By signing this petition, you send the message that the sanctions levied against Iran and Syria cause privation and death and are unacceptable tools of foreign policy and diplomacy. This is the fundamental point.
The Iranian government is in full compliance with its treaty obligations under the nuclear nonproliferation treaty. Sanctions against Iran will not cause the Iranian government to change its position on any issue. The sanctions will not further peaceful development and trade in the region.
The sanctions against Syria also undermine the ability of the Syrian people to determine their own fate.
In general, the unilateral use of sanctions on the part of the United States to promote its interests around the world is increasingly at odds with the goal of promoting peaceful development and trade. While sanctions may in some cases be an effective tool, such cases are rare and the effectiveness of sanctions is limited. Other examples of nations where the lifting or easing of sanctions has promoted or could promote democracy include Zimbabwe, North Korea, and Burma.
