Though Iraq was too strapped to qualify for credits, the Administration waived normal financial requirements.

The insult would be far greater if Mexico received a failing grade, even if the Administration, as it surely would, waived the economic penalties that decertification could bring.

To make this possible, the Administration waived a rule banning visas to people connected with terrorist organizations.

Though U.S. law requires cutting off aid to countries that pursue a nuclear weapons capability, the Administration has waived this action for eight years.

The Administration has not just waived controls on many dual-use exports.

The Administration also decertified four other nations - Colombia, Pakistan, Paraguay and Cambodia - but waived the penalties in the interest of national security.

The Administration imposed trade sanctions on the South African company, but waived them for the Israelis.

Experts on China called the sanctions moderately tough, since the Administration could have announced sanctions and then waived them.

The Administration waived that requirement in the case of French, Russian and Malaysian companies involved in a $2 billion energy deal.

The Administration can find China guilty, but waive the penalty by citing "national interests."