The only 'progress' is that they are getting closer to a working weapon. A new president can fix that quickly.
3
North Korea has nuclear weapons, the means to deliver them, and is led by people who most likely could be clinically insane.
Yet the anti-Obama, anti-nuclear comments here are all about Iran, a country that does not have nuclear weapons and has now given up its ability to build nuclear weapons.
One country, North Korea, is of imminent danger to the U.S. To argue that Iran is of imminent danger to the U.S. is to deny reality. Yet, according to many here, Iran is the problem that must be resolved. By war if necessary, and preferably to some it seems.
That tells us that such comments are in furtherance of the policies of a third country. The talking points certainly are provided by another country. That third country is of course Israel and their wants and needs seem to be America's first priority.
Yet the anti-Obama, anti-nuclear comments here are all about Iran, a country that does not have nuclear weapons and has now given up its ability to build nuclear weapons.
One country, North Korea, is of imminent danger to the U.S. To argue that Iran is of imminent danger to the U.S. is to deny reality. Yet, according to many here, Iran is the problem that must be resolved. By war if necessary, and preferably to some it seems.
That tells us that such comments are in furtherance of the policies of a third country. The talking points certainly are provided by another country. That third country is of course Israel and their wants and needs seem to be America's first priority.
10
Agree Iran's progress supporting proxy's like Hamas, Hezbollah, Syria, and Yemen Rebels with their newfound liquid currency is amazing. Soon they, the Islamic State of Iran run by religious despots and their Revolutionary Guards can fly arms and ammunition to these countries on their new Boeing Jets they purchased from America with freed funds.
Great work Kerry and Obama!
Great work Kerry and Obama!
4
It was a bad deal when the President agreed to it.
And it doesn't seem to have improved since then.
Just yesterday Iran threatened to 'annihilate' Israel with 100,000 rockets aimed at Jewish state.
Some progress.
And it doesn't seem to have improved since then.
Just yesterday Iran threatened to 'annihilate' Israel with 100,000 rockets aimed at Jewish state.
Some progress.
4
As per Elie Weisel, what about 'never again' does the despotic Islamic State of Iran's leaders don't understand?
3
The whole domestic debate over the Iran Nuclear Negotiations has demonstrated the absolute refusal of the American People to learn about such key issues, such as Nuclear Proliferation, Climate Change, the Budgetary Process, etc. That is how the demagogues grab their attention with the snake oil they are selling. WATCH OUT!
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
https://thetruthoncommonsense.com
4
What more can Iran benefit from the one-sided deal? Its ballistic program is in stark violation and has been continuing at full pace. It is killing thousands of people in Syria each month through direct action as well as through supporting murderous Shiite militias. It's been emboldened by the deal and the overly accommodating behavior of the West to double down on its disruptive activities in the region and beyond. Further placating the mullahs and pseudo reformers will only further destabilize for the region, with its fallout on the West.
4
So what's YOUR clever plan? Please explain, starting with why it'd be good to dump the treaty and have Iran run right back to enriching uranium. Don't forget to map out your bombing campaign.
4
The 'mullahs' came to power, as a direct result of US meddling and toppling of a democratically elected government in 1952.
3
OK, good thing, but at the end of the day we have an extremist regime that threatens us, as well as our allies Israel and Saudi Arabia. Iran infiltrates Shi communities throughout the Middle East to foment unrest.
George W Bush abused our military power and got us and Iraq in a rather unsurmountable mess, and Obama has gone the opposite way and has made a joke of our Super Power status.
Only a few days ago, Iran called again for the destruction of Israel. Aside for being a real existential concern for Israelis and Jews around the world, it is even more concerning that our diplomats and President in Washington ignore these threats.
George W Bush abused our military power and got us and Iraq in a rather unsurmountable mess, and Obama has gone the opposite way and has made a joke of our Super Power status.
Only a few days ago, Iran called again for the destruction of Israel. Aside for being a real existential concern for Israelis and Jews around the world, it is even more concerning that our diplomats and President in Washington ignore these threats.
4
PEACE IN OUR TIME?
Doesn't everybody realize that President Obama, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton have achieved “Peace In Our Time” with their Nuclear Iran Treaty.
But only for the next ten years and then Iran can build as many nuclear weapons as Iran wants in accordance with this treaty.
Iran does not have intercontinental ballistic missile delivery systems, but they can afford to rent a van for a suicide bomber to drive to Times Square in NYC instead.
This treaty is a great diplomatic victory for the Obama Administration.
The USA, France, Germany, England, Etc., did all get together and then all agreed in essence to "Give away everything that Iran wants in return for a ten year pause before Iran is allowed to have nuclear weapons with the capability to destroy the USA and Europe."
Why did President Obama also agree to release Iran from Iran’s treaty obligations under the existing non-nuclear-proliferation treaty that Iran previously signed.
Why did President Obama also agree to lift trade sanctions against Iran that were implemented against Iran for Iran’s capture of the US embassy in Iran and Iran's failure to comply with Iran’s obligations that Iran agreed to comply with as a part of the previous non-nuclear-proliferation agreement that Iran signed.
This will give Iran the economic capability to arm and finance many more Muslim religious fanatics around the world.
How will the USA ever deal with a bunch of nuclear armed Islamic fanatics ten years from now?
Doesn't everybody realize that President Obama, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton have achieved “Peace In Our Time” with their Nuclear Iran Treaty.
But only for the next ten years and then Iran can build as many nuclear weapons as Iran wants in accordance with this treaty.
Iran does not have intercontinental ballistic missile delivery systems, but they can afford to rent a van for a suicide bomber to drive to Times Square in NYC instead.
This treaty is a great diplomatic victory for the Obama Administration.
The USA, France, Germany, England, Etc., did all get together and then all agreed in essence to "Give away everything that Iran wants in return for a ten year pause before Iran is allowed to have nuclear weapons with the capability to destroy the USA and Europe."
Why did President Obama also agree to release Iran from Iran’s treaty obligations under the existing non-nuclear-proliferation treaty that Iran previously signed.
Why did President Obama also agree to lift trade sanctions against Iran that were implemented against Iran for Iran’s capture of the US embassy in Iran and Iran's failure to comply with Iran’s obligations that Iran agreed to comply with as a part of the previous non-nuclear-proliferation agreement that Iran signed.
This will give Iran the economic capability to arm and finance many more Muslim religious fanatics around the world.
How will the USA ever deal with a bunch of nuclear armed Islamic fanatics ten years from now?
3
Poor Chamberlain...little did he know, that what he was trying to achieve in 1938 would be completely turned upside down by know-nothing armchair generals a scant 70+ years later...
4
This proposed JCPOA treaty (IAW p34, JCPOA article J. URANIUM STOCKS AND FUELS, par 34.v.) grants Iran permission to store 300kg of enriched uranium for 15 years (or until this treaty expires (after 10 years IAW p19, JCPOA article A. ENRICHMENT, ENRICHMENT R&D, STOCKPILES, par 34.v. and after 10 years IAW p158, JCPOA article E. UNSCR Termination Day, par 23., 24., and 25.). http://apps.washingtonpost.com/g/documents/world/full-text-of-the-iran-n...
This treaty is not in the best interest of the USA.
This treaty is not in the best interest of the USA.
4
Sigh.
Enriched to no more than 3.67%, after giving up nearly all their centrifuges and cementing their one breeder reactor.
You may want to spend a few minutes, find out what that means. Start woth finding out what "weapons grade," means, and what the centrifuges were for.
Not that you will. By the way, find out who the chief US scientist was at those talks, and what his background is. Also not that you will.
Enriched to no more than 3.67%, after giving up nearly all their centrifuges and cementing their one breeder reactor.
You may want to spend a few minutes, find out what that means. Start woth finding out what "weapons grade," means, and what the centrifuges were for.
Not that you will. By the way, find out who the chief US scientist was at those talks, and what his background is. Also not that you will.
4
I find it interesting that people are calling for Iran to be "moderate" when the US destabilized Iraq and Libya with its reckless military campaigning, Israel/Palestine is set up in such a way that non-Jews are divided into three major categories(Israel, West Bank, and Gaza) to insure that Jews will always remain in power, and Saudia Arabia continues to be prime sponsor of wahhabiasm as a means to spread influence and destabilize rivals.
Is Iran bad? Sure, but the US, Israel, and Saudia Arabia have directly or indirectly used their power to destabilize the region and the world. I am more worried about countries who actively destroys societies than a country who does limited actions to protects its borders from those destructive countries I listed above.
Is Iran bad? Sure, but the US, Israel, and Saudia Arabia have directly or indirectly used their power to destabilize the region and the world. I am more worried about countries who actively destroys societies than a country who does limited actions to protects its borders from those destructive countries I listed above.
5
Note the last paragraph...one of the "clouds" on the horizon is "concerns in Washington about Iran’s destabilizing activities in the region"... not those activities themselves.
3
This op-ed whitewashing of another of Barack Obama's crown jewels of failure is laughable. I look no farther than Barack Obama's words, when he bragged that his Iran Nuclear Deal would "dismantle" Iran's nuclear program.
Once the rotting fish could no longer be denied, the narrative switched to the current "well at least it will take Iran longer now to get nuclear weapons."
Those two things are NOT the same.
This is the same bait and switch tactic Obama used his entire presidency, whether it be Obamacare, the TPP or ISIS. Obama promises one thing, fails, and then Obama and his supporters think the American people are so stupid that they can just switch gears, move the goalposts and nobody will be the wiser.
What we are seeing in Iran with their nuclear program is exactly what Barack Obama promised us would NOT happen. Iran has no plans to let their progress under the Iran deal go to waste--they're using it to fast track their weapons program.
Once the rotting fish could no longer be denied, the narrative switched to the current "well at least it will take Iran longer now to get nuclear weapons."
Those two things are NOT the same.
This is the same bait and switch tactic Obama used his entire presidency, whether it be Obamacare, the TPP or ISIS. Obama promises one thing, fails, and then Obama and his supporters think the American people are so stupid that they can just switch gears, move the goalposts and nobody will be the wiser.
What we are seeing in Iran with their nuclear program is exactly what Barack Obama promised us would NOT happen. Iran has no plans to let their progress under the Iran deal go to waste--they're using it to fast track their weapons program.
4
"I look no farther than...," is the one accurate statement here, articulating as it does the fact that you didn't actually read the article any more than you bothered to read about the actual Agreement.
You might wanna try it, though this article does say that insofar as their nuclear program is concerned, Iran has been in compliance.
And not that you'll give the least little hoot, but a) the President has specifically criticized the missile tests, and b) there have been further sanctions because of them.
Oh, and right from the start, both Kerry and the Prez said very clearly that it was to be expected that Iran would push to see what it could get away with.
Your prob is simple. Everybody's stupider than you, and you want, a) Something Tough Done, though you've not the smallest clue what, or b) a war. Or more precisely, you want to send other people and their kids off to fight, and it better not cost YOU a dime by way of taxes.
Good luck with making that stuff work.
You might wanna try it, though this article does say that insofar as their nuclear program is concerned, Iran has been in compliance.
And not that you'll give the least little hoot, but a) the President has specifically criticized the missile tests, and b) there have been further sanctions because of them.
Oh, and right from the start, both Kerry and the Prez said very clearly that it was to be expected that Iran would push to see what it could get away with.
Your prob is simple. Everybody's stupider than you, and you want, a) Something Tough Done, though you've not the smallest clue what, or b) a war. Or more precisely, you want to send other people and their kids off to fight, and it better not cost YOU a dime by way of taxes.
Good luck with making that stuff work.
8
The lies from Barack Obama continue.
On the White House website, Obama boasts of the Iran Nuclear Deal being "The Historic Deal to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." Yet Iran continues testing missile systems to deliver nuclear warheads. Yet even the Obama WH and Obama sycophants like this newspaper are in full retreat, arguing "gee, if it wasn't for Obama, Iran would have nuclear weapons 6 months faster..."
We should all be so relieved America.
Obama's historic deal, to dismantle Iran's nuclear program was a ruse. A farce. A lie. Iran's nuclear program isn't dismantled, it's slightly delayed, like what happens at Starbucks when your skim latte takes 5 minutes instead of 3.
Barack Obama is a disgrace to this country.
On the White House website, Obama boasts of the Iran Nuclear Deal being "The Historic Deal to keep Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon." Yet Iran continues testing missile systems to deliver nuclear warheads. Yet even the Obama WH and Obama sycophants like this newspaper are in full retreat, arguing "gee, if it wasn't for Obama, Iran would have nuclear weapons 6 months faster..."
We should all be so relieved America.
Obama's historic deal, to dismantle Iran's nuclear program was a ruse. A farce. A lie. Iran's nuclear program isn't dismantled, it's slightly delayed, like what happens at Starbucks when your skim latte takes 5 minutes instead of 3.
Barack Obama is a disgrace to this country.
6
May I mention two eensy things?
1. It's hard to see how one applies the phrase "continues to lie," when you're yanking a quote (assuming that it is one, and not just your invention) out of context, and referring to a statement from a couple years ago.
2. Nobody, but nobody, said "six months faster." They said at least ten years, and that the lead time to react to Iran's cheating was extended to six months to a year by this treaty. This would appear to be true, unless you have special info--which you don't.
1. It's hard to see how one applies the phrase "continues to lie," when you're yanking a quote (assuming that it is one, and not just your invention) out of context, and referring to a statement from a couple years ago.
2. Nobody, but nobody, said "six months faster." They said at least ten years, and that the lead time to react to Iran's cheating was extended to six months to a year by this treaty. This would appear to be true, unless you have special info--which you don't.
5
Looks like the New York Times Editorial Board is still getting its talking point spoon fed to them by Ben Rhodes (you know, Obama's adviser who admitted the administrations talking points were largely manufactured for the purpose for selling the deal). Member that guy?
Let's clarify a few things willfully omitted in this editorial:
- The IAEA still does not have full verification or inspection power in Iran and is relying on the Iranians in no small part to provide them with data. Fox in the hen house. It is allowed to “self-inspect” its dangerous Parchin military complex and continues to deny access to Parchin and other key sites.
- The Iranians continue to build and launch ICBMs - the only purpose for which would be to carry nuclear war heads. John Kerry himself admitted Washington is “powerless” to stop the missile program.
-We were told the Iranians would use their much needed sanctions relief for infrastructure. Post-relief, they approved a 90 percent increase in military spending.
- the breakout time is now LESS than one year.
- Obama and Kerry have continued to allow Iranian human rights violations without so much as a bat of an eye without sanctions for single case.
- Tehran is importing nuclear technology from North Korea. Obama and Kerry have taken no punitive action.
Let's clarify a few things willfully omitted in this editorial:
- The IAEA still does not have full verification or inspection power in Iran and is relying on the Iranians in no small part to provide them with data. Fox in the hen house. It is allowed to “self-inspect” its dangerous Parchin military complex and continues to deny access to Parchin and other key sites.
- The Iranians continue to build and launch ICBMs - the only purpose for which would be to carry nuclear war heads. John Kerry himself admitted Washington is “powerless” to stop the missile program.
-We were told the Iranians would use their much needed sanctions relief for infrastructure. Post-relief, they approved a 90 percent increase in military spending.
- the breakout time is now LESS than one year.
- Obama and Kerry have continued to allow Iranian human rights violations without so much as a bat of an eye without sanctions for single case.
- Tehran is importing nuclear technology from North Korea. Obama and Kerry have taken no punitive action.
10
Nuclear technonlogy from North Korea? Is that like a bunch of really awkward comedians?
1
"The Iranians continue to build and launch ICBMs" - it's called self-defense by deterrence.
4
The agreement has a 15 year life after which Iran can be back to becoming a nuclear power. So, the clock is ticking on when Iran can go back to the status quo ante. In the 14 remaining years, which will pass quickly, Iran will continue to make progress with its other objectives (which do not include better relations with the United States). Do not have any great dreams about the role Iran wants to play in that future. We just put the problem off for another generation to cope with it.
7
Let's keep our eye on the ball: a Middle East with no new nuclear powers, including Iran in particular but also Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the Emirates, etc. God or Allah or whoever save us if any of the Sunni or Shia ME nations get their hands on nuclear weapons.
You left out the only known (or at least suspected) nuclear power there: Israel.
Omission, or deliberate?
Omission, or deliberate?
7
Clearly Iran is much better suited to be a US ally than Saudi Arabia. The US still has a hostile attitude to Iran and with Hillary Clinton moving forward it seems likely that she will be more hostile to Iran than President Obama. The sanctions which Hillary Clinton was instrumental in promoting will not be reinstated again. President Obama used the sanctions creatively to push Iran to a deal.
4
This lunatic idea from Obama and his supporters that Obama's toothy grin will magically convert Iran to a democracy replacing Israel in the region is so far beyond sanity that there are no road signs.
President Obama pushed Iran to a deal?
Let's look at the scoreboard shall we?
Number of demands Iran made and got from Obama: All of them.
Number of demands Obama made and got from Iran: ZERO.
Every action item on Iran's agenda to agree to the deal was achieved.
Obama and Kerry got bupkis. Iran is still the #1 sponsor of radical Islamic terror, Iran is still developing nukes.
Period.
President Obama pushed Iran to a deal?
Let's look at the scoreboard shall we?
Number of demands Iran made and got from Obama: All of them.
Number of demands Obama made and got from Iran: ZERO.
Every action item on Iran's agenda to agree to the deal was achieved.
Obama and Kerry got bupkis. Iran is still the #1 sponsor of radical Islamic terror, Iran is still developing nukes.
Period.
2
This deal is an important step toward making the world safer. However, left standing along, it actually makes the world more dangerous in many ways.
The project of which it is a part must be completed, or we will be worse off than before.
First, we must build a relationship with Iran so that in ten years, we are not back where we started with a betrayed and angry Iran. Instead, we are doing our level best to betray our side of the deal, and make it a long term failure.
Second, a nuclear free Iran was to be a step in a nuclear free Middle East, to prevent any possible use of nuclear weapons. That means we must stand up to Pakistan and Israel. For Pakistan, that means India too. Those are sacred cows in our politics, all of them. We've got nine years left to get that far enough along to keep Iran disarmed.
Those who now remain armed with nuclear weapons are also those most frequently involved in wars. They consistently say those wars are "existential." If we let that drift, we *know* someone is going to use nukes. We won't know when or why until just the last second, but we know it is coming like we know a sunrise is coming, and a sunset after that.
Our dysfunctional American politics is a very large part of the problem now. We simply can't deal with the next steps. They remain just as necessary, and the consequences will be the same no matter our excuse for not acting.
The project of which it is a part must be completed, or we will be worse off than before.
First, we must build a relationship with Iran so that in ten years, we are not back where we started with a betrayed and angry Iran. Instead, we are doing our level best to betray our side of the deal, and make it a long term failure.
Second, a nuclear free Iran was to be a step in a nuclear free Middle East, to prevent any possible use of nuclear weapons. That means we must stand up to Pakistan and Israel. For Pakistan, that means India too. Those are sacred cows in our politics, all of them. We've got nine years left to get that far enough along to keep Iran disarmed.
Those who now remain armed with nuclear weapons are also those most frequently involved in wars. They consistently say those wars are "existential." If we let that drift, we *know* someone is going to use nukes. We won't know when or why until just the last second, but we know it is coming like we know a sunrise is coming, and a sunset after that.
Our dysfunctional American politics is a very large part of the problem now. We simply can't deal with the next steps. They remain just as necessary, and the consequences will be the same no matter our excuse for not acting.
6
I'm sure it won't go to waste. Iran will use the space to make nucs, showing a real tangible result from the deal.
1
Regarding anyone in favor of returning to the "bad old days" of sanctions, sabre rattling and deployments to the Persian Gulf as a means of changing Iran's trajectory, I have one question. How did that work for us?
Not very well by any measure. Yet, for many in the U.S. and Israel the answer to the problems in the Middle East is more of the same - no fly zones, air strikes and when deemed necessary outright invasion. Like the quotation attributed to Albert Einstein, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results."
The many who were and continue to be skeptical about President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, take solace in the notion that it's something different that so far appears to be working. What its long-term results will be no one can know today. But based on the current evidence it seems like its a lot better than what came before it.
Not very well by any measure. Yet, for many in the U.S. and Israel the answer to the problems in the Middle East is more of the same - no fly zones, air strikes and when deemed necessary outright invasion. Like the quotation attributed to Albert Einstein, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results."
The many who were and continue to be skeptical about President Obama's nuclear deal with Iran, take solace in the notion that it's something different that so far appears to be working. What its long-term results will be no one can know today. But based on the current evidence it seems like its a lot better than what came before it.
16
How did it "work for us"? By forcing the Iranians to the negotiating table (something they had never been willing to do before). Too bad Obama and Kerry failed miserably at those negotiations and gave away the store.
2
Basic rule of behavior modification: Reward those who do what you want, punish those who don't. Failing to reward Iran for its compliance will push them towards non-compliance.
Really, those advocating a different policy are simply bullies with much bigger budget.
Really, those advocating a different policy are simply bullies with much bigger budget.
5
So access to about $50 billion in assets and doubling its oil output is not enough?! Should US just write a blank check? Have you ever thought that apart from sanctions there are other problems with the Iranian economy thats putting off the investors?!
2
What is forgotten, perhaps conveniently by the editorial board is that Iran sent most or all of it’s nuclear fuel to Russia. They don’t have to build nuclear weapons, Russia will do it for them.As long as, Iran & Russia support Assad, the murderer of over 400,000 Syrians,neither Iran or Russia can be trusted.
7
I have just returned from Iran (I speak, read and write fluent Persian) where I interviewed hundreds of Iranians, including many businessmen. To a person they are quite bitter about the United States' failure to fully implement the JCPOA. Despite the fact that five other nations were party to the agreement, the U.S. has found a way to delay implementation unilaterally.
One banker epitomized the discontent. He said: "They failed to free up our legitimate access to the international financial system in a totally sneaky way. The US Treasury and the Administration is being coy with Europeans and Asians. They say that they can't exactly tell them what is allowed and what is not in dealing with Iran, so the banks are afraid for fear of U.S. sanctions."
Iran is a modern nation with the capacity to produce everything it needs--food production was the greatest growth industry last year, and all building and construction materials are produced in Iran (including automobiles, trucks and industrial equipment). In order to move to a growth economy, it needs international investment and access to international markets. Iranians know this and have international partners ready and waiting to invest. It is frustrating to have all systems ready to go, and have the U.S. hold up matters with an obstructionist take on the Iran accords.
Another merchant said: "We did everything we were supposed to do, and now the United States must fulfill its part of the bargain. They are cheats!"
One banker epitomized the discontent. He said: "They failed to free up our legitimate access to the international financial system in a totally sneaky way. The US Treasury and the Administration is being coy with Europeans and Asians. They say that they can't exactly tell them what is allowed and what is not in dealing with Iran, so the banks are afraid for fear of U.S. sanctions."
Iran is a modern nation with the capacity to produce everything it needs--food production was the greatest growth industry last year, and all building and construction materials are produced in Iran (including automobiles, trucks and industrial equipment). In order to move to a growth economy, it needs international investment and access to international markets. Iranians know this and have international partners ready and waiting to invest. It is frustrating to have all systems ready to go, and have the U.S. hold up matters with an obstructionist take on the Iran accords.
Another merchant said: "We did everything we were supposed to do, and now the United States must fulfill its part of the bargain. They are cheats!"
79
Professor Beeman, I was troubled by your post, and wonder who, if anyone, in our government is responsible for the "obstructionism" you cite, and why. Are American officials dragging their feet in fully implementing the JCPOA, or are the merchants and bankers (and others you interviewed) unaware of built-in restraints in the accord that will be implemented in steps to assure Iran's compliance with its nuclear commitments? You presented a bit of a one-sided view of the situation; I'd like to know the "rest of the story".
3
Look up "Republican Congress."
1
I'm suspicious of any religion-based government. Whether it's Sunni Saudi Arabia, Shiite Iran or Jewish Israel. All three governments focus too much on religion-based policies and descriminate against religious and/or ethnic minorities within their countries.
The Saudis are the worst offenders, not Iran. Let's stop aiding any county that has a horrible human rights record.
The Saudis are the worst offenders, not Iran. Let's stop aiding any county that has a horrible human rights record.
11
Obama's soft power and highly pragmatic approach to Iran has certainly been a boon for the US and its interests. But in this (rare) case I think the US's interests coincide with the rest of ours in the world. For one, the new policy undercuts Isreali activism faced with Iran -- which could have led to disasterous results for the whole region... even nuclear war.
The other thing that few NY times readers want to admit but has become undeniable because of Iran's opposition to ISIS is that Iran-backed projects such as Hizbollah are forces of sanity in the Middle East.
That Iran does badly on the Human Rights scorecard -- that is certainly true -- but perhaps human rights reforms could begin at home in a country that has the world's highest incarceration rate.
The other thing that few NY times readers want to admit but has become undeniable because of Iran's opposition to ISIS is that Iran-backed projects such as Hizbollah are forces of sanity in the Middle East.
That Iran does badly on the Human Rights scorecard -- that is certainly true -- but perhaps human rights reforms could begin at home in a country that has the world's highest incarceration rate.
11
Just another reason to vote ONLY Democrat 2016 and shove the Republican'ts and their ilk so far down that they will never recover.
7
" ... the nuclear deal ... has substantially restricted Iran’s ability to produce fissile material ..."
Unless they're cheating, much as North Korea cheated during its nuclear deal from the 1990s.
Unless they're cheating, much as North Korea cheated during its nuclear deal from the 1990s.
5
Iran's progress: Iranian commander warns there are 100,000 missiles ready to strike Israel, more funding for terrorists.
9
The right likes to paint the left as naïve idealists, but the reality is that I'm much more of a realist than you. Iran is a better ally to the US than to Saudi Arabia, with its recent (1960s) history of more equality and freedom and less fundamentalism. The Shia majority in Iran are not the ones breeding terrorism - that's the Sunnis in Saudi Arabia at their state-funded Wahabi madrasas.
The Iranians have many reasons to distrust us, not the least of which being the US-sanctioned use of chemical weapons on civilians, the not-so-covert overthrow of their democratically elected leader for the sin of asserting Iranian control over Iranian oil, and our inexplicable closeness with the Saudis (whom they hate almost as much as they hate us).
The world is not simple, the world is not neat. But Iran is a much more natural ally than Saudi Arabia, and we should re-align ourselves and start being a force for the rehabilitation of Iran instead of punishing them out of spite when we could instead be repairing relations. I'm not saying we should lift all of our sanctions and sing kumbaya, I'm saying we should take prudent steps towards normalizing relations by being consistent, true to our word, and fair in our dealings with them.
If we encourage the shift in public opinion now, Iran could have a brighter future than it does now. Violent revolution has brought nothing but misery and martial / fundamentalist law and / or chaos. How about we suck up our pride and try something else?
The Iranians have many reasons to distrust us, not the least of which being the US-sanctioned use of chemical weapons on civilians, the not-so-covert overthrow of their democratically elected leader for the sin of asserting Iranian control over Iranian oil, and our inexplicable closeness with the Saudis (whom they hate almost as much as they hate us).
The world is not simple, the world is not neat. But Iran is a much more natural ally than Saudi Arabia, and we should re-align ourselves and start being a force for the rehabilitation of Iran instead of punishing them out of spite when we could instead be repairing relations. I'm not saying we should lift all of our sanctions and sing kumbaya, I'm saying we should take prudent steps towards normalizing relations by being consistent, true to our word, and fair in our dealings with them.
If we encourage the shift in public opinion now, Iran could have a brighter future than it does now. Violent revolution has brought nothing but misery and martial / fundamentalist law and / or chaos. How about we suck up our pride and try something else?
92
Fully agree with you....unfortunately, most of our media are not interested to report the real facts.....being controlled by special interest groups.....
5
Success in the fight against ISIS requires the efforts of Iran-backed militias. That is the reality we live in...the reality that was solidified by the criminal negligence and dishonesty of the Bush administration.
5
. . . doubled oil exports, to two billion barrels a day?? That's approximately 20 times world daily production.
2
That figure has been corrected to 2 million barrels a day.
2
The NYT Editorial Board is totally blinded by its biased desire to make Obama look good in his remaining and excruciating last few months as President for his "legacy" and help Hillary Clinton get elected. Try to remember what your favorite President said about Putting Lipstick on a Pig because it applies here.
7
The Growing Tensions between Shiite-majority Iran and Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia is the result of Saudi Arabia Wahhabism , teaching any Sunni Muslim that Shiites are worse than Christians and Jews.
"Concerns in Washington about Iran's destabilizing activities in the region". Are we talking about the 2003 Iraq Invasion by Bush?
The Indiscriminate bombing of Yemen by Saudi Arabia?
The Spread of Terrorism bankrolled and encouraged by Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Gulf allies?
The arming of Islamists factions in Syria (ISIS, Alqaeda, etc...) by the US and its Sunni allies? Sending Millions of Refugees to Europe. Refugees whose arrival is one of the main reason Britain just voted to leave the E.U?
Saudi Arabia is luring Western Companies by opening its Economy. Going as far as privatizing Aramco, with the goal of keeping Western companies from investing in Iran by offering them more opportunities in Saudi Arabia . The Saudis know that for the West, the only thing that matters is MONEY.
"Concerns in Washington about Iran's destabilizing activities in the region". Are we talking about the 2003 Iraq Invasion by Bush?
The Indiscriminate bombing of Yemen by Saudi Arabia?
The Spread of Terrorism bankrolled and encouraged by Saudi Arabia and its Sunni Gulf allies?
The arming of Islamists factions in Syria (ISIS, Alqaeda, etc...) by the US and its Sunni allies? Sending Millions of Refugees to Europe. Refugees whose arrival is one of the main reason Britain just voted to leave the E.U?
Saudi Arabia is luring Western Companies by opening its Economy. Going as far as privatizing Aramco, with the goal of keeping Western companies from investing in Iran by offering them more opportunities in Saudi Arabia . The Saudis know that for the West, the only thing that matters is MONEY.
18
You can bet that the Israelis and AIPAC will continue to do their best to unravel the diplomatic agreement we have with the Iranians. The real existential threat to the U.S. is the racist, apartheid theocracy and nuclear power----ISRAEL!
24
Let's not forget that Iran can also help us fight ISIS. Even Secretary Kerry said last week that Iran has been helpful on the ground in fighting extremists.
23
I thought I might actually get through these comments without any fear mongering or saber rattling. How naive of me.
12
@Rick not a chance, Iran holds a special place in the hearts of the fearers. Remember what Hillary Clinton said she was ready to do. And now?
7
Sanctions on Iran for human rights abuse and friendship
with Saudi Arabia for human rights abuse-this is how
hypocrisy is defined.
with Saudi Arabia for human rights abuse-this is how
hypocrisy is defined.
30
This is just another lame article to cover over another presidential mistake. The agreement with Iran put Iran in a financial situation to buy all of the nukes it wants from N. Korea.
The only progress to be made is to move the ME closer to a Nuclear War. Saudi Arabia who already has nuclear tip missile capability from Pakistan will buy nukes from them.
The only progress to be made is to move the ME closer to a Nuclear War. Saudi Arabia who already has nuclear tip missile capability from Pakistan will buy nukes from them.
5
I sincerely hope that the Clinton campaign makes a deliberate effort to make these points; and to educate the electorate, during the debates; and on the campaign trail in order to discredit one of Trump's many false charges. The public is well able to digest these important facts, and we can't rely upon the superficial television journalists to fulfill this role.
5
Hillary & Obama knows and has been a part of what is happening in Iran, Syria and Africa? She is part of the problem of hiring, training and arming terrorists to overthrow the Assad government.
The Benghazi so-called Consulate was a cover-up for our CIA gathering up weapons, including surface to air missiles.
On Sept. 6 a Libyan ship carrying 400 tons of weapons for Syrian rebels docked in southern Turkey. The ship's captain was "a Libyan from Benghazi" who worked for the new Libyan government. The man who organized that shipment, Tripoli Military Council head Abdelhakim Belhadj, who worked directly with Ambassador Crist Stevens during the Libyan revolution.
While a great deal media attention has focused on the fact that the State Department did not provide adequate security at the consulate, and was slow to send assistance when the attack started, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh released an article in April of 2014, which exposed a classified agreement between the CIA, Turkey and the Syrian rebels to create what was referred to as a “rat line”. The “rat line” was the covert network used to channel weapons and ammunition from Libya, through southern Turkey and across the Syrian border.
There is a direct link between those terrorists and the U.S. foreign policy. Spiegel declared that Americans were training the Syrian rebels in Jordan to oust Assad and with Congressional approval. However, the evidence went back to 2012:
The Benghazi so-called Consulate was a cover-up for our CIA gathering up weapons, including surface to air missiles.
On Sept. 6 a Libyan ship carrying 400 tons of weapons for Syrian rebels docked in southern Turkey. The ship's captain was "a Libyan from Benghazi" who worked for the new Libyan government. The man who organized that shipment, Tripoli Military Council head Abdelhakim Belhadj, who worked directly with Ambassador Crist Stevens during the Libyan revolution.
While a great deal media attention has focused on the fact that the State Department did not provide adequate security at the consulate, and was slow to send assistance when the attack started, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Seymour Hersh released an article in April of 2014, which exposed a classified agreement between the CIA, Turkey and the Syrian rebels to create what was referred to as a “rat line”. The “rat line” was the covert network used to channel weapons and ammunition from Libya, through southern Turkey and across the Syrian border.
There is a direct link between those terrorists and the U.S. foreign policy. Spiegel declared that Americans were training the Syrian rebels in Jordan to oust Assad and with Congressional approval. However, the evidence went back to 2012:
6
In August 2012, NBC reported a possible game-changer in the Syrian revolution. A small cache of Russian surface-to-air missiles had made their way to rebels. NBC’s report identifies the weapons as precisely the type of Russian-made missiles, which had gone missing in Libya. The fact according to NBC, they turned up in Turkey points directly to the Libya-to-Qatar-to-Turkey arms pipeline, which the CIA had been involved with since January 2012.
In November 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. mission in Benghazi "was at its heart a CIA operation."
A month later, just three days after the 9/11 attack in Benghazi, the Times of London reported that a Libyan ship carrying 400 tons of weapons including “SAM-7 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles” docked in Turkey. This was the largest known shipment of weapons to Syria at the time. The ship’s captain, Omar Mousaeeb was from Benghazi.
CNN reported that agents who survived the Benghazi attack told CNN “You have no idea the amount of pressure being brought to bear on anyone with knowledge of this operation.”
Rep. Frank Wolf claimed that sources had told him Benghazi survivors were pressured to sign additional non-disclosure agreements to enforce their silence.
In November 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported that the U.S. mission in Benghazi "was at its heart a CIA operation."
A month later, just three days after the 9/11 attack in Benghazi, the Times of London reported that a Libyan ship carrying 400 tons of weapons including “SAM-7 surface-to-air anti-aircraft missiles” docked in Turkey. This was the largest known shipment of weapons to Syria at the time. The ship’s captain, Omar Mousaeeb was from Benghazi.
CNN reported that agents who survived the Benghazi attack told CNN “You have no idea the amount of pressure being brought to bear on anyone with knowledge of this operation.”
Rep. Frank Wolf claimed that sources had told him Benghazi survivors were pressured to sign additional non-disclosure agreements to enforce their silence.
1
I agree with the basic thrust of this editorial. Iran's danger comes from the power of the Shi'a clerics who founded the so-called "Islamic Revolution," but Iran also has a strong sector of its population that embrace modernity and moderation. This is the group who developed their leanings under the Pahlavi dynasty, and continue to reject the extremist views of the ruling Ayatollahs. The clerics clearly fear the "moderates," and thus allowed an election that produced Hassan Rohani and his foreign minister, Javad Zarif, both western-educated. Both Rohani and Zarif have pushed to reduce Iran's threatening image fostered by the clerics, and to integrate Iran more into the global community. They have staked a great deal on this agreement, and should it fail, the clerics will be able to say "I told you so," and thus discredit Rohani and his supporters. It would be foolish for the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, and the rest of the world to let this happen.
4
Trade improvements with Iran will help cement the nuclear deal, and make any return to weapons development by Iran much more difficult.
Of even greater importance, it will also make such efforts more unlikely. Trade helps bind countries together; when people across national boundaries bond over gains in productivity and heightened economic interactions, they become less hostile, less oriented to warlike activities, more cooperative.
Historically, the Iranian people have shown a forward-looking, dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit. This is what we should be promoting, instead of resorting to fearful, counter-productive, defensive trade barriers and sanctions.
Of even greater importance, it will also make such efforts more unlikely. Trade helps bind countries together; when people across national boundaries bond over gains in productivity and heightened economic interactions, they become less hostile, less oriented to warlike activities, more cooperative.
Historically, the Iranian people have shown a forward-looking, dynamic, entrepreneurial spirit. This is what we should be promoting, instead of resorting to fearful, counter-productive, defensive trade barriers and sanctions.
54
@ AM - Yes indeed, a country where women are the majority in universities. Fine Times Pick.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
3
The decidedly mixed record of American diplomacy in Iran still haunts current efforts to achieve a measure of stability in the ME. The long shadow cast by the events of 1953, however, may reflect our perceptions more than it does reality, itself. The Anglo-American intervention embittered the Iranian people of that generation, but current popular attitudes toward this country don't appear to demonstrate much hostility. The leadership, of course, routinely denounces the U.S. as the Great Satan, but does that hatred arise from the memory of long ago events, or from the radical differences in the religious and political values that govern the two countries? Given the contingencies that shape the historical process, we cannot even assert confidently that the Revolution of 1979 flowed directly from the American intervention of 1953.
Surely, our current policy toward Iran plays a much larger role than fading memories in shaping bi-lateral relations. The agreement between Iran and the consortium of countries led by the U.S., whatever its limitations and flaws, offers a better prospect of improved stability than any initiative undertaken since 1979. The regime continues to define its interests in the region's conflicts differently than America, and the gap between those two perceptions may never close.
But preventing the development of nuclear weapons, even temporarily, serves the interests of peace. Demanding permanent success or war blazes a short path to disaster.
Surely, our current policy toward Iran plays a much larger role than fading memories in shaping bi-lateral relations. The agreement between Iran and the consortium of countries led by the U.S., whatever its limitations and flaws, offers a better prospect of improved stability than any initiative undertaken since 1979. The regime continues to define its interests in the region's conflicts differently than America, and the gap between those two perceptions may never close.
But preventing the development of nuclear weapons, even temporarily, serves the interests of peace. Demanding permanent success or war blazes a short path to disaster.
The nuclear Iran deal is one of Obama's most courageous acts; with sanctions as a negotiating chip, going against enormous political headwinds, this is the one glimmer/flickering of light in the entire Mideast . We can hope the U.S. can leverage more changes by negotiating with our enemies as well as our Mideast 'friends'.
69
The US agrees to allow Iran to have Nuclear Weapons ten years after this treaty is agreed and ratified by all of the governmental parties to this agreement.
James Mc Carten,
The USA got Peace in our time because Iran agreed to not build nuclear weapons for the next ten years. Now there is no need to worry about any future nuclear attacks on the USA by Iran until ten years from now.
The Middle East and parts of the USA will probably look like large parking lots in the latter part of the next decade as a result of this peace treaty.
James Mc Carten,
The USA got Peace in our time because Iran agreed to not build nuclear weapons for the next ten years. Now there is no need to worry about any future nuclear attacks on the USA by Iran until ten years from now.
The Middle East and parts of the USA will probably look like large parking lots in the latter part of the next decade as a result of this peace treaty.
1
To welch on our part of the nuclear accord with Iran, just proves to Iranians who felt (and feel) that all America intends is to diminish them (e.g., negotiate severe nuclear reductions while continuing to harm Iran economically and globally).
If we intended to maintain stringent sanctions on Iran for any number of reasons, we should have made sure they understood that. Absent that, we have undercut our credibility, the credibility of those in Iran who stuck their necks out to negotiate the agreement, and the goodwill of the world.
If Iran wants to support Assad, so what? Do we shift our foreign policies and support based on what Iran wants? Does Iran want us to send $40 billion in arms to Israel? Do we care what Iran thinks of our crazy Israel policy? Why then do we expect that we have veto power over Iran's policies, foreign or otherwise?
Perhaps Iran can start asking us how this amazing model of democracy and welcome we claim to be, has a hate monger like Trump running for, and threatening to become President? We have our problems! So does Iran. We cannot pretend to demand that others make what we find disagreeable vanish, while we continue to be so far from perfect, as to sometimes be laughable (more accurately, tragic). Happy 4th!
If we intended to maintain stringent sanctions on Iran for any number of reasons, we should have made sure they understood that. Absent that, we have undercut our credibility, the credibility of those in Iran who stuck their necks out to negotiate the agreement, and the goodwill of the world.
If Iran wants to support Assad, so what? Do we shift our foreign policies and support based on what Iran wants? Does Iran want us to send $40 billion in arms to Israel? Do we care what Iran thinks of our crazy Israel policy? Why then do we expect that we have veto power over Iran's policies, foreign or otherwise?
Perhaps Iran can start asking us how this amazing model of democracy and welcome we claim to be, has a hate monger like Trump running for, and threatening to become President? We have our problems! So does Iran. We cannot pretend to demand that others make what we find disagreeable vanish, while we continue to be so far from perfect, as to sometimes be laughable (more accurately, tragic). Happy 4th!
15
Are we supposed to believe Einhorn and Nephew are disinterested observers, able to shine a critical light on this blatant "legacy" deal? I don't think so. The obvious narrative (political of course) is for Obama to wave a piece of paper around crowing something about peace in our time as he rides off into the sunset. Period. Because an ultra leftwing think tank and the in the tank NYT editorial board say everything is fine and those trustworthy cutthroats in Iran can be trusted, I have my doubts. With all the hype and propaganda emanating from Times square (star of David indeed) one wonders at just how far a bankrupt ideology and a bankrupt nrwspaper will lead people astray.
4
The Iran deal is one of Obama's greatest achievements.
Unfortunately, Israel has been lobbying for the U.S. to attack Iran for at least a decade now.
Donald Trump did say that he would honor the Iran agreement during his foreign policy speech, whatever that's worth.
Hillary has stated she would invite Netanyahu to the White House as one of her first acts as president.
Former CIA director under Obama, Michael Hayden, was asked during an interview if he thought Hillary's emails had been hacked.
He said that he would lose a lot of respect for his foreign counterparts if they hadn't.
Which country in the world is known for having the finest intelligence capabilities? I think the answer is Israel.
What if the Israelis have Hillary's emails?
We can expect to hear a lot more demonization of Iran and the "dangers" they present if the U.S. refuses to take preemptive action.
I wish the media would educate Americans on our history with Iran.
In 1953, our CIA, in a coup led by Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Ted), deposed the ONLY democratically elected leader Iran had ever known, Moosadegh. The Iranian people had spent the first half of the 20th century working toward democracy to be rid of their brutal, parasitic monarchy.
Iran was on trek to become a large, stable democracy anchoring the middle-east. But ME democracy didn't serve Western oil interests at the time, so we re-installed the brutal dictator.
Our history with Iran is tragic.
We must proceed with wisdom.
Unfortunately, Israel has been lobbying for the U.S. to attack Iran for at least a decade now.
Donald Trump did say that he would honor the Iran agreement during his foreign policy speech, whatever that's worth.
Hillary has stated she would invite Netanyahu to the White House as one of her first acts as president.
Former CIA director under Obama, Michael Hayden, was asked during an interview if he thought Hillary's emails had been hacked.
He said that he would lose a lot of respect for his foreign counterparts if they hadn't.
Which country in the world is known for having the finest intelligence capabilities? I think the answer is Israel.
What if the Israelis have Hillary's emails?
We can expect to hear a lot more demonization of Iran and the "dangers" they present if the U.S. refuses to take preemptive action.
I wish the media would educate Americans on our history with Iran.
In 1953, our CIA, in a coup led by Kermit Roosevelt (grandson of Ted), deposed the ONLY democratically elected leader Iran had ever known, Moosadegh. The Iranian people had spent the first half of the 20th century working toward democracy to be rid of their brutal, parasitic monarchy.
Iran was on trek to become a large, stable democracy anchoring the middle-east. But ME democracy didn't serve Western oil interests at the time, so we re-installed the brutal dictator.
Our history with Iran is tragic.
We must proceed with wisdom.
46
Don't forget these Iranians saw their friends and family hauled off by the Shah's secret police,many never returned. Imagine if the same had happened here how we would feel.
7
You are asking too much to the media: educate their readers/viewers. Great majority of the American media are controlled by Jewish affiliations.......so, Americans are and will be ignorant of the real facts....while Europeans and Asians know the real story.
5
I was wondering why commenters hadn't yet mentioned Mossadegh.
2
The future of the Iran nuclear agreement rests largely in the hands of its co-creator: President Obama. While he remains in office he must use his executive authority to advance the win-win prospect of sustainability.
Iran may be in the incipient stage of political transformation. Important swaths of Iran's citizenry yearn for economic, social and political modernity. It is no hotbed of reactionary Wahabbism as is Saudi Arabia. Iran's moderates need external support in order to avoid losing internal support.
If President Obama values one of his most signal achievements, he needs to do everything possible to secure it now while he can still pull the right levers.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
Iran may be in the incipient stage of political transformation. Important swaths of Iran's citizenry yearn for economic, social and political modernity. It is no hotbed of reactionary Wahabbism as is Saudi Arabia. Iran's moderates need external support in order to avoid losing internal support.
If President Obama values one of his most signal achievements, he needs to do everything possible to secure it now while he can still pull the right levers.
www.endthemadnessnow.org
61
You know how Iran continues their "Death to America" days and their constant railing against the USA? How come we aren't encouraging typical, normal Iranians to topple their rulers who run around in their little costumes and 6th century headgear and who are unelected, illegitimate, Twelver religious fanatics?
4
"Iran is still subject to separate American sanctions for its failure to halt its ballistic missile program and improve its human rights record, and for aiding terrorist groups."
How can we ask another country to clean up their act when we do the same?
How can we ask another country to clean up their act when we do the same?
14
Iran is neighbor to Israel, which has hundreds of atomic weapons of mass destruction aimed straight at them. It is to be commended for being strong armed into this argument and still being willing to work with the US and the UN.
If the US found itself in the same position it would have refused to do anything until it had missiles and bombs of its own.
As a small and tiny voice for peace, I so thank the Iranian government and hope that they keep on keeping war away.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
If the US found itself in the same position it would have refused to do anything until it had missiles and bombs of its own.
As a small and tiny voice for peace, I so thank the Iranian government and hope that they keep on keeping war away.
Hugh Massengill, Eugene
6
When the US found itself neighboring a puny island dust speck that was about to receive nuclear missiles, it created a blockade and demanded of the deranged violent murderer Krushchev that the missile shipments turn back.
The Iranian government is akin to the Soviets, spreading violence, destruction, and murder - albeit according to the words of a 7th century tribal witch doctor as opposed to a 19th century loony-tune German.
The Iranian government is akin to the Soviets, spreading violence, destruction, and murder - albeit according to the words of a 7th century tribal witch doctor as opposed to a 19th century loony-tune German.
4
IRAN Is unrepentant in its role as a purveyor of terrorism in the region. That it has chosen to support the vicious, psychopathic regime of Assad in Syria speaks to its goals vis a vis armed conflict and advancing Islamist terrorist activities. Tragically, the Iranian people live under the crushing burden of terrorists masquerading as religious leaders. While the terrorist mullahs do not represent the will of the Iranian people, their stranglehold on Iran continues unabated. Clearly their actions have nothing to do with true religion whose very name means peace, as Islam contains the same root as the word Sala'am, meaning peace. The US could continue strengthening its position in preventing Iran from increasing its nuclear arsenal by exporting solar panels and wind turbines. The world must remain vigilant to preempt Iran's ability to return to its development of nuclear weapons. To do that the US and other nations must maintain a clear understanding of Iran's intentions, for actions speak louder than words. Let there be no doubt that Iran's territorial ambitions would include destroying the peace of millions of innocent civilians. The suffering of the millions of refugees from Syria and elsewhere in the region speaks louder than the promise made by its Islamist terrorist leaders.
11
How about stealing the land of Palestinians and blaming them for their courage to fight back?
9
What territorial ambitions? Iran has not been the aggressor in a conflict in over 300 years. and Iran has no ambitions on any other nation's territory.
What terrorism? Iran has an internationally recognized mutual defense treaty with Syria. What other terrorism are you citing?
The characterization of Iran's leaders as "terrorists" is over-the-top hyperbole. Are you including President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, both of whom have been internationally nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?
There was never any evidence that Iran had, has or will have a nuclear weapons program. Never. Period.
What terrorism? Iran has an internationally recognized mutual defense treaty with Syria. What other terrorism are you citing?
The characterization of Iran's leaders as "terrorists" is over-the-top hyperbole. Are you including President Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, both of whom have been internationally nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize?
There was never any evidence that Iran had, has or will have a nuclear weapons program. Never. Period.
7
Also, let us lean on Israel to expose their nuclear arsenal, and accept supervision.
7
I wonder how the Iranians feel about their nuclear deal with the possibility of a Trump presidency? I would be very skeptical of America behaving itself in the Mid East and rue the day I gave up the ability to defend myself with such a person running the government of a nation that could take out the world with their nuclear arsenal.
And as for sanctions on Iran for their human rights record and aiding terrorists what right has America to talk about human rights and terrorism with Guantanamo, drone strikes in sovereign foreign countries, and children being shot down in the streets for reaching for their phones and playing with toy guns in the park.
Pot meet Kettle
And as for sanctions on Iran for their human rights record and aiding terrorists what right has America to talk about human rights and terrorism with Guantanamo, drone strikes in sovereign foreign countries, and children being shot down in the streets for reaching for their phones and playing with toy guns in the park.
Pot meet Kettle
58
Just what ability to defend itself did Iran give up? It received an economic shot-in-the-arm from the agreement, and can go back to unconstrained uranium enrichment any time it wants...
what kind of left-wing proproganda is this?
did the author forget that on March 9, 2016, Iran tested nuclear warhead capable missiles in gross violation of its commitment to the nuclear deal? see link below
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-missiles-idUSKCN0WV2HE
how does this show that Iran is keeping its obligations to the world?
did the author forget that on March 9, 2016, Iran tested nuclear warhead capable missiles in gross violation of its commitment to the nuclear deal? see link below
http://www.reuters.com/article/us-iran-missiles-idUSKCN0WV2HE
how does this show that Iran is keeping its obligations to the world?
14
I can't believe the NYT's fealty to the charade that Obama's nuclear deal with Iran is anything but a total capitulation that has emboldened the regime and made the world a more dangerous place in both the short and.long term.
The Iranians speak openly about how they got the better of Obama, are more aggressive than ever, and will have American sanctioned nukes in a few short years.
The Iranians speak openly about how they got the better of Obama, are more aggressive than ever, and will have American sanctioned nukes in a few short years.
13
The point made by this editorial is tremendously important. Wasting the achievement of the nuclear treaty with Iran would be foolhardy and would have terrible consequences. Such neglect would give aid and comfort to the anti-Western extremists in Saudi Arabia who seek to prop up and expand the violent jihadists of ISIS.
5
It’s getting tiresome correcting the repeated assertions by the Times that the nuclear deal was good for America and good for Israel and good for the people of Iran. So this time, instead of a detailed response, let me just leave it at this: the Ayatollah was enthusiastic about the deal because it guarantees his revolution’s control over Iran until the end of time; Putin was thrilled by it because there is nothing he enjoys more than influence over other people in places far away from Russia; Hezbollah and Hamas thought it was a wonderful way to get tens of thousands of additional rockets and missiles to target Israel with; and the Times was overjoyed by the prospect of helping President Obama obtain a dubious legacy and maybe a second dubious Nobel prize.
Alas, the deal has ended up emboldening and enriching the Ayatollah while placing the people of Iran in his iron grip more firmly than ever; and has left Israel in the possibly permanent shadow of a nuclear threat exactly as Mr. Netanyahu and Elie Wiesel feared it would. One that could have been avoided by increased sanctions or the use of blockbuster bombs. And will now likely require independent action by Israel to achieve.
But all of this is ancient history now to the Times, which currently has the impending presidency of Donald Trump to deal with.
A man who, as big as a fool as he is, would never have ventured out on the limb of an unenforceable Iran deal. (One begins to believe that the Times truly deserves him.)
Alas, the deal has ended up emboldening and enriching the Ayatollah while placing the people of Iran in his iron grip more firmly than ever; and has left Israel in the possibly permanent shadow of a nuclear threat exactly as Mr. Netanyahu and Elie Wiesel feared it would. One that could have been avoided by increased sanctions or the use of blockbuster bombs. And will now likely require independent action by Israel to achieve.
But all of this is ancient history now to the Times, which currently has the impending presidency of Donald Trump to deal with.
A man who, as big as a fool as he is, would never have ventured out on the limb of an unenforceable Iran deal. (One begins to believe that the Times truly deserves him.)
15
This is just false. I don't know what your information is, and I don't even know where to start.
The Ayatollah was not enthusiastic about the deal, Rouhani was. And he barely got it through because it was seen as cooperation with the US.
Isn't it time we saw the world for what it was instead of some fever dream of US supremacy and unopposed enforcement of our will? We tried that in the middle east before, and we ruined many countries and deepened resentment and fomented more terrorism along the way.
Grow up and learn to play nice with others. We don't have to make peace with our friends - we have to make peace with our enemies. And if you're so concerned about the terrible things sanctioned by the Iranian government, it's disturbing that there are always crickets from the right about the worse atrocities committed by our "friends" the Saudis.
The Ayatollah was not enthusiastic about the deal, Rouhani was. And he barely got it through because it was seen as cooperation with the US.
Isn't it time we saw the world for what it was instead of some fever dream of US supremacy and unopposed enforcement of our will? We tried that in the middle east before, and we ruined many countries and deepened resentment and fomented more terrorism along the way.
Grow up and learn to play nice with others. We don't have to make peace with our friends - we have to make peace with our enemies. And if you're so concerned about the terrible things sanctioned by the Iranian government, it's disturbing that there are always crickets from the right about the worse atrocities committed by our "friends" the Saudis.
7
Well Kim, let’s see now:
They are still hanging gays and drug addicts from construction cranes.
They are still grabbing innocent people off the streets and throwing them into torture prisons.
They are still terrorizing and intimidating women.
They are still shouting “Death to America and Israel.”
They are still helping Hamas build tunnels and train terrorists,
They and Russia are still propping up the serial mass-murderer Assad.
They are still supplying Hezbollah with the weapons needed to launch an immensely destructive war against Israel.
They haven’t deviated an iota from their determination to destroy Israel on the day chosen by their religious leaders.
They still employ legions of nuclear scientists under orders to produce nuclear weapons and are busy educating more.
Much aided by the cash money received by way of the nuclear deal, they are busy constructing long range missiles easily capable of reaching and destroying major population centers in Israel.
Not a bad legacy for the Ayatollah.
But not a good one for us, Israel and the people of Iran.
They are still hanging gays and drug addicts from construction cranes.
They are still grabbing innocent people off the streets and throwing them into torture prisons.
They are still terrorizing and intimidating women.
They are still shouting “Death to America and Israel.”
They are still helping Hamas build tunnels and train terrorists,
They and Russia are still propping up the serial mass-murderer Assad.
They are still supplying Hezbollah with the weapons needed to launch an immensely destructive war against Israel.
They haven’t deviated an iota from their determination to destroy Israel on the day chosen by their religious leaders.
They still employ legions of nuclear scientists under orders to produce nuclear weapons and are busy educating more.
Much aided by the cash money received by way of the nuclear deal, they are busy constructing long range missiles easily capable of reaching and destroying major population centers in Israel.
Not a bad legacy for the Ayatollah.
But not a good one for us, Israel and the people of Iran.
6
The nuclear deal between Iran and all the major world powers is perhaps the rare example of success for international diplomacy employed for peace in the badly divided and suspicion filled world of today, and shouldn't be allowed to go waste. More so when Iran has already met almost all the demands asked under the deal, specially involving the nuclear safety concerns and its own nuclear ambitions, as endorsed by the nuclear experts from the IAEA and the US, shouldn't the US- the main force behind the deal- too meet its part of the deal by lifting all the irrational sanctions as an encouraging gesture of constructive diplomacy and a crucial part of confidence building measure? The critics of the deal and the elements ill disposed to Iran shouldn't forget that the understanding reached between the world powers and Iran goes beyond the nuclear issue and if leveraged wisely might be used further to address the main anxieties aroused by the sectarian strife and the Wahhabi extremist revival, particularly the Islamic State terror menace, springing from the West Asia, currently the dangerous flash point of the world. It's time the US lawmakers rise above their narrow political concerns and allow the deal to materialise to its full potential and worth by ending the counterproductive sanctions regime. It will be a win-win to all.
16
Can you spell 'Irony'? The same half of the country which is so determined to keep little Iranian hands off of the red buttons is working hard to get Trump’s little hands on them.
53
A poll back in December found that majorities of Iraqis and Syrians believe that the U.S. created ISIS. Throughout the region people believe that U.S.-supported forces battling ISIS are as bad as ISIS itself. Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused the U.S. of forming and assisting ISIS, and Iran’s military has reinforced this absurdity. While Iran is understandably concerned about ISIS, Tehran uses the threat posed by it to undermine U.S. policy in the region.
Like a lot on the left, the editors wish to talk only of the surface issue, which is the threat of nuclear destabilization in the region by Iran’s nuclear potential, without parsing the existential threat to the region posed by Iran itself; or by how our trucking with them on nuclear arms exacerbates that threat. But, as with all things Middle Eastern, there are MANY layers here and a two-dimensional view of objectives simply is dangerous.
The editors pay lip-service to the dangers that this deal have worsened, but again minimize them in the interests of preserving a deal that put us in bed with that region’s most destabilizing influence and, indeed, enabled them in extending their influence and worsening the destabilization.
If the Middle East explodes again on Shi’a-Sunni lines, it’s unlikely to be over nuclear arms but over Iran’s insistence that it dominate. We have only assisted them in pressing those claims.
Like a lot on the left, the editors wish to talk only of the surface issue, which is the threat of nuclear destabilization in the region by Iran’s nuclear potential, without parsing the existential threat to the region posed by Iran itself; or by how our trucking with them on nuclear arms exacerbates that threat. But, as with all things Middle Eastern, there are MANY layers here and a two-dimensional view of objectives simply is dangerous.
The editors pay lip-service to the dangers that this deal have worsened, but again minimize them in the interests of preserving a deal that put us in bed with that region’s most destabilizing influence and, indeed, enabled them in extending their influence and worsening the destabilization.
If the Middle East explodes again on Shi’a-Sunni lines, it’s unlikely to be over nuclear arms but over Iran’s insistence that it dominate. We have only assisted them in pressing those claims.
8
you have done it again, Richard, argued yourself into going to war.
8
We did create ISIS, through the invasion and vacuum of Iraq. We created the hate in Iran in 1953.
13
We did create ISIS Richard, when the last President you elected lied us into a four trillion dollar decade long war that took out a long time stabilizing force in the region, creating a civil war and a power vacuum.
And it's not just Iraqis and Syrians who think that, it's foreign policy experts, defense experts, and historians (and no, by that I don't mean draft dodging idiots like Rumsfeld and Rove or bloviators like Krauthammer). Colin Powell realized all this would happen and told everyone before Bush led the fool's brigade, but no one in your party listened to him.
And it's not just Iraqis and Syrians who think that, it's foreign policy experts, defense experts, and historians (and no, by that I don't mean draft dodging idiots like Rumsfeld and Rove or bloviators like Krauthammer). Colin Powell realized all this would happen and told everyone before Bush led the fool's brigade, but no one in your party listened to him.
2
13 comments and all standard Iran agreement positions are covered and we also have the necessary history of the role of the US in destabilizing Iran - CIA and the deposing of Mossadeq - always necessary because so many commenters are or profess to be totally unwaware of our role.
So there is that fundamental question that perhaps can be a Trump-Clinton debate question. What will you do to free us from our truly dangerous ally Saudi Arabia and to help Iran become one of the more modern Middle Eastern nations?
Wi
So there is that fundamental question that perhaps can be a Trump-Clinton debate question. What will you do to free us from our truly dangerous ally Saudi Arabia and to help Iran become one of the more modern Middle Eastern nations?
Wi
54
My comment went off before it was completed. Since the version showing has 25 recommendations I will simply add this concerning WiM from the Netherlands. WiM points to the banking issues that stand in the way of Iran's rejoining the world economy fully, issues controlled by the US. We need Iran back as part of the world economy since this will help the young in Iran who want to be part of the modern world by helping the economy they live in.
(As for the reply from fortress America, words fail me just as they failed him or her)
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
(As for the reply from fortress America, words fail me just as they failed him or her)
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
1
Funny .how the powers convince themselves Iran is "progressing" Still the worlds # 1 state sponsor of terror.still number 1 repressing its citizens.
We can wait till the mullahs change robes,or regime change now....
We can wait till the mullahs change robes,or regime change now....
12
Sorry, Saudi Arabia is right up there, with Iran #1, but they're 'friends' with us.
4
I think Saudi Arabia has that distinction
7
The theocracy that rules Iran is not playing by the same rules or living up to the same "honor system" that an honest person does. Believing that they see things the way you do is folly at best, and childishly suicidal at worst.
I'm sure Iran is living up to the letter of the agreement; this does not preclude it from continuing its uranium enrichment efforts somewhere other than Natanz. But the NYT Editorial Board doesn't have boots on the ground to go looking for a multitude of facilities, that could be hidden just about anywhere.
The article itself reveals that they can produce a weapon in a year, noting that it would have taken "just two or three months" without the agreement. Apparently having a nuclear-armed Iran in 2017 is to them better than having a nuclear-armed Iran by October. Clearly they are cheering the lesser of two nuclear evils.
When your country's rulers are guided by a cult that believes death is preferable to life, allowing it to continue its existence is sheer stupidity. Allowing it to go nuclear in 3 months is as suicidal as allowing it to go nuclear in 12 months - they've waited 1,300 years to nuke everyone into Paradise, 9 months more isn't going to be a concern.
I'm sure Iran is living up to the letter of the agreement; this does not preclude it from continuing its uranium enrichment efforts somewhere other than Natanz. But the NYT Editorial Board doesn't have boots on the ground to go looking for a multitude of facilities, that could be hidden just about anywhere.
The article itself reveals that they can produce a weapon in a year, noting that it would have taken "just two or three months" without the agreement. Apparently having a nuclear-armed Iran in 2017 is to them better than having a nuclear-armed Iran by October. Clearly they are cheering the lesser of two nuclear evils.
When your country's rulers are guided by a cult that believes death is preferable to life, allowing it to continue its existence is sheer stupidity. Allowing it to go nuclear in 3 months is as suicidal as allowing it to go nuclear in 12 months - they've waited 1,300 years to nuke everyone into Paradise, 9 months more isn't going to be a concern.
16
..."allowing its existence"! I'm hoping you know what that entails. I suspect you belong to a cult of death yourself that seems to want to kill millions of innocent people. As far as waiting 1,300 years to nuke everyone into paradise you are talking to a country that has actually used nuclear weapons and we didn't wait 1,300 years but only about 20 seconds after atomic weapons became viable. Every president since that time has threatened the use of nuclear weapons.
You may have to wait until November and maybe, if Trump wins the presidency, you'll have a president stupid enough to carry out your wishes.
You may have to wait until November and maybe, if Trump wins the presidency, you'll have a president stupid enough to carry out your wishes.
10
Mike: When a rattlesnake enters your basement and bites your dog, do you "allow its existence" by sitting down to have a chat with it? Do you write up an "agreement" telling it you will give it food as long as it promises not to slither up to the first floor and bite your children?
The "innocent people" of Iran are subject to retaliation for the depredations their theocratic rulers deliver to the world - their deaths, should the US act militarily against their rulers, are on their rulers' heads. Why? Because when a nation's government - cheered on by its people in 1979 - acts to murder or terrorize Americans (Tehran, Beirut, Khobar Towers, Hezbollah, etc.) then only unconditional surrender is permitted, and all Iranians (like all Japanese and all Germans in WW2) are valid targets.
Go live your simple "turn the other cheek" life. Self-defense is clearly lost on you.
The "innocent people" of Iran are subject to retaliation for the depredations their theocratic rulers deliver to the world - their deaths, should the US act militarily against their rulers, are on their rulers' heads. Why? Because when a nation's government - cheered on by its people in 1979 - acts to murder or terrorize Americans (Tehran, Beirut, Khobar Towers, Hezbollah, etc.) then only unconditional surrender is permitted, and all Iranians (like all Japanese and all Germans in WW2) are valid targets.
Go live your simple "turn the other cheek" life. Self-defense is clearly lost on you.
4
We get your point. Now tell us how to proceed, please. Let us not forget the folly of our last preemptive strike. And remember there were no WMD's found there. We will be living (and dying) with the consequences of that mistake for a very long time. Please be specific. How would you propose we proceed?
4
Importantly, Iran has shown itself to be a rational player, unlike, say, North Korea. And that must be rewarded.
The Mideast is badly in need of both rationality and American allies. America, after all, is THE rational world player, in spite of serious missteps, unless, of course, rump is somehow our chosen one.
Can the postwar stability continue to evolve ? The Iran deal is a positive sign that it can.... and in this game of ping pong, the ball is on pour court.
The Mideast is badly in need of both rationality and American allies. America, after all, is THE rational world player, in spite of serious missteps, unless, of course, rump is somehow our chosen one.
Can the postwar stability continue to evolve ? The Iran deal is a positive sign that it can.... and in this game of ping pong, the ball is on pour court.
65
>>>>>
The GOP, the Israelis and the neocons will not be happy until we are at war with Iran, full stop. Pretty simple.
The GOP, the Israelis and the neocons will not be happy until we are at war with Iran, full stop. Pretty simple.
99
No war with Iran because the Russians will come to their aid and you know what will happen after that...
4
@will
You have more faith in reason than I do.
You have more faith in reason than I do.
1
On surface, Iran and Saudi Arabia are deadly enemies and the power elites use their sectarian religions to further their power entrenchment; but they are greatest mistaken. They have a common enemy in terrorism.
Terrorism is the cancer eating the afflicted from the inside out. No one immune. Especially its host. The string of terror attacks last week demonstrates it.
So, nuclear power and age old sectarian rivalry are a small price to pay for both Iran and Saudi Arabia to play. Come in from the cold or the terrorists will take over
Terrorism is the cancer eating the afflicted from the inside out. No one immune. Especially its host. The string of terror attacks last week demonstrates it.
So, nuclear power and age old sectarian rivalry are a small price to pay for both Iran and Saudi Arabia to play. Come in from the cold or the terrorists will take over
3
We must reject the negative campaign of Trump & Cheney and seek to embrace the moderates in the Iranian establishment.
One way would be to involve them in support for urgent issues world issues such as Global warming, BlackLivesMatter policing, and transgender educational choice.
One way would be to involve them in support for urgent issues world issues such as Global warming, BlackLivesMatter policing, and transgender educational choice.
5
No kidding.
1
"and elections in the United States this year and in Iran in 2017 that could strengthen the forces eager to upend the agreement." Isn't that the crux? Certainly Iran's 'soft" and hard headed leaders know that Trump will "rip up the agreement" (along with Obamacare) among his first acts as president. SO they know what Trump will do - but what about Clinton? Basically - she has said nothing - neither in support or opposition.
Now place yourself in Iran's shoes. Hmm - they wonder - neither potential leader of the US actively voices support for an agreement that is tenuous at best no matter what Iran does. If I was Boeing's CEO I would push like crazy to deliver and get paid on those planes ASAP.
Now place yourself in Iran's shoes. Hmm - they wonder - neither potential leader of the US actively voices support for an agreement that is tenuous at best no matter what Iran does. If I was Boeing's CEO I would push like crazy to deliver and get paid on those planes ASAP.
3
The Iran talks were set in motion when Clinton was Secretary of State and carried out when Kerry became the Sec. of State. Both Secretaries served Obama whose foreign policy Clinton agrees with. So I guess that's where she stands. Gee that was easy.
6
Didn't Boeing have something to do with pushing the agreement? Billions of dollars for them. Which is ok, except that airplanes can be stripped of the seats, and used to carry military personnel, and bombs. What assurance do we have that won't happen? Moderate mullahs? When is the last time the NYT editorial board blasted the mullahs for being anti-Semitic, Holocaust denying monsters?
6
Not so fast - or easy. Clinton may have carried out the talks on Iran, as she has also assisted with the TPP trade agreement. But she has backed off on both and with Iran in the face of Israeli opposition - no new support has been forthcoming in her campaign. Perhaps - she was against the Iran deal - before she was for it.
3
The Islamic Republic of Iran is suddenly our friend, or perhaps not so suddenly, because we need Iran to help us in our struggle against ISIL/ISIS. A struggle that we have to participate in largely because our unnecessary wars under the Bush dynasts had to involve us in western Asian conflicts at the behest of some Houston oil executives...Iran, once known as Persia and in antiquity as Parthia, has never been renowned for its stability in military alliances, to say the least. One should properly shudder to consider the ostrich hole the Obama administration has stuck its diplomatic head into, having made a pact with these mullahs who have a constitutional imperative to destroy the state of Israel.
4
Obama s solely responsible for current conditions,as was Bush in his term..The phenomenal "pass" Obama gets on his international mistakes. Is absolute insanity.
11
You probably just failed to notice that the victor of the Bush Cheney fiasco was Iran. How can we ever fail to notice that?!
3
The real problem is the power of the Treasury to impose sanctions.
The Treasury once got such powers in order to go after drugs money. But it has steadily expanded those powers and they now also include any money for terrorism. Even worse, they have given themselves the power to put a ban on any institution that gets involved in such acts.
So Western banks risk getting mega fines for dealing with big Iranian banks that have transferred a tiny amount towards Hezbollah, an organization that has been labelled as terrorist by the US - ignoring that it is primarily a political movement and that it is involved much less in terrorism as the US government with its support of "rebels" in Syria and Libya.
But things get even worse. The Treasury claims to apply objective justice and on that basis it tries to convince foreign governments and banks to accept its sanctions. From that point of view they claim that they cannot abolish the sanctions on Iranian banks as their involvement with Hezbollah hasn't ended. It might be politically the right thing to do but such an opportunistic decision would undermine their claim of objective justice.
The Treasury once got such powers in order to go after drugs money. But it has steadily expanded those powers and they now also include any money for terrorism. Even worse, they have given themselves the power to put a ban on any institution that gets involved in such acts.
So Western banks risk getting mega fines for dealing with big Iranian banks that have transferred a tiny amount towards Hezbollah, an organization that has been labelled as terrorist by the US - ignoring that it is primarily a political movement and that it is involved much less in terrorism as the US government with its support of "rebels" in Syria and Libya.
But things get even worse. The Treasury claims to apply objective justice and on that basis it tries to convince foreign governments and banks to accept its sanctions. From that point of view they claim that they cannot abolish the sanctions on Iranian banks as their involvement with Hezbollah hasn't ended. It might be politically the right thing to do but such an opportunistic decision would undermine their claim of objective justice.
13
It's good to be king, I say, when it comes to the effectiveness of sanctions. And in this at least, the United States may still effectively curtail commercial activity that benefits its sworn enemies. Don't like our sanctions? Better switch your investments to stocks that have a limited exposure to banking and commercial activities with targeted countries. Sanctions are an effective, proven weapon in the war against terror that we in the USA are also thrust into.
7
The nuclear deal with Iran was carefully limited to one topic and objective. It was successful because it does not encompass other contentious aspects of Iranian policy. One step at a time.
To make progress on other issues, the US must be known as an honest agent. If we do not satisfy Iran by fulfilling our promises under the existing agreement, then there will be no further progress. If we renege on our word, we will be shown to lack honor and so lose that trust which is necessary for all further negotiations.
To make progress on other issues, the US must be known as an honest agent. If we do not satisfy Iran by fulfilling our promises under the existing agreement, then there will be no further progress. If we renege on our word, we will be shown to lack honor and so lose that trust which is necessary for all further negotiations.
106
With the delicate and volatile balance of power in this explosive region, we simply cannot afford to take a chance on an ignorant, bombastic fool like Donald Trump.
26
It looks like his people are all over this story and their response to the story has been to attack Iran. Why would he ever disappoint this most intelligent of political bases?
2
The idea of making Trump president only of the red states does appeal.
Iran has benefitted from its steps in the Nuclear Deal. The big question was and continues to be verification. Future benefits should depend on independent verification.
4
Nothing like the smell of always exceptional American hypocrisy first thing in the morning, to wit, "Iran's destabilising activities in the region".
The very first US act, in it's 63 year long, and counting, Crusade of Morons in the Middle East, Eisenhower deposing the elected PM of Iran, Mossadecq, radicalized and destabilized Iran, empowering the fundamentalist ayatollahs who rule Iran to this day.
Then came Reagan arming the nice man Saddam Hussein to fight Iran, giving him satellite imagery to improve his use of chemical WMD's on Iran followed by shooting down Iran Air 655, killing 290 innocent civilians, 66 of them children.
The Times goes so far as criticizing Iran's support of Syria's Bashar al Assad when in fact, during the Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq, an ongoing disaster fully supported and pimped by the Times, the war criminal George W. Bush, subcontracted torture to, among others, the very same Bashar al Assad of Syria.
The very first US act, in it's 63 year long, and counting, Crusade of Morons in the Middle East, Eisenhower deposing the elected PM of Iran, Mossadecq, radicalized and destabilized Iran, empowering the fundamentalist ayatollahs who rule Iran to this day.
Then came Reagan arming the nice man Saddam Hussein to fight Iran, giving him satellite imagery to improve his use of chemical WMD's on Iran followed by shooting down Iran Air 655, killing 290 innocent civilians, 66 of them children.
The Times goes so far as criticizing Iran's support of Syria's Bashar al Assad when in fact, during the Charge of The Fools Brigade into Iraq, an ongoing disaster fully supported and pimped by the Times, the war criminal George W. Bush, subcontracted torture to, among others, the very same Bashar al Assad of Syria.
145
Allow me to sharpen somewhat the "bottom line" depicted in the editorial and perhaps dampen somewhat the rosy prospects for the future implied in following the advice of the editorial.
Just 4 days ago the deputy commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards yet once again threatened Israel's existence. See the link below from the Lebanese Daily Star.
https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Jul-01/360079-100000...
The editorial correctly points out that Iran is still subject to US sanctions because of its failure to halt its ballistic missile program, its failure to improve human rights and for aiding terrorist groups.
There is more chance that the nuclear deal will be sustained if it is sustained within a framework that does not isolate it from the rest of the realities in the Middle East and particularly from Iran's non-peaceful activities.
For Israel, the existential threat has just changed form; it is still very much there. The statements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard should merit the highest concern in Washington and one would hope also of the editorial board of the NYT.
Just 4 days ago the deputy commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards yet once again threatened Israel's existence. See the link below from the Lebanese Daily Star.
https://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2016/Jul-01/360079-100000...
The editorial correctly points out that Iran is still subject to US sanctions because of its failure to halt its ballistic missile program, its failure to improve human rights and for aiding terrorist groups.
There is more chance that the nuclear deal will be sustained if it is sustained within a framework that does not isolate it from the rest of the realities in the Middle East and particularly from Iran's non-peaceful activities.
For Israel, the existential threat has just changed form; it is still very much there. The statements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard should merit the highest concern in Washington and one would hope also of the editorial board of the NYT.
30
Iran is not, and never has been a threat to Israel except in the overheated rhetoric of the neocons and ravings of Prime Minister Netanyahu. Just consider: What would Iran ever gain by attacking Israel? Nothing! Despite the individual pronouncements of some member of the IRGC, aggression against Israel is not has never been an Iranian state policy. Given that we have Israelis and Americans who call regularly to "Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb, Bomb Iran" without anyone ever saying that the United States as a matter of State policy plans to attack Iran, we should apply the same perspective to the statements of individual Iranians.
23
Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of a Democratic country, charged with the number one duty of defending this country from a theocratic dictatorship whose avowed purpose is it's destruction? You're the one who's raving. Imagine an American who supports such a regime! The only consolation is those who chose to live by the sword will die by the sword.
1