Palestinian territory.

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The Bank of England has issued this news release in respect of the financial measures taken against Al-Qaida and the Taliban.

The Bank of England, as agent for Her Majesty’s Treasury, has today issued a Notice to publicise generally a direction given by Her Majesty’s Treasury on 29 June 2007 that the individuals named below are “designated persons” for the purposes of the Terrorism (United Nations Measures) Order 2006.

NYSE Regulation Fines J.J.B. Hilliard, W.L. Lyons, Inc. $1 Million for Sale of Unregistered Securities - Customer Restitution Exceeds $3.5 million