Media advisory: International law expert who studies sanctions against Iran can comment on Iran nuke deal, its effectiveness, lifting of sanctions

LAWRENCE — Raj Bhala is available to speak with media about the recently announced framework of an agreement on Iran’s nuclear program. Bhala is associate dean for international & comparative law and Rice Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas School of Law. 

International diplomats announced Thursday they had reached an initial deal to curb Iran’s ability to produce a nuclear weapon in exchange for lifting economic sanctions against the country. The deal is not final, as many details remain to be worked out, and debate continues on whether the agreement will in fact achieve its stated outcome.

Bhala, an international trade law expert, can discuss the deal, its ramifications and how lifting of sanctions will take place. He has studied sanctions against Iran for years, as well as the strained relationship between Iran and the United States. He recently published a scholarly article in which he examined the types of trade sanctions against Iran, how they were intended to work, whether they have succeeded, and more. Bhala can also discuss are the precise terms of the framework agreement and the ambiguities in those terms, the different interpretations of the terms by the Iranian and American sides, the chances of coming to a final agreement and the costs and benefits of doing so.

Bhala has a global reputation in the scholarship of international trade law, having lectured around the world and published an acclaimed two-volume treatise, “Modern GATT Law;” a leading textbook, “International Trade Law,” and more than three dozen articles. His latest book, “Understanding Islamic Law (Shari’a),” was published by Lexis Nexis. Bhala practiced international banking law at the Federal Reserve of New York before entering academia and currently serves as a legal consultant to Chenerie Energy and other prominent organizations and firms. He has worked in 25 countries including Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Turkey and throughout India.

To schedule an interview, contact Mike Krings at 785-864-8860 or mkrings@ku.edu.