You should say "improve" it. Now I don't think that is possible since many other countries are quite happy trading business for a nuclear Iran.
Question:
What is the name of the only country that has been repeatedly threatened with nuclear devastation by Iran?
Hint:
It is the same country that is not mentioned in this editorial.
What is the name of the only country that has been repeatedly threatened with nuclear devastation by Iran?
Hint:
It is the same country that is not mentioned in this editorial.
4
Treaties are totally meaningless scraps of paper. The only thing treaties accomplish is that they're a mechanism for buying more time in postponing the inevitable. All Obama did was kick the Iranian nuclear tin can down the road because he wanted to cross Iran off of his "TO DO" list.
1
The money in your pocket is also "totally meaningless scraps of paper" unless your counterparts honor it in accordance with practice and law.
1
Trump is a very real threat to our very real lives.
4
It won't surprise me when - years from now - that Trump conspired with the Saudis to do Iran in...
1
Trump likes to sound off.
Let's see him regularly take to Twitter, the internet, radio and TV to address the Iranian people directly to implore them to overthrow their illegal, unelected, religious-fanatic, Twelver rulers who run around in their little costumes and 6th century headgear and replace the illegitimate so-called "islamic republic" with a duly constituted form of government which more closely fulfills the aspirations of the majority of the Iranian people.
Let's see him regularly take to Twitter, the internet, radio and TV to address the Iranian people directly to implore them to overthrow their illegal, unelected, religious-fanatic, Twelver rulers who run around in their little costumes and 6th century headgear and replace the illegitimate so-called "islamic republic" with a duly constituted form of government which more closely fulfills the aspirations of the majority of the Iranian people.
3
Obviously it must be a scheme because the Board has called it such. That's all I need to hear. The Board has no agenda, everyone knows that.
1
Iran has not stopped research and testing. They lie. As does the Times about the reality of the World situation.
2
Is even Haley now tainted by Trump ?
1
JK: "Is even Haley now tainted by Trump ?"
Haley at the UN is proving that she is a potential candidate for president.
Haley at the UN is proving that she is a potential candidate for president.
1
Doesn't everybody realize that President Obama, John Kerry, and Hillary Clinton have achieved “Peace In Our Time” with their Iran Nuclear (Peace) Treaty.
But only for the following ten years (8 more remaining now) and then Iran can build (and sell) as many nuclear weapons as Iran wants, and then sell them to anybody that has enough money in accordance with this treaty.
Ten years from now Iran will be manufacturing nuclear WMDs and selling them to the various Islamic terror groups that can afford to pay for them in accord with President Obama's Nuclear Treaty with Iran.
Iran, ISIS and the other Islamic groups do not have intercontinental ballistic missile delivery systems, but they can afford to rent a U-Haul van for a WMD suicide bomber to drive a Nuclear Device 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" including releasing Iran from Iran's previous Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
But only for the following ten years (8 more remaining now) and then Iran can build (and sell) as many nuclear weapons as Iran wants, and then sell them to anybody that has enough money in accordance with this treaty.
Ten years from now Iran will be manufacturing nuclear WMDs and selling them to the various Islamic terror groups that can afford to pay for them in accord with President Obama's Nuclear Treaty with Iran.
Iran, ISIS and the other Islamic groups do not have intercontinental ballistic missile delivery systems, but they can afford to rent a U-Haul van for a WMD suicide bomber to drive a Nuclear Device 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" including releasing Iran from Iran's previous Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty.
3
It would be nice if we could kick this stuff old school, with a treaty ratification. In fact given the utter metaphysical disaster of the "agreed framework," treaty ratification is not just a nice to have but essential. The moxie (or stupidity) to pen this editorial given the catastrophic results of Mr. Clinton's freelancing in North Korea, should, I think, inform courses of action on Iran.
Not so. I know, I know, I except too much of the New York Times.
Not so. I know, I know, I except too much of the New York Times.
2
Mankind needs to invent some way, so that those minorities of national populations who start wars are the first to suffer from them and in the most harmful way. .
1
The imbecile, schizophrenic and chaos sowing illiterates that we Americans have elected and put in positions of tremendous and deadly power need a basic 101 introduction to international treaties and governance.
The nuclear treaty was not meant to force Iran into becoming a globally responsible paragon of peace and harmony, though that would be nice (although, charity begins at home and we should start with America first). The agreement was solely focused on capping and putting into bottle the genie of Iran's nuclear program for 10 years and watching the bottle carefully. Within the parameters of the treaty, it is a great success.
War-mongering neocons in the Trump administration should stop smoking whatever they smoking and come out of the hallucinatory fog of their alternate realities.
The nuclear treaty was not meant to force Iran into becoming a globally responsible paragon of peace and harmony, though that would be nice (although, charity begins at home and we should start with America first). The agreement was solely focused on capping and putting into bottle the genie of Iran's nuclear program for 10 years and watching the bottle carefully. Within the parameters of the treaty, it is a great success.
War-mongering neocons in the Trump administration should stop smoking whatever they smoking and come out of the hallucinatory fog of their alternate realities.
8
I smell Israel behind this effort to sabotage the Iran nuclear deal. Iran is the only remaining real threat to Israel. The Israeli hard liners always wanted a war between the US and Iran. Israel's agents in America (Wolfowitz, Perlem Feith, etc.) eliminated the Iraqi threat and helped indirectly destroy Libya and the Syrians. Israel always gets America to do its dirty work. Netanyahu's extremely close ties to the Kushner's in all probability has influenced Trump's attack on Obama's hard won battle to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons! Israel will always have America in its pocket. Our Congress is so stupid and our president even much more so!
4
Related Times article: 'No matter what Iran is doing, “U.S. law requires the president to also look at whether the Iran deal is appropriate, proportionate and in our national security interests,” Ms. Haley argued.'
Haley isn't "arguing", she is *paraphrasing* the US Code, a point the editorial fails to note. Haley is not a lawyer, but she should know better than to paraphrase a complex statute.
By doing the research the Times should have done, I found the actual statute. There is too much to quote in full, but here is the part of the statute that Haley is referring to:
"... (I) appropriate and proportionate to the specific and verifiable measures taken by Iran with respect to terminating its illicit nuclear program; and
(II) vital to the national security interests of the United States; and ..."
As anyone can see, Haley does indeed use terminology from the statute: "appropriate and proportionate" and "national security interests".
In the context of the full statute, that wording is vague and ambiguous, so the Times should be criticizing Congress, not Haley.
Source:
42 U.S. Code § 2160e - Congressional review and oversight of agreements with Iran
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/2160e
That citation comes from the text of the "Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act" that Haley cites in her AEI speech:
H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1191/
2017-09-07 19:11:14 UTC
Haley isn't "arguing", she is *paraphrasing* the US Code, a point the editorial fails to note. Haley is not a lawyer, but she should know better than to paraphrase a complex statute.
By doing the research the Times should have done, I found the actual statute. There is too much to quote in full, but here is the part of the statute that Haley is referring to:
"... (I) appropriate and proportionate to the specific and verifiable measures taken by Iran with respect to terminating its illicit nuclear program; and
(II) vital to the national security interests of the United States; and ..."
As anyone can see, Haley does indeed use terminology from the statute: "appropriate and proportionate" and "national security interests".
In the context of the full statute, that wording is vague and ambiguous, so the Times should be criticizing Congress, not Haley.
Source:
42 U.S. Code § 2160e - Congressional review and oversight of agreements with Iran
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/42/2160e
That citation comes from the text of the "Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act" that Haley cites in her AEI speech:
H.R.1191 - Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act of 2015
https://www.congress.gov/bill/114th-congress/house-bill/1191/
2017-09-07 19:11:14 UTC
1
Nikki Haley makes our President look like Albert Einstein.
I rest my case
I rest my case
1
The US is like a bull in the world china shop, it's a disgrace, thank the non-existent gods history will point this out.
We have our right wing foaming at the mouth, poisoned with the lies it's swallowed on Iran. We have the left foaming at the mouth, poisoned by the koolaid of it's infatuation with blaming Russia for the flaws of a junk Presidential candidate. The center just watches TV and decides whether it will vote, or not, depending on the weather the morning of the election. History books written in 2100 will excoriate this culture we call America as the most wasteful of great national gifts of any culture in world history since the filthy rich Spanish invested the wealth of the New World in racial slaughter and theological mayhem.
It's the bane of the 21st Century world that the US has all the money and power that it does have. We are a world menace, our people too poorly educated to ethically own the weapons we do or to use the force of our endless wealth. We can't separate celebrity from leadership, and like large government since Rome, the wealthy own the whole shebang and have interests that do not match those of the citizenry.
The most sick part is that Americans have no conscience, we've already tossed our war crime in Vietnam down the Memory Hole, meanwhile a President can invade the wrong nation and murder hundreds of thousands and be invited to speak at a commencement within ten years.
We have our right wing foaming at the mouth, poisoned with the lies it's swallowed on Iran. We have the left foaming at the mouth, poisoned by the koolaid of it's infatuation with blaming Russia for the flaws of a junk Presidential candidate. The center just watches TV and decides whether it will vote, or not, depending on the weather the morning of the election. History books written in 2100 will excoriate this culture we call America as the most wasteful of great national gifts of any culture in world history since the filthy rich Spanish invested the wealth of the New World in racial slaughter and theological mayhem.
It's the bane of the 21st Century world that the US has all the money and power that it does have. We are a world menace, our people too poorly educated to ethically own the weapons we do or to use the force of our endless wealth. We can't separate celebrity from leadership, and like large government since Rome, the wealthy own the whole shebang and have interests that do not match those of the citizenry.
The most sick part is that Americans have no conscience, we've already tossed our war crime in Vietnam down the Memory Hole, meanwhile a President can invade the wrong nation and murder hundreds of thousands and be invited to speak at a commencement within ten years.
2
The Iranian leader, Mr. Salehi, recently said that Iran only blocked a few pipes with cement in their nuclear reactor, so that Iran can re-start full nuclear production within 5 days or less. They can now purify Uranium in days to make enough for a bomb. The so-called Iran deal fooled the negotiators, Mr Salehi stated.
3
Mr. Trump seems determined to find a way to achieve war with someone, anyone. His quest to undo everything President Obama achieved has blinded him and his advisors to the harm they are doing--either that or they just don't care at all.
If Iran is maintaining its nuclear arms in accordance with its agreement, the treaty should be left alone. If not, that's another matter.
We do not need Mr. Trump's questionable imprimatur on everything that occurred before he became 45.
If Iran is maintaining its nuclear arms in accordance with its agreement, the treaty should be left alone. If not, that's another matter.
We do not need Mr. Trump's questionable imprimatur on everything that occurred before he became 45.
2
While Ms. Haley’s argument for Trump submitting Iranian noncompliance appears on the surface to justifying Trump doing so in advance, we must consider why his advisors seek this course of action. What does America have to gain by resanctioning Iran and limiting our capacity to observe and regulate the Iranian nuclear program? Even if Trump and his advisors believe Iran to be the source of much of the region’s instability, strengthening your opponent by limiting your ability to regulate their most powerful weapons program does not aid in your fight against this perceived enemy. I am not saying Trump’s views regarding Iran are accurate, but even if he chooses to believe them, such an action like invalidating the Iran nuclear deal would only strengthen his perceived enemy and run contrary to the interests of all Americans. On an economic level, the lifting of Iranian sanctions opened the door for Iran to import America’s greatest tool: capitalism. By increasing Iranian economic dependency on the U.S, Americans can sleep more assured that the cost of jeopardizing their economic future would deter Iran from seeking hostilities with the U.S. If Iran is allowed to retreat back into its isolation, the U.S. loses its ability to maintain a nonnuclear, peaceful Iran. Because, as Kim Jong Un has shown us, if a nation can develop a nuclear weapons program while having no reliance on America or the west, they could single-handedly threaten the world order as we know it.
Trump administration's manuvors to come up with an excuse to start a new war reminds me of the Bush administrion's try to manufacture a reason to attack Iraq. Well, we have seen, and will continue to see, what a disaster that war created for us and Iraqis--and the world. A war with Iran will, most likely, make Iraq war like a cake walk! We need to start building America and stop wasting young people's lives and getting ourselves more in debt to the Chinese....If we start such a war, nobody--not our allies, not our enemies-- will join us and we will be responsible for letting Iran to become a nuclear power. What a scarey idea.
Reckless totally describes this misadministration and their amateur yet dangerous naivite when dealing with any issue, foreign or domestic. "Ms. Haley’s scheme would also allow Mr. Trump to punt the deal’s fate to Congress, further distancing himself from responsibility." This also is par for the course with Trump - foist all of the executive decisions off on someone, anyone, else, then blame them if something doesn't work out. His "approach," if it could be called that, reminds me of the jerks I had to deal with in school when I had to be in a group project - Trump types would sit back and let everyone else sweat the work while they did virtually nothing, but get the same grade as everyone else who did the work.
One trusts this foolish nonsense about withdrawal from the Iran Agreement is mainly bluster. The other signatories to the agreement would not withdraw, setting up another completely unnecessary international conflict. If the chickenhawk neocons screeching about Iran could just be thrown under the same bus that has the mangled remains of the Border Wall...
Whether Trump-Haley get their way on tearing up the Iran deal, the issue of Iranian compliance has already moved beyond facts and into the realm of Trump Administration false-speak. The evidence is available every morning or evening on your local TV news broadcasts. None of the details of the agreement are ever mentioned, most notably the fact that five other nations are signees to the deal. There is also no mention whatsoever of the rationale FOR the agreement. The coverage is completely straight out of the Trump playbook.
This reflects the quintessential conundrum of America today. Most citizens continue to obtain their news from television. And when they tune in their local news broadcast, they get a biased, unbalanced and totally incomplete account of the issues as complicated, but as important, as the arrangement with Iran.
Right now, if you ask almost anyone about the deal, he/she would most likely parrot Nikki Haley, who was just on the tube.
This reflects the quintessential conundrum of America today. Most citizens continue to obtain their news from television. And when they tune in their local news broadcast, they get a biased, unbalanced and totally incomplete account of the issues as complicated, but as important, as the arrangement with Iran.
Right now, if you ask almost anyone about the deal, he/she would most likely parrot Nikki Haley, who was just on the tube.
"There are five dangerous faults which may affect a general (commander): (1) Recklessness, which leads to destruction; (2) cowardice, which leads to capture; (3) a hasty temper, which can be provoked with insults; (4) a delicacy of honor which is sensitive to shame; (5) over-solicitude for his men, which exposes him to worry and trouble.These are the five besetting sins of a general, ruinous to the conduct of war." – Sun Tzu, The Art of War (Sunzi - Military Methods) ca: 500 BCE
Sunzi was concerned about a leader who possessed any single fault. Trump possesses all five. Number Five, "solicitude for his men" in this instance would refer to Trump's voter base and not those within his direct inner circle.
Thus this article's conclusion of "...reckless decision to honor a reckless campaign promise..."
Sunzi was concerned about a leader who possessed any single fault. Trump possesses all five. Number Five, "solicitude for his men" in this instance would refer to Trump's voter base and not those within his direct inner circle.
Thus this article's conclusion of "...reckless decision to honor a reckless campaign promise..."
6
Wilson1ny: 'Number Five, "solicitude for his men" in this instance would refer to Trump's voter base and not those within his direct inner circle.'
You are misinterpreting #5. The phrase "his men" refers to the "men" that the "general (commander)" commands. As President, Trump is Commander in Chief and, as such, Trump commands the US armed forces, not his "voter base".
See the notes by Lionel Giles in the edition of "The Art of War" that he translated (which is the translation you are quoting).
You are misinterpreting #5. The phrase "his men" refers to the "men" that the "general (commander)" commands. As President, Trump is Commander in Chief and, as such, Trump commands the US armed forces, not his "voter base".
See the notes by Lionel Giles in the edition of "The Art of War" that he translated (which is the translation you are quoting).
SRN - Correct. In the strictest sense. However the President of the United States is also viewed as the de facto head of his party as well as leader of the free world - his role is not strictly and solely that of the CinC. Bear in mind - there is a difference between translation and interpretation. Cheers and thanks!
Sure there is a history, but what are the capabilities now?
The peace-loving religious figures who hold so much authority in the Iranian government are wild cards and I don't think they can be trusted.
When the people with authority are also the ones who think it is OK to kill someone because their religion says so then it might be prudent to avoid handing them new tools that could kill lots of people.
If they get to have nuclear weapons then fine, but we need to get out of that area completely and I just don't see that happening.
The peace-loving religious figures who hold so much authority in the Iranian government are wild cards and I don't think they can be trusted.
When the people with authority are also the ones who think it is OK to kill someone because their religion says so then it might be prudent to avoid handing them new tools that could kill lots of people.
If they get to have nuclear weapons then fine, but we need to get out of that area completely and I just don't see that happening.
1
Sheldon Adelson gave five times as much to Donald Trump's Inaugural Committee as the next largest giver. A casino owner knows a sure bet when he sees one.
In October 2013, Adelson, speaking at Yeshiva University in New York was asked a question about negotiating with Iran. His response "what's there to negotiate?"
Addison went on to say we should "drop an Atomic Bomb" in the desert in Iran and tell them the next one's in downtown Tehran.
Without epic distractions Trump can't keep his job approval rating above 30%.
A "preemptive war" with Iran would be the ultimate "distraction".
It's safe to say Mr. Adelson and the people who gave us the war with Iraq would be pleased. As would potential Adelson beneficiaries (Cruz, Rubio, Cotton).
In October 2013, Adelson, speaking at Yeshiva University in New York was asked a question about negotiating with Iran. His response "what's there to negotiate?"
Addison went on to say we should "drop an Atomic Bomb" in the desert in Iran and tell them the next one's in downtown Tehran.
Without epic distractions Trump can't keep his job approval rating above 30%.
A "preemptive war" with Iran would be the ultimate "distraction".
It's safe to say Mr. Adelson and the people who gave us the war with Iraq would be pleased. As would potential Adelson beneficiaries (Cruz, Rubio, Cotton).
6
Why? Trump would be hailed a diplomatic genius if he could get a similar deal with North Korea. But neither he nor his state department have the necessary skills, knowledge or work ethic to even begin to pull it off.
3
Conservative thought is founded upon a tradition of man's fall from grace and mankind's fundamental base selfishness and cruelty. It's is only civilizing institutions like formal religions and authoritarian governments which keep people from living in a wild and violent state of anarchy. This attitude makes the viability of agreements between nations not based upon fear of destruction by great powers intent upon keeping order in the world incredible. The world order installed by the U.S. after WWII was never supported by conservative Republicans because it assumed that given rational self interests being at amongst the leaders of the participating nations, world affairs could be conducted based upon peaceful relations of mutual self interests. They were certain that human nature would make such a system collapse. It has worked and we live in a far less violent world than has mankind for all of written history. We cannot be complacent but this agreement with Iran is the product of a world order that we insisted upon as a nation even if conservatives amongst us disagreed.
1
"…if deals with the United States cannot be trusted…"
That is the scariest part of it. How and why will any other country cooperate with the US, if any of Trumps sensitivities might throw out any contract made before. This is a major threat to US diplomacy.
That is the scariest part of it. How and why will any other country cooperate with the US, if any of Trumps sensitivities might throw out any contract made before. This is a major threat to US diplomacy.
6
Hope the Iranians launch a crash program developing biological and chemical weapons, along with sophisticated targeting and delivery systems geared to Trump properties worldwide.
To usa999:I do not think that you want that. It will give another opportunity to Donald Trump to blame Barack Obama.
1
Nobody wants that.
1
This editorial is most touching in its reasonableness.
But it assumes that policy decisions follow information, and it's pretty clear that in the Trump administration, indeed the Republican party generally, information is tortured until it conforms to policy, and is ignored if it still fails to do so. Hence, for example, the removal of scientific information about global warming or (pick among a host of other subject areas) from federal government sites.
The current Iran arrangement was achieved during the Obama administration, and Donald Trump is obsessed with undoing everything positive that is associated with Barack Obama. That's the "policy" which really matters.
But it assumes that policy decisions follow information, and it's pretty clear that in the Trump administration, indeed the Republican party generally, information is tortured until it conforms to policy, and is ignored if it still fails to do so. Hence, for example, the removal of scientific information about global warming or (pick among a host of other subject areas) from federal government sites.
The current Iran arrangement was achieved during the Obama administration, and Donald Trump is obsessed with undoing everything positive that is associated with Barack Obama. That's the "policy" which really matters.
18
Thank God this is merely another of Trump's broken campaign promises. If I had known he was just a blowhard I wouldn't have worried.
Now maybe, just maybe, the Trump Administration can get OFAC (the Treasury Department) to stop bullying and preventing other nations from helping the Iranian economy out of its doldrums. Then maybe, just maybe, Iran's hardliners would lose the rallying cry Trump has given them to revert to Ahmadinejad-style defiance.
Iran doesn't need nuclear weapons. It has built up its conventional forces, over 4 decades, to a level that would do as much damage to its neighbours as would nuclear weapons. IOsrael and Saudi Arabia, should they be so foolish as to attack, would suffer irreparable damage. This is why Iran refuses to give up its defensive missile technology, and also the reason why U.S. hardliners want it to do so.
Iran has not attacked another country in 200 years. The U.S. has invaded, bombed or overthrown the governments of more than 50 since the end of WWII. I wonder who should rightfully be considered the 'aggressor'.
Now maybe, just maybe, the Trump Administration can get OFAC (the Treasury Department) to stop bullying and preventing other nations from helping the Iranian economy out of its doldrums. Then maybe, just maybe, Iran's hardliners would lose the rallying cry Trump has given them to revert to Ahmadinejad-style defiance.
Iran doesn't need nuclear weapons. It has built up its conventional forces, over 4 decades, to a level that would do as much damage to its neighbours as would nuclear weapons. IOsrael and Saudi Arabia, should they be so foolish as to attack, would suffer irreparable damage. This is why Iran refuses to give up its defensive missile technology, and also the reason why U.S. hardliners want it to do so.
Iran has not attacked another country in 200 years. The U.S. has invaded, bombed or overthrown the governments of more than 50 since the end of WWII. I wonder who should rightfully be considered the 'aggressor'.
21
@Hamid Varzi.
You're right! Iran doesn't attack. Iran backs Hezbullah, Hamas, Syria.
With cohorts like these, who needs to attack??!
You're right! Iran doesn't attack. Iran backs Hezbullah, Hamas, Syria.
With cohorts like these, who needs to attack??!
1
Haley is not only factually wrong, she deliberately promulgated scurrilous lies about Iran's nuclear activity in her address to the American Enterprise Institute. These lies about Iran's purported nuclear activity violations have been thoroughly debunked in several careful analytic pieces by true experts in the area both of nuclear negotiations and Iranian affairs. The most accessible may be in the Huffington Post by analyst Ryan Costello:
"5 Lies Nikki Haley Just Told About The Iran Deal"
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_59b00074e4b0b5e531029d76
She is clearly trying to provide some kind of cover for Trump's desire to "tear up" the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA--the "Iran Deal"). Aside from the outright lies, Haley went on to try and include utterly irrelevant Iranian actions in an attempt to shoehorn these concerns into her fantasy account of the JCPOA. Her performance was shameful.
The P5+1 partners in the JCPOA will take this as further proof of the unreliability of the Trump White House.
Haley certainly picked an appropriate audience. The AEI has had a vendetta against Iran since its founding, and has hosted such polarizing figures as John Bolton in the past.
We all had high hopes that Ms. Haley would be a voice of reason in Trump's otherwise disastrous foreign affairs performance, but she has with this speech proven that she too is a pandering toady to Trump's egomaniac desire to aggrandize himself by "fulfilling" an insane campaign promise.
"5 Lies Nikki Haley Just Told About The Iran Deal"
http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_59b00074e4b0b5e531029d76
She is clearly trying to provide some kind of cover for Trump's desire to "tear up" the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA--the "Iran Deal"). Aside from the outright lies, Haley went on to try and include utterly irrelevant Iranian actions in an attempt to shoehorn these concerns into her fantasy account of the JCPOA. Her performance was shameful.
The P5+1 partners in the JCPOA will take this as further proof of the unreliability of the Trump White House.
Haley certainly picked an appropriate audience. The AEI has had a vendetta against Iran since its founding, and has hosted such polarizing figures as John Bolton in the past.
We all had high hopes that Ms. Haley would be a voice of reason in Trump's otherwise disastrous foreign affairs performance, but she has with this speech proven that she too is a pandering toady to Trump's egomaniac desire to aggrandize himself by "fulfilling" an insane campaign promise.
16
This seems like another example of the "We don't need no stinken costitution attitude".
The agreement, as I understand things, Constitutionally has no legal merit.
Article VI defines the law as follows:
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land;"
Article II section 2 tells us how the President may make a treaty as follows:
"He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; "
My understanding is a 2/3 vote never occurred after the potential treaty was written, and therefore is not law.
While Congress may have voted to follow it unless they later voted not to, that is not process the constitution requires and Congress is bound by the constitution.
Can someone explain how constitutionally the Iran deal has any merit as law?
If we think it should be law any side deals that are to be honored must be incorporated, the President must sign it and the Senate must consent with a 2/3 vote.
If I got it wrong, please educate me.
Have we learned nothing from our deals with N. Korea? or our inspection deals with Sadam?
Here is what I have learned. We have no real peaceful ways of stopping countries that are determined to do something and we have no real way to verify compliance even if promises are made.
The agreement, as I understand things, Constitutionally has no legal merit.
Article VI defines the law as follows:
"This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land;"
Article II section 2 tells us how the President may make a treaty as follows:
"He shall have Power, by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, to make Treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; "
My understanding is a 2/3 vote never occurred after the potential treaty was written, and therefore is not law.
While Congress may have voted to follow it unless they later voted not to, that is not process the constitution requires and Congress is bound by the constitution.
Can someone explain how constitutionally the Iran deal has any merit as law?
If we think it should be law any side deals that are to be honored must be incorporated, the President must sign it and the Senate must consent with a 2/3 vote.
If I got it wrong, please educate me.
Have we learned nothing from our deals with N. Korea? or our inspection deals with Sadam?
Here is what I have learned. We have no real peaceful ways of stopping countries that are determined to do something and we have no real way to verify compliance even if promises are made.
2
There is no basis for your claim that Iran is determined to "do something." It has been complying with the terms of this multi-lateral agreement. Furthermore, this is not a treaty; it is an executive agreement that does not need Congressional approval. It was negotiated between the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, China and Germany. To modify it, the other countries would have to sign off. Congress is doing this only for political reasons, not security. But going back on an executive agreement may violate international law, and would harm the nation's diplomatic credibility and any ability to make new agreements. Trump has zero diplomatic skills, and many Republicans seem to not understand how serious this deficit is.
4
There are literally thousands of "executive agreements" between the U.S. and other nations. If Congress can muster the votes, they can sink this one, and any other one they dislike, by re-imposing the sanctions, or refusing to fund it.
1
We have peacefully stopped Iran from making plutonium, which is the key ingredient in 95% of nuclear weapons in the world today. If you have a better solution on plutonium, the world would love to hear it.
This behavior against Iran by Ms. Haley and Mr. Trump is not putting America first.....rather it is putting Israel and Saudi Arabia first. And note Israel just bombed Syria.
14
Our unprecedented UN-President continues his rein of terror nationally and internationally. He has 3 major motivation: 1) his need for continuous attention, 2) his joy at causing chaos and 3) his need to distract us from his Russian transgressions. It hurts me to see his photo at the end of our past president's portraits. He will always choose the most damaging action. Count on it. He is still getting back at Obama like a spoiled child. So, since Obama was instrumental in the Iran nuclear deal, he must destroy it. There are no serious or well thought out reasons for any of his behaviors. He shoots from the hip and does not ask questions later. He cannot learn and has no intent to try. This our UN-President. The Republicans better wake up soon, every hour leads to more chaos, damage, and distraction.
27
Perfidy he can't even lend his signature. Ms Haley did not concoct this childishly transparent and extra-constitutional ruse out of her palmetto mindset, intransigently vengeful as it is. This is the handiwork of the malicious Infant, himself.
4
I tried to form an articulate comment on this op-ed but my disgust, frustration and rage at this administration and the entire Republican party has left my with nothing but curses on my lips.
6
Nikki Haley's surrender to Trump's stupid move to disenfranchise the current check on Iran's nuclear ambitions is deplorable and irrational. Is she afraid of her 'boss' firing her if not obedient in helping his crazy whims?
7
Of course Trump will try to shift final responsibility to Congress. This is what Trump does. He takes responsibility for nothing so he never has to take blame for anything. But he will take the undeserved credit when he can. It's a neat little trick and will be until Congress gets the stones to say: "OK, Mr. President. Where's YOUR plan?" and then sit back and wait.
Trump claimed he had a plan to repeal and replace the ACA. Trump said he had a plan to defeat ISIS in one day. Where are those plans? Trump says he has a plan for everything but he's got nuthin'. Less than nothin'. "Empty suit" doesn't begin to describe it.
Trump claimed he had a plan to repeal and replace the ACA. Trump said he had a plan to defeat ISIS in one day. Where are those plans? Trump says he has a plan for everything but he's got nuthin'. Less than nothin'. "Empty suit" doesn't begin to describe it.
9
Anything that in any way has the name Obama attached to it has to go; much as Ahab's obsession with the great white whale.
5
What nuclear weapons program? Does the Times have no shame? Next story will be that Putin has built a number of hydrogen bombs and he's shipped them to Iran in crates marked "caviar".
1
Israel has ordered America to destroy Iran. Destroyed they shall be.
7
It would be the height of stupidity to open another front while North Korea is putting together more powerful nukes and missiles.
You can fight two wars on Twitter, but not in the real world.
You can fight two wars on Twitter, but not in the real world.
9
Apart from trump's singular agenda of dismantling Obama's legacy, the grip of the 'neo-cons' aka Israel-Firsters on our congress is what continues this grip against Iran.
Israel's pernicious influence on our ME foreign policy is by far the greatest threat to us. They practically have every Republican congressman in their pocket.
Why is it problematic for the democratic senator from NJ to take trips with his friend to the Dominican, but no so for Israel to take plane loads of congressmen to the 'holy' land to brainwash them against the Palestinians and Iranians?
Les not let Trump scuttle a good deal with Iran just because the Israelis have our congress on their payroll
Israel's pernicious influence on our ME foreign policy is by far the greatest threat to us. They practically have every Republican congressman in their pocket.
Why is it problematic for the democratic senator from NJ to take trips with his friend to the Dominican, but no so for Israel to take plane loads of congressmen to the 'holy' land to brainwash them against the Palestinians and Iranians?
Les not let Trump scuttle a good deal with Iran just because the Israelis have our congress on their payroll
11
Trump is a vindictive little man. Evidence is the destruction of anything Obama. And when he voids the IRAN nuclear deal he will sleep better at night while the rest of us have nightmares.
7
@Robert Haberman
If trump doesn't void the Iran deal, you'll have worse, much worse, nightmares in ten years.
If trump doesn't void the Iran deal, you'll have worse, much worse, nightmares in ten years.
2
Imagine that! We have a coward calling the shots on rambunctious reckless brinkmanship that threatens war that will certainly involve great sacrifice in lives. Trump of course knows about sacrifice in war personally. He evaded sacrifice not once but five times in the Viet Nam war ... a draft dodger par excellence while over 50,000 of his fellow americans let it all go as he carried on his hedonistic life style with absolutely no regrets or second thoughts.rump
7
Yes he did avoid the draft but as he said so well he had done the ultimate sacrifice to his country by doing business. He I would had that his doing his second ultimate sacrifice to his country by being President.
Hear that ? That is the usual and omnipresent republican drumbeat for war.
The greatest threat to peace or even stability in the middle east are Saudi Arabia and\or Israel. One is committing genocide in Yemen ( let alone supporting extreme Wahhabism\terrorism\denial of human\women's rights ) and the other is occupying a people, illegally stealing even more land as well as also denying human rights.
Take your pick.
The greatest threat to peace or even stability in the middle east are Saudi Arabia and\or Israel. One is committing genocide in Yemen ( let alone supporting extreme Wahhabism\terrorism\denial of human\women's rights ) and the other is occupying a people, illegally stealing even more land as well as also denying human rights.
Take your pick.
7
I am surprised that the New York Times had the gall to write this article as we see what prior attempts at peace and paciifcattion have wrought in North Korea.
It was none other than Bill Clinton who created this mess in North Korea. In the beginning of his presidency, he entered into an agreement, with North Korea, which provided that we would give them money and they would lay off nuclear weapons.
Of couse, the North Koreans lied. Just as Hitler lied to Chamberlain at Munich. We gave them money and they built up their nuclear capacity.
When Bill Clinton made this horrible agreement, N Korea's nuclear program was in its embryonic stages. We could have strangled it in the cradle, but Clinton made the US play the part of a school boy who gives his lunch money to the classroom bully.
The deal with Iran has numerous deficiencies which will enable the Iranians to cheat and lie and sooner or later construct weapons of diabolic dimmensions.
Indeed some articles in this paper reported that Hillary Clinton was opposed to the deal Obama agreed to. This paper quoted anonymous sources as saying that Hillary preferred stiffer sanctions to get more concessions from Iran.
Trump pretends to be tough and macho, but he has the mental and emotional fiber of a creamsicle. The combination of Bill Clinton's hideous policies (that most people are obliviious to because he played the media like a virtuoso) and Trumps's 8 year old mental age make matters terribly grave.
It was none other than Bill Clinton who created this mess in North Korea. In the beginning of his presidency, he entered into an agreement, with North Korea, which provided that we would give them money and they would lay off nuclear weapons.
Of couse, the North Koreans lied. Just as Hitler lied to Chamberlain at Munich. We gave them money and they built up their nuclear capacity.
When Bill Clinton made this horrible agreement, N Korea's nuclear program was in its embryonic stages. We could have strangled it in the cradle, but Clinton made the US play the part of a school boy who gives his lunch money to the classroom bully.
The deal with Iran has numerous deficiencies which will enable the Iranians to cheat and lie and sooner or later construct weapons of diabolic dimmensions.
Indeed some articles in this paper reported that Hillary Clinton was opposed to the deal Obama agreed to. This paper quoted anonymous sources as saying that Hillary preferred stiffer sanctions to get more concessions from Iran.
Trump pretends to be tough and macho, but he has the mental and emotional fiber of a creamsicle. The combination of Bill Clinton's hideous policies (that most people are obliviious to because he played the media like a virtuoso) and Trumps's 8 year old mental age make matters terribly grave.
2
Of course I don't know everything but I recall that with Clinton's deal, NK, was a signer of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Agreement and UN Inspectors were on the ground inspecting in NK. When the GW Bush Administration came in I believe they reneged on the what we were supplying to them. And then there was that Axis of Evil speech. NK dismissed the inspectors, ended the nuclear agreement and said they were restarting their nuclear program.
It looks like, the only way Trump found to solve North Korean's crisis, is pushing Iran to develop a nuclear bomb!!! An intelligent guy he is..!!
2
I guess the Clown Car has decided it has done such a bang up job containing N. Korea's nuclear program that it can add its wisdom to the Iran nuclear problem. Gosh guys a two front problem, quick get it done! (dopes)
3
Another day of Trump, anther day of chaos.
3
Trump is a danger to the whole world, including USA. He is reckless uninformed and egotistic and needs to be removed from office.
4
Dear Mr. Trump:
Mr. Trump, you have no real understanding of government, how it works, what it's purpose is and how to accomplish anything while governing.
Your advisors are radical fringe individuals who would never have been allowed inside the White House by any previous administration, clearly have your ear and take advantage of your ignorance.
Yes, the world burns because of these facts, and you may not realize it until all around you is gone..
The question is , "Why take the rest of us with you?" Everyone know you are beyond over your head, please resign before something really bad happens, not afterwards
Mr. Trump, you have no real understanding of government, how it works, what it's purpose is and how to accomplish anything while governing.
Your advisors are radical fringe individuals who would never have been allowed inside the White House by any previous administration, clearly have your ear and take advantage of your ignorance.
Yes, the world burns because of these facts, and you may not realize it until all around you is gone..
The question is , "Why take the rest of us with you?" Everyone know you are beyond over your head, please resign before something really bad happens, not afterwards
4
..... and he won by an electoral college landslide. The people of the US elected him as your president. Instead of always whining, why not support your country and the president. he will not resign and he will be re elected in 2020. This is a repeat of the Reagan presidency. don't look now but Trump's approval jumped to 45% since Harvey. He's doing a great job! MAGA!
How much money did Obama give Iran? Wasn't it billions and billions of US taxpayers money wrapped in plastic on forklift skids. What a complete sham!
Iran will get a nuclear bomb. Not if but when. When will you people wake up and understand that the lifestyle you enjoy is because of the freedom (and US dollar hegemony) won by your grandfathers. If Iran gets a nuke, it will start an arms race in the region. We need to bomb their facilities before it is too late.
Iran will get a nuclear bomb. Not if but when. When will you people wake up and understand that the lifestyle you enjoy is because of the freedom (and US dollar hegemony) won by your grandfathers. If Iran gets a nuke, it will start an arms race in the region. We need to bomb their facilities before it is too late.
4
Actually, Sven Gall, Obama didn't give Iran any "taxpayers money wrapped in plastic on forklift skids." In fact, he gave no tax payer money whether wrapped in plastic or in grocery bags.
This tale is a right wing canard, utterly baseless but oft repeated within the fact-free environment of the borderline right. The money that transferred to Iran was their money in the first place...assets frozen in a fruitless attempt to bully the Iranians into folding; which outcome they steadfastly denied the American government.
I find it profoundly tragic that the clueless among us think our bombing anything is going to solve any world problems. What will happen if Trump gets his way with the Iran deal is that the other signatories (Germany, France, the UK, Russia and China) will continue to trade in steadily increasing amounts with Iran...freezing out American interests. North Korea will be strengthened in its resolve to not make a deal with the United States since we never keep our agreements/commitments anyway...the same conclusion that a huge number of other counties will reach as well.
But two stage thinking is beyond the capacity of Trump and his supporters.
This tale is a right wing canard, utterly baseless but oft repeated within the fact-free environment of the borderline right. The money that transferred to Iran was their money in the first place...assets frozen in a fruitless attempt to bully the Iranians into folding; which outcome they steadfastly denied the American government.
I find it profoundly tragic that the clueless among us think our bombing anything is going to solve any world problems. What will happen if Trump gets his way with the Iran deal is that the other signatories (Germany, France, the UK, Russia and China) will continue to trade in steadily increasing amounts with Iran...freezing out American interests. North Korea will be strengthened in its resolve to not make a deal with the United States since we never keep our agreements/commitments anyway...the same conclusion that a huge number of other counties will reach as well.
But two stage thinking is beyond the capacity of Trump and his supporters.
3
How about not bombing.
1
Nikki Haley, not so much a UN Ambassador...more a conduit for Sheldon Adelson's and Netanyahu's talking points
2
Oh, well, why not...he's already bored with N. Korea.
Chaos here, chaos there...he won't be happy until it's chaos everywhere.
It's the only thing he actually knows how to do.
Governance by uninformed, jealous Obama-hating, vengeful slogans.
Nikki Haley, a rising republican star...god help us.
Chaos here, chaos there...he won't be happy until it's chaos everywhere.
It's the only thing he actually knows how to do.
Governance by uninformed, jealous Obama-hating, vengeful slogans.
Nikki Haley, a rising republican star...god help us.
2
Logically, the only alternative to the adoption of and the continuation of the nuclear deal, is a military response. That is the only option that will satisfy Trump and his base. They want to kill Muslims so bad they can taste it.
More news from the bottomless well of stupid that is the Trump administration.
4
The brilliant phalanx of New York Times editorial writers disgrace themselves yet again. Barack Obama negotiated an insipid, irregular deal with Tehran which has allowed Iran's nuclear activities to go unchecked and unregulated. Like everything Obama, the deal was cowardly, anti Israel, pro terrorist Muslim and in the worst interests of the United States.
3
No mention of AIPAC?
4
NYT, have a little secret for you. Iran is going to get a nuclear bomb with or without Obama's precious little agreement.
3
The ten-year time frame with Iran is very short. The USA should use this time to find some rapprochement with Iran, not to squander this interim on silliness and hubris.
3
Iran will have Nuke within 5 years with the nuke deal in place. Naive to think that they will abide by such an agreement. Just made it easier for them.
3
Why create another nuclear problem when North Korea is already a very big nuclear problem? Better a Frankenstein dormant than an angry Frankenstein on the loose.
There is no sense to what Trump and his administration are trying to do to the nuclear deal with Iran. As noted by Robert Sherman in the third NYT Pick for this editorial, sabotaging the deal would just help bad people to arm themselves with nuclear weapons. Why would anyone do that? I've been trying to distill Trump's motivations into a minimal set that is sufficient to explain the harmful, ill-conceived, illogical, dangerous, and destructive policies that his administration is pursuing. This is what I have at the moment:
1. Advance the alt-right agenda
2. Play to his base
3. Destroy Barak Obama
4. Stroke his own ego
5. Stuff his own wallet
6. Hurt anyone who gets in his way
Of course, these are not independent, but I believe that they come into play in different proportions in different circumstances.
For example, sabotaging the nuclear deal with Iran helps to advance the alt-right agenda and destroy Barak Obama. Pulling executive support for DACA is a way to advance the alt-right agenda and play to his supporters. Working with Congressional Democrats to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government is a way to punish Congressional Republicans and protect his own ego (by deflecting blame). I'm sure that other factors come into play in all of these cases. But this is how I start to make sense of what makes sense to Trump.
1. Advance the alt-right agenda
2. Play to his base
3. Destroy Barak Obama
4. Stroke his own ego
5. Stuff his own wallet
6. Hurt anyone who gets in his way
Of course, these are not independent, but I believe that they come into play in different proportions in different circumstances.
For example, sabotaging the nuclear deal with Iran helps to advance the alt-right agenda and destroy Barak Obama. Pulling executive support for DACA is a way to advance the alt-right agenda and play to his supporters. Working with Congressional Democrats to raise the debt ceiling and fund the government is a way to punish Congressional Republicans and protect his own ego (by deflecting blame). I'm sure that other factors come into play in all of these cases. But this is how I start to make sense of what makes sense to Trump.
7
Nikki Haley represents the State of Israel at the UN, in the guise of US Ambassador.
From Wikipedia:
Haley has been described by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham as a "strong supporter of the State of Israel". As Governor of South Carolina, she signed into law a bill to stop efforts of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Haley also stated that "nowhere has the UN’s failure been more consistent and more outrageous than in its bias against our close ally Israel".
Haley speaks for Netanyahu in her efforts to demonize Iran.
From Wikipedia:
Haley has been described by South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham as a "strong supporter of the State of Israel". As Governor of South Carolina, she signed into law a bill to stop efforts of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. Haley also stated that "nowhere has the UN’s failure been more consistent and more outrageous than in its bias against our close ally Israel".
Haley speaks for Netanyahu in her efforts to demonize Iran.
7
Nikki Haley is auditioning to be Secretary of State. Anyone doubt that? Tillerson has either AWOL or MIA for quite a few days now. Her voice at the UN has been loud and strident on North Korea and now she takes to the road to bad-mouth Iran in the same caustic voice. Tillerson will quietly resign one day soon and Haley will be heading the nuclear round-up at the State Department.
3
This is the perfect storm for trump enabling him to raise a false flag operation aimed at distancing himself from his Russian overlords in the face of increasing public and congressional scrutiny in regards to malfeasance and the 2016 elections. That it's absoluting lethal stuff he's recklessly playing with doesn't concern him one bit. Everything trump does is a stunt with a very calculated eventual outcome. His actions are not 'normal' or benevolent in any way. He's an evil, manipulative man.
8
Another frightening example of Trump's principal characteristics: ignorance, arrogance and cowardice. That he should wield presidential power in spite of those huge impediments is a danger to our country and to the world. Where are his advisors, not the family enablers or the sycophants, but the intelligent, objective, experienced diplomats who should be trying to right the ship of state?
3
I'm tired of hearing how Trump is trying to do XYZ because he promised to do it in his campaign. All of a sudden, at age 71, Trump now cares about keeping his promises? The man who has been in 3500 or so lawsuits, stiffs contractors, etc.? Puh-leaze. He should be called out for this false premise to reveal his true motives.
3
So besides placating his base and insulting the Ayatollahs, Trump also gets to blow off France, Britain, Germany, Russia and China? That's what he would call a win, win, win, etc.
2
If anything, North Korea has shown what a bogus deal the Iranian "deal" is. Mr. Obama has put us all on the path to doom by allowing Iran to go nuclear. Period. Doesn't matter whether it's now or 10 years from now. The threat is real. Just ask North Korea. Bill Clinton made a "deal" with them.
3
The NYT Editorial board is wrong that this deal ever made sense in the first place, but at this point the damage is done. We've given Iran $B which they are using to sponsor terrorism, but pulling out of the deal only gives them their cake to eat as well. May as well keep them delayed from advancing nuclear development and try and hammer sanctions back on them for state sponsored terrorism
3
DT is pathological in his unwavering determination to undo everything President Obama has achieved.
Within a few months, DT has managed to smear the good name and reputation of the USA among allies and no one will ever trust us again. We have a treaty with Iran that they seem to be adhering to according the international watchdogs.
Who would ever trust us again? Who would bother to sign any agreement with us in future if it has a good chance of being rescinded by the next administration?
In a few months, we are facing a possible nuclear war with NK and further destabilizing the ME with a possible outcome of Iran's nuclear proliferation.
It is not an accident that NK is acting nuttier now than ever before- since they know how to push DT buttons and are enjoying the attention and war of words from our own nut job.
Who is giving DT all these wacky ideas- Putin?
I just know that I never felt anxious under 8 years with President Obama. He kept us safe and was respected on the world stage.
I feel anxious every day and dread seeing the news every day for fear that this fool in the WH will get us into war or just cause general mayhem.
Every day is another disaster with DT.
Within a few months, DT has managed to smear the good name and reputation of the USA among allies and no one will ever trust us again. We have a treaty with Iran that they seem to be adhering to according the international watchdogs.
Who would ever trust us again? Who would bother to sign any agreement with us in future if it has a good chance of being rescinded by the next administration?
In a few months, we are facing a possible nuclear war with NK and further destabilizing the ME with a possible outcome of Iran's nuclear proliferation.
It is not an accident that NK is acting nuttier now than ever before- since they know how to push DT buttons and are enjoying the attention and war of words from our own nut job.
Who is giving DT all these wacky ideas- Putin?
I just know that I never felt anxious under 8 years with President Obama. He kept us safe and was respected on the world stage.
I feel anxious every day and dread seeing the news every day for fear that this fool in the WH will get us into war or just cause general mayhem.
Every day is another disaster with DT.
3
"Ms. Haley’s scheme would also allow Mr. Trump to punt...further distancing himself from responsibility."
That, in a couple words, is Trump's lifelong M.O.: take what you can grab (cash and/or anatomy) then just walk away, it's always some else's fault.
So: the Iran nuclear deal is on Congress, Haley gets to make the call; DACA is on Congress, Sessions gets to make the call; Repeal & Replace is on Congress, McConnell gets to make the call (and the egg on his face.) Remains to be seen who gets to make the call on Korea from under a bus shelter somewhere in D.C. 'Cause there sure won't be any room in the shelter for that hapless fool.
That, in a couple words, is Trump's lifelong M.O.: take what you can grab (cash and/or anatomy) then just walk away, it's always some else's fault.
So: the Iran nuclear deal is on Congress, Haley gets to make the call; DACA is on Congress, Sessions gets to make the call; Repeal & Replace is on Congress, McConnell gets to make the call (and the egg on his face.) Remains to be seen who gets to make the call on Korea from under a bus shelter somewhere in D.C. 'Cause there sure won't be any room in the shelter for that hapless fool.
1
I suppose she said this with a straight face. If republicans couldn't lie they couldn't talk.
2
" The whole idea makes no sense to anyone but Mr. Trump's hard line advisers " ... Oh really ... Wasn't it almost a unanimous vote recently in the Senate to put more sanctions on Iran for shooting off a missile. And many Democrats originally came out against it. Do you hear any one speaking out defending the Iran deal? Or the constant mis-characterization of the details coming from Trump. No.. They are too afraid of the Israeli lobby. This goes hand in hand with the other editorial today about the direction the Democrats should take. The other countries are doing big time business with Iran. breaking down barriers and opening up a huge trade market. Which by the way creates jobs. But not us. We are making it very difficult for everyone. Putting up ever more sanctions ( yes let's sanction everyone ) and cuddling up to the Saudis. Nikki Haley, another shallow person who just doesn't get it. Plausible alternatives? From these people? If our part of the deal blows up, we can follow The American Enterprise Institute's path and start wars with everyone. Iran, North Korea, China, Russia ... there's the alternative. .......the end of the world as we know it.
Orange, NJ
Orange, NJ
7
If it was put in by Obama it has to go. Trump is determined that nothing he did in the last 8 years will survive. Can't think why- jealousy and racism? They trump anything good for the country.
3
The only surefire way to start Armageddon is to poke two nuclear-capable hornet nests at the same time.
2
Iran could stay in compliance but still purchase bombs from NK.
1
Nikki Haley says that North Korea is itching to start a war. That's laughable in light of the many wars that we have started and are continuing to fight decades later. It looks like our "industrial military complex" that Eisenhower warned us about is about to get us in another war. I'm sure Eisenhower never dreamed we have an ignorant, incompetent cowardly liar as president one day itching to pull the nuclear trigger.
3
Trump's blind obsession to erase all Obama accomplishments needs to stop.
Trump does not put in any effort to understand the full scope of the Iran deal.
He is acting out in pure malice and ignorance.
Perhaps if there were qualified diplomats in the State Department who had historical knowledge to share with him, we could rest easier. But no, we have no one who can advise with intelligence.
Trump has no ability whatsoever in the foreign policy arena and is being indulged by his advisors at every Obama=Bad decision he makes.
Trump does not put in any effort to understand the full scope of the Iran deal.
He is acting out in pure malice and ignorance.
Perhaps if there were qualified diplomats in the State Department who had historical knowledge to share with him, we could rest easier. But no, we have no one who can advise with intelligence.
Trump has no ability whatsoever in the foreign policy arena and is being indulged by his advisors at every Obama=Bad decision he makes.
1
The US humiliates other nations as much as possible and then proceeds to sabotage the agreement blaming the other side, just as Bush did to NK with the Clinton agreement.
2
Iran is the only country of Bush' "axis of evil" that the US hasn't attacked. When will we realize that WE are the axis of evil, from Hawaii and Alaska to Florida and Maine?
Trump pushes us towards the realization of this message. He would have us become the cause of another great risk of nuclear war.
Trump pushes us towards the realization of this message. He would have us become the cause of another great risk of nuclear war.
3
For 70 years, Israel and Saudi Arabia have been enemies. Jews are not even allowed to visit Saudi Arabia, Yet, they both agree that President Obama's nuclear agreement with Iran was inadequate.
Don't blame President Trump for trying to fix a problem that President Obama created. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia agree.
Don't blame President Trump for trying to fix a problem that President Obama created. Both Israel and Saudi Arabia agree.
4
Obama bent over backwards to alienate Israel, our long-time ally and dependable partner while paying Iran, our long-time antagonist and sworn enemy $2 billion in cash to sweeten their phony nuclear deal. I don't understand how that benefits the US or why people oppose Trump's efforts to reverse it.
4
I don't see what's foolish about it. The "deal" essentially rewarded Iran for pursuing a nuclear program and is the model for North Korea and others to attempt the same. I don't agree.
2
Did you hear what Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi said this morning (9/7) at her news conference. That there is a possibility that North Korea is advertising its missile capabilities so it can sell to anyone who wants them? There is nothing to prevent NK from selling to some of the most dangerous organizations on the planet. I think this is a real possibility besides the possibility that NK itself might launch an attack.
2
A man who in his entire life never kept a contract with investors, creditors, contractors, voters, fellow politicians, his political party or wives, and was amply rewarded for it, isn't going to feel bound by an international agreement or treaty either. Make a deal to gain a temporary advantage and then break that sucker when it's time to reciprocate ! Character matters.
1
Trump has no idea of what's even in the Iran deal; what's good enough for him is that it was Obama's deal, therefore it has to go. The silver lining for him is that Netanyahu is against it (though most Israeli generals are for it); the Saudis are against it, and he has to repay them for that sword and the two robes lined with tiger fur that they gave him; and his base, which wallows in ignorance of much of the world around us, is against it. If the deal is scrapped Iran will resume developing nuclear weapons which had been put on hold. The jigsaw puzzle Nikki Haley was talking about obviously refers to the scrambled brain of this reality show president, who acts on impulse and doesn't really know what he is doing or think about the consequences of his actions.
1
In Nikki Haley, Trump has found a perfect conduit and mouthpiece - an equally uninformed belligerent loudmouth unfit for the office she occupies. Both are punch-drunk on power and yet or unable to recognize the limits of that power, most especially of US military power. And if there is a much better way to alienate much-needed allies on the global stage and demonstrate the new American intransigence masquerading as diplomacy or policy, they will surely find it . . .
1
trump doesn't want to kill the deal. He wants to put his mark on it so he can claim that he has made a better deal.
1
If the United States pulls out of the Iran deal, why would Iran talk to the United States again? Would the other countries who are parties to the deal reimpose sanctions on Iran when Iran is in compliance?
Trump and Haley are insane.
We ought to give control of Congress to the Democrats in 2018.
We get the government we deserve
Trump and Haley are insane.
We ought to give control of Congress to the Democrats in 2018.
We get the government we deserve
American Enterprise Institute! Right! Now that they have successfully engineered the transfer of Public Wealth into the hands of a few dozen billionaires, lets have this collection of Ayn Rand drinkers decide what we do with atom bombs.
It gets more freaky everyday.
It gets more freaky everyday.
Nimrata Haley, like her boss, wants to dismantle anything Obama related.
No reason required, no thought needed.
No reason required, no thought needed.
Who determines US foreign policy in the Middle East?
It should be Donald Trump and Rex Tillerson, but it is not.
It is the Netanyahu/Kushner/Haley team.
And this will get the American people into a whole lot of trouble.
It should be Donald Trump and Rex Tillerson, but it is not.
It is the Netanyahu/Kushner/Haley team.
And this will get the American people into a whole lot of trouble.
2
Trump has no understanding of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). He doesn't possess the mental capacity to understand a fraction of that complex deal. He lives in 140-character bites and is against the deal for the simple reason that it occurred during Obama's presidency - as if Obama arbitrarily decided upon it without the thousands of hours of effort by diplomats from dozens of countries. The fact that the majority of senior Israeli military and intelligence officers signed off on it should instill more confidence than an arbitrary decision by Trump, since the Israelis stand to lose a whole lot more than Trump ever would.
Trump fails everyone in this country by never researching anything. He assumes that he is inherently smart because he surrounds himself with agreeable sycophants, never hearing a critical view, never even questioning his own thought process. What is so gobsmacking and stunning, is that there are people willing to put their trust in such a man. They are basically willing to bet their lives on a man whose mental stamina is equivalent to the ignorant blowhard at the end of the bar in the local diner.
Trump fails everyone in this country by never researching anything. He assumes that he is inherently smart because he surrounds himself with agreeable sycophants, never hearing a critical view, never even questioning his own thought process. What is so gobsmacking and stunning, is that there are people willing to put their trust in such a man. They are basically willing to bet their lives on a man whose mental stamina is equivalent to the ignorant blowhard at the end of the bar in the local diner.
When allies and adversaries can no longer trust the word of the United States, we have virtually "crossed the Rubicon". The democracy is in mortal danger,
#resist
#resist
2
As a Sociologist who has been in Iran (at least overtly) more than any other American..Stop Already! The country has developed ,economically and socially, certainly more than any of our "adversaries. They are fully aware that the guy or gal with their finger on the alleged nuclear button, will be decimated before they brush their teeth in the morning. I have sent 100's of travelers (mostly Americans) on Iran Custom Tours for over 10 years, and every one has returned saying Iran is nothing like they expected..for the positive.
Here's the real Iran Deal..Put it on your Bucket List!
Here's the real Iran Deal..Put it on your Bucket List!
2
The NYT's Editorial Board's naivete is simply breathtaking. Does anyone - for a nanosecond - actually believe Iran is complying with all terms of JPCOA and not surreptitiously developing a nuclear bomb capabilities? Iran is N. Korea 2.0. In fact, NK is ACTIVELY assisting Iranian scientists in all aspects of nuclear (and probably ballistic missile) development.
The removal of sanctions on Iran means European/Chinese/Russian trade now becomes of paramount importance to those economies, chasing opportunities in a "new" market.
Iran sees how NK gets away with it's threatening provocations, leading to multilateral talks, concessions, and "freebies" for NK. Trump sees Iran following the same path. What's wrong with Trump showing a little spine?
The removal of sanctions on Iran means European/Chinese/Russian trade now becomes of paramount importance to those economies, chasing opportunities in a "new" market.
Iran sees how NK gets away with it's threatening provocations, leading to multilateral talks, concessions, and "freebies" for NK. Trump sees Iran following the same path. What's wrong with Trump showing a little spine?
3
I'm beginning to think that if DT had been around on September 2, 1945, he would have opposed the signing of the surrender of the Empire of Japan because a Democrat had negotiated the terms. Instead he would have insisted that he could have come up with a better deal.
This is the Annie Oakley behavior we've come to expect from this president: anything Obama can do I can do better. Inauguration: my crowds were bigger. Health Care: we'll do a better job of it. War on Terror: we'll beat ISIS in 90 days. Economy: we'll end unemployment. Taxes: we'll fix all the problems. Immigration: we'll straighten all that out. North Korea: they'll immediately stop their nuclear program. Iran: I'll shut down this treaty and negotiate a better one.
For a while now we've been witnessing how well DT's alleged negotiating skills transfer to the oval office - well, they don't. But of course DT can always rely on his alternate reality, where black is white, up is down, and DT is the greatest president the world has ever seen.
This is the Annie Oakley behavior we've come to expect from this president: anything Obama can do I can do better. Inauguration: my crowds were bigger. Health Care: we'll do a better job of it. War on Terror: we'll beat ISIS in 90 days. Economy: we'll end unemployment. Taxes: we'll fix all the problems. Immigration: we'll straighten all that out. North Korea: they'll immediately stop their nuclear program. Iran: I'll shut down this treaty and negotiate a better one.
For a while now we've been witnessing how well DT's alleged negotiating skills transfer to the oval office - well, they don't. But of course DT can always rely on his alternate reality, where black is white, up is down, and DT is the greatest president the world has ever seen.
1
It seems as if we have the Keystone Cops in charge of our country's fate.
The grown up way would be to mitigate the current Iran deal and to remain on board with Western Europe. Does Trump even have a clue? If he doesn't, how could the U.N Ambassador? Maybe a nice dacha is waiting for him in Russia after he turns the once great U.S. into a pile of dust. Sickening.
The grown up way would be to mitigate the current Iran deal and to remain on board with Western Europe. Does Trump even have a clue? If he doesn't, how could the U.N Ambassador? Maybe a nice dacha is waiting for him in Russia after he turns the once great U.S. into a pile of dust. Sickening.
1
Killing the Iran Nuclear Deal would effectively clear the way for war with Iran. This is precisely what the Christian - Israeli lobby has wanted since the 1979 Revolution brought the mullahs to power. I predict this war would have disastrous consequences for the US and it's allies, but when did that ever prevent us?
2
This is insane,-rather this administration is insane! ...I have no more words except to say that JCPOA is/was a prime example of global collaboration and effective diplomacy.
1
The Trump administration is begging for nuclear war.
With all his ridiculous campaign promises, the Donald is pinned to the wall like a mounted insect. And he appears to have learned how to let Congress take the blame for failure. Very smart Donald. But are they really "with" you?
1
It would not be surprising for Trump to push this off on Congress. It his MO. He is lazy as well as bereft of intellectual thought.
The buck definitely does not stop at his desk. He is not a leader. He is worthless on the world stage.
The buck definitely does not stop at his desk. He is not a leader. He is worthless on the world stage.
While stirring up a crisis with the NorthKoreans and antagonising his allies in South Korea Trump is eager to unravel another of Obama's undoubted achievements. An insecure and moronic so-called president struggling out of his depth.
The fundamental problem with the Iranian nuclear deal is the potential headline news with its destruction
What has DJT and GOP created in last so many years, since Obama was elected? pl name one.
I only hear, no, nay , nah; break this, break that, cancel this, cancel that..
Current administration with GOP in congress are destroyers.. for normal people and our universe. They don't have ability to even think positively.
God Help us.
I only hear, no, nay , nah; break this, break that, cancel this, cancel that..
Current administration with GOP in congress are destroyers.. for normal people and our universe. They don't have ability to even think positively.
God Help us.
Ms. Haley's strategy makes good sense.
I truly hope that Trump can unwind the foolish and disastrous deal Obama struck with Iran with no congressional (i.e. American Voter) support.
I truly hope that Trump can unwind the foolish and disastrous deal Obama struck with Iran with no congressional (i.e. American Voter) support.
2
But what if Iran is really not in compliance??? How far should we go to reach Munich?
2
If Mueller does not get his investigation into high gear soon, we will be in the middle of one or more military conflicts and then the chance of impeaching this corrupt Russian-pawn Trump will be over...
2
A rank neophyte (Ms. Haley) advising a bumbling ignoramus (that would be Mr. Trump) on how best to destabilize our fragile peace with Iran. You know, so we can show 'em who's boss. What could go wrong? Oh yeah nuclear annihilation and all that. In the immortal words of General Buck Turgidson, "Mr. President, I'm not saying we wouldn't get our hair mussed. But I do say no more than ten to twenty million killed, tops. Uh, depending on the breaks."
Dear Editors:
How well did appeassing and attempting to buy-off Pyongang work for Clinton and Albright in the 1990s? It didn't. Now we're confronted by a nuclear-armed and ballistic missle capable North Korea. Second, if the Iran nuclear deal doesn't prevent the mullahs from building the bomb - and it won't - what strategic difference does it make that it was one of President Obama's "most important diplomatic initiatives."? The same idolatry attaches to the Affordable Care Act. Even if ACA isn't working, or works only poorly, it still can't be scrapped because it's the "signature" legislative achievement of the first African-American president.
How well did appeassing and attempting to buy-off Pyongang work for Clinton and Albright in the 1990s? It didn't. Now we're confronted by a nuclear-armed and ballistic missle capable North Korea. Second, if the Iran nuclear deal doesn't prevent the mullahs from building the bomb - and it won't - what strategic difference does it make that it was one of President Obama's "most important diplomatic initiatives."? The same idolatry attaches to the Affordable Care Act. Even if ACA isn't working, or works only poorly, it still can't be scrapped because it's the "signature" legislative achievement of the first African-American president.
2
Participate in the national, general strike if Trump fires Mueller.
1
Vindictiveness seems to be Trump's principal driving force, and anything with President Obama's name on it is a target, including the Iran nuclear deal. It's likely that he'll use the IAEA's findings as a trigger for pulling the U.S. out of the deal, holding that organization in the same contempt as did George W. Bush during the run-up to the Iraq invasion. And never mind that the IAEA was 100% right about Iraq's lack of WMD and a nuclear program; in Trump's nativist mind, they're not American and therefore their opinions are inconsequential (or perhaps driven by some sort of "conspiracy").
Most likely, Trump thinks he can re-impose heavy sanctions of the kind that brought Iran to the negotiating table in the first place, once clear of the deal. But this time, the "deal maker" will force a better bargain... of course. What shape that supposed "better deal" would take is anyone's guess.
Who knows with this man? He has no center, no coherent string of unified thought and theory about anything at all beyond ego enhancement. I can't say that he probably doesn't even understand the benefits - and complexities - of the deal hammered out by Secretary Kerry under President Obama, along with numerous other major international players. I can't say that because he's beyond comprehension to the rational mind.
A substantial minority of American voters metaphorically put a pistol in the hands of a 4 year-old. Trump is still playing to a minority of that minority.
Most likely, Trump thinks he can re-impose heavy sanctions of the kind that brought Iran to the negotiating table in the first place, once clear of the deal. But this time, the "deal maker" will force a better bargain... of course. What shape that supposed "better deal" would take is anyone's guess.
Who knows with this man? He has no center, no coherent string of unified thought and theory about anything at all beyond ego enhancement. I can't say that he probably doesn't even understand the benefits - and complexities - of the deal hammered out by Secretary Kerry under President Obama, along with numerous other major international players. I can't say that because he's beyond comprehension to the rational mind.
A substantial minority of American voters metaphorically put a pistol in the hands of a 4 year-old. Trump is still playing to a minority of that minority.
2
Among the many lessons that should have been learned about North Korea is that it is always more difficult, likely impossible, to get any country to eliminate all of its nuclear weapons "after the fact". The best approach is to keep the membership in that "club" from growing. We now have in that club the: U.S., Britain, France, Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea. Anyone think any of those countries will disarm?
1
"We must consider the whole of the jigsaw puzzle, not just one of the pieces."
Ms. Haley seems to have forgotten that some of those pieces were 5 other
signatories, including some of our ( former?) staunchest allies. Trump and
Ms Haley speak as if the United States alone negotiated the Iran agreement
and alone have the right and power to destroy it without regard for the
legitimate concerns and negotiating efforts of other countries. Both from day one of their new positions have undiplomatically and arrogantly assumed that this country rules the world. The United States is fast becoming a pariah and bully on the world stage under their foreign policy leadership. Tillerson is
not likely to be able to salvage the country's reputation and all of the generals may not be able to stave off the very real dangers to this nation and the world.
Ms. Haley seems to have forgotten that some of those pieces were 5 other
signatories, including some of our ( former?) staunchest allies. Trump and
Ms Haley speak as if the United States alone negotiated the Iran agreement
and alone have the right and power to destroy it without regard for the
legitimate concerns and negotiating efforts of other countries. Both from day one of their new positions have undiplomatically and arrogantly assumed that this country rules the world. The United States is fast becoming a pariah and bully on the world stage under their foreign policy leadership. Tillerson is
not likely to be able to salvage the country's reputation and all of the generals may not be able to stave off the very real dangers to this nation and the world.
1
It is clear that we would be better off struggling with a problem like North Korea than with a compact with Iran that keeps them from making nuclear weapons. Clear, no?
The "opinion" piece promotes the idea that Iran wants to develop a nuclear weapons program. The intelligence agencies found no evidence of this in recent history. Of course there are extremists in Iran just like in the US, and just like in Israel. But the Iranian government has no intention to develop nuclear weapons.
I don't think "opinion" pieces should be involved in propaganda.
I don't think "opinion" pieces should be involved in propaganda.
3
If we continually brand every country in the world that doesn't conform to our needs and wishes as "evil" then the "forever war" will truly continue...forever. Like it or not, Iran has many reasons to defy the United States' wishes and seek the ultimate protection of nuclear weapons...reasons provided by the United States itself. Try returning to the 1950's with the overthrow of the democratically elected Prime Minister Mossadegh by the U.S and Britain (over oil...no surprise there); the installation and support of the Shah Pahlavi and his dreaded secret police, the Savak; The continual attempts at destabilization of the follow-on regimes by the CIA, the confrontational events with U.S Navy vessels in the Gulf (still continuing), the overthrow of surrounding regimes like Iraq and Libya along with the segmentation of Syria. Finally we have some semblance of rational policy with the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran that they are complying with. If we had a sane president and a State Department that hadn't been eviscerated by the Pentagon, neocons and warhawks maybe there would be some hope that a degree of normal relations with Iran could be attained. We have enough issue with North Korea. We don't need to add to our problems. This country is going broke fighting senseless wars. It needs to stop.
2
Iran is steamrolling the middle east. It supports Houthi rebels, Hezbollah, supported Iraqi insurgents who killed many American troops, supports Assad in Syria and is stretching its hard-line theocracy in Central America. Obama thought that his Iran nuclear deal would give strength to the moderate voice in Iran but the opposite has happened. Iran was on the verge of financial collapse before the sanctions were lifted, but now they have a free hand and a lot more money the resources of which are getting ready to take over Syria basically. We made a big mistake and vilifying Trump isn't the answer. Iran's republican guard controls 35% of Iran's economy, and Iran continues to oppress its own minority populations, with an abysmal human rights record. I don't think we in the US can truly fathom the irrationality of Iran's thinking, which shouldn't be allowed to permeate the middle east further. The power brokers in Iran are not a friend to the US or any of our allies across the world.
2
It was the Saudis who supported the Sunni rebels who fought the US. It was Shiites who were on our side.
The Houthi rebels might get some help sometimes from Iran, but they have been rebellious in this way since the British arrived to set up Aden in the 19th Century.
Russia is the key support for Syria. Iran helps, but Russia turned the tide.
Hezbollah is Israel's enemy, created to drive Israel out of its 22 year occupation of Lebanon, and remaining to keep them from coming back. It is not anyone else's enemy. Israel could solve it by backing off Lebanon, but it wants South Lebanon for the water and farmland. Iran supports Hezbollah, and is right to do so. The rest of the world ought to be lining up for peace in Lebanon, not the repeated destruction of the place in the cause of Israeli expansion.
The Houthi rebels might get some help sometimes from Iran, but they have been rebellious in this way since the British arrived to set up Aden in the 19th Century.
Russia is the key support for Syria. Iran helps, but Russia turned the tide.
Hezbollah is Israel's enemy, created to drive Israel out of its 22 year occupation of Lebanon, and remaining to keep them from coming back. It is not anyone else's enemy. Israel could solve it by backing off Lebanon, but it wants South Lebanon for the water and farmland. Iran supports Hezbollah, and is right to do so. The rest of the world ought to be lining up for peace in Lebanon, not the repeated destruction of the place in the cause of Israeli expansion.
6
Mark fom Texas:
Before you criticize Iran you should take a hard look at your 'ally' Saudi Arabia that was/is responsible for 9/11, 7/7, Mumbai, Bali, Madrid, Nice, Orlando, San Bernadino, Nice, Paris and every other Wahhabi-financed and Wahhabi-inspired atrocity of the past two decades.
Or maybe because you are writing from Texas your sole concern is the supply of oil and the return of Saudi petrodollars to purchase equipment from Halliburton, National Oilwell Varco, Baker Hughes and other amoral corporations.
And what aims did the U.S. have in establishing 12 military bases in and around the Persian Gulf? To build and support democracy? And does that include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the other dictatorships you are supporting?
If you want to spread democracy why don't you build your bases in the Congo, Zimbabwe and Kenya? Oooops! No oil, ............
Before you criticize Iran you should take a hard look at your 'ally' Saudi Arabia that was/is responsible for 9/11, 7/7, Mumbai, Bali, Madrid, Nice, Orlando, San Bernadino, Nice, Paris and every other Wahhabi-financed and Wahhabi-inspired atrocity of the past two decades.
Or maybe because you are writing from Texas your sole concern is the supply of oil and the return of Saudi petrodollars to purchase equipment from Halliburton, National Oilwell Varco, Baker Hughes and other amoral corporations.
And what aims did the U.S. have in establishing 12 military bases in and around the Persian Gulf? To build and support democracy? And does that include Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the other dictatorships you are supporting?
If you want to spread democracy why don't you build your bases in the Congo, Zimbabwe and Kenya? Oooops! No oil, ............
4
I am always amazed at comments about being from Texas and strange stereotypes. Personally I have lived for significant lengths of time in New Jersey, Arizona, California, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Minnesota. I am a musician and help the under-insured receive quality healthcare. But why should it matter? I read each post here without interpreting bias on anyone's part unless it is stated by that person. The issue we are commenting on is Iran and the nuclear deal. It is a disaster for the region and the world because it has unleashed a terrible ideology on 100s of millions of people. I have nothing to do with oil or military bases and I don't know one person in Texas who does.
Nikki Haley's political ambitions require support from the pro-Israel lobby coffers. Trump's family financial ambitions require investment support from much the same sources.
Why are we surprised that American foreign policy in the Middle East is a mirror image of Israel's foreign policy? The US risks the consequences of war just to satisfy Haley and Trump personal ambitions.
Why are we surprised that American foreign policy in the Middle East is a mirror image of Israel's foreign policy? The US risks the consequences of war just to satisfy Haley and Trump personal ambitions.
3
"The US risks the consequences of war just to satisfy Haley and Trump personal ambitions."
I wish it was just those two. It is many more, and for a lot longer. That is why it is dangerous.
I wish it was just those two. It is many more, and for a lot longer. That is why it is dangerous.
4
This has been building for a very long time. It's worse than dumping DACA because it mainly took out "upside" revenue. This will cost us real money since destabilizing the middle east will involve additional threats to Israel, and Congress will have no choice but to respond. As the editorial notes, there is no plan for what happens next since because we are abrogating the treaty, putting together a new coalition will be a major uphill struggle.
"Fool me once" - Unlike Colin Powell's case about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, this time Ms. Haley really has the goods! Yeah, this will work.
"Fool me once" - Unlike Colin Powell's case about Iraq's weapons of mass destruction, this time Ms. Haley really has the goods! Yeah, this will work.
1
Unfortunately, whatever we do, both Iran and North Korea will develop nuclear weapons and the means to deliver them to faraway places. There is nothing we can do to stop them. Even if we make "deals" including payoffs, they will continue their development (ie. cheat), as they always have. Not being cynical, just realistic.
We have one "rogue" nation that has developed nuclear capability, who has proven unreachable and threatens us and our allies. The agreement with Iran, while not perfect from our prospective, has removed Iran's movement toward a nuclear power and threat to peace. Does DT want to create another NK?
The question is: What is the alternative? New sanctions? Well there is little chance the numerous other signatories to the Iran deal will agree so that leaves the US in the position of a paper tiger and then we set up trade barriers with all of our allies who do not agree with us and there goes the US and world economy.
Just like the Health insurance repeal this president has no plan whatsoever and neither do his enablers.
Just like the Health insurance repeal this president has no plan whatsoever and neither do his enablers.
22
Opponents have no alternative. Russia is the #2 military power in the world, China is the #2 economic power. Without them, sanctions would be a paper tiger.
So far, Trump's record on foreign policy has been twofold. Alienating friends and allies while bluffing rivals with empty threats. The US is becoming isolated from friends and mocked by rivals.
In the EU, Trump made sure to alienate Germany, America's main European partner after WWII. On Russia, he was cornered and forced to give up his wishes of normal relations with Moscow. The Bad Cold War Bear is back as the main strategic adversary of the US.
On NK, Trump threatens Kim Jon-un with a nuclear war. The NK dictator replies by getting ready to test an ICBM capable to deliver a nuclear payload to strike the mainland.
Meanwhile, Trump threatens South Korea and China, the former by withdrawing the US from an important trade deal and the former with financial and trade sanctions.
In sum, Trump is achieving a major strategic objective. To deconstruct the American-led global economic-military order created after WWI. Hard to grasp how such foreign policy will Make America Gret Again.
In the EU, Trump made sure to alienate Germany, America's main European partner after WWII. On Russia, he was cornered and forced to give up his wishes of normal relations with Moscow. The Bad Cold War Bear is back as the main strategic adversary of the US.
On NK, Trump threatens Kim Jon-un with a nuclear war. The NK dictator replies by getting ready to test an ICBM capable to deliver a nuclear payload to strike the mainland.
Meanwhile, Trump threatens South Korea and China, the former by withdrawing the US from an important trade deal and the former with financial and trade sanctions.
In sum, Trump is achieving a major strategic objective. To deconstruct the American-led global economic-military order created after WWI. Hard to grasp how such foreign policy will Make America Gret Again.
2
No it is this. First allies need to pay more, a lot more for them to be protected. Next no avoiding issues because there is not a good solution. And finally in many cases force or the threat of force is the only thing some understand or respect. Totally rational!!!
Like all other countries Iran has every right to defend itself, and, in today's world, that includes the production of advanced weaponry. This includes both defensive and offensive weapons. It has decided to exclude nuclear weapons and has signed international ageements to that effect.
Neither the United States nor the State of Israel can limit Iran's basic rights to self-defense.
End of discussion.
Neither the United States nor the State of Israel can limit Iran's basic rights to self-defense.
End of discussion.
2
As the result of two years of intensive talks a landmark nuclear deal was reached between Iran and all world powers plus the European Union, which can serve as a blueprint for future negotiations between the West and Iran and indeed with the countries that are aspiring to become nuclear powers or have already passed the threshold such as Israel and North Korea. The IAEA and all other powers involved in the deal have certified that Iran is fully complying with it. If President Trump refuses to recertify Iran’s compliance or violates the deal it will undermine global trust in any deals with the United States and will in fact isolate her in the international community, because even her European allies have said firmly that they will stick to the deal. Instead of using the deal as a first step for achieving more far-ranging agreements with Iran, a country of 80 million highly educated people with massive natural resources and a developed industrial base, the neocons in the new administration are looking for an excuse to start another disastrous war in the Middle East. Sensible Americans and their friends throughout the world should stop the hawks in Washington from committing that folly.
2
The Times Editorial Board has conveniently forgotten that part of the Iran Nuclear Deal included the release of ca. $150 billion. These funds are unfettered, so the Islamic Republic is free to invest, spend, etc, these funds to its heart's content.
When the P5+1 negotiated this Deal, it was with the understanding that it COULD NOT PASS in the US Senate. Therefore, this Deal is NOT A TREATY. We are being disingenuous when we consider this deal to be the equivalent of a treaty; IT IS NOT.
At best, this deal is an opportunity to continue the process to stop the Iranian progress on atomic energy and related matters. At worst, it is simply a decade long delay to the inevitable; a nuclear armed Iran and an even more unstable Middle East.
Rogue nations like Iran, North Korea, and to a lesser extent, Pakistan develop nuclear weapons as either a means to intimidate their neighbors and/or as an opportunity to extort food, fuel, etc. from a major/super power (e.g., the USA).
A reward for less than being accountable is hardly an excuse for allowing Iran and North Korea to behave as they have per the threats posed by their respective nuclear ambitions.
When the P5+1 negotiated this Deal, it was with the understanding that it COULD NOT PASS in the US Senate. Therefore, this Deal is NOT A TREATY. We are being disingenuous when we consider this deal to be the equivalent of a treaty; IT IS NOT.
At best, this deal is an opportunity to continue the process to stop the Iranian progress on atomic energy and related matters. At worst, it is simply a decade long delay to the inevitable; a nuclear armed Iran and an even more unstable Middle East.
Rogue nations like Iran, North Korea, and to a lesser extent, Pakistan develop nuclear weapons as either a means to intimidate their neighbors and/or as an opportunity to extort food, fuel, etc. from a major/super power (e.g., the USA).
A reward for less than being accountable is hardly an excuse for allowing Iran and North Korea to behave as they have per the threats posed by their respective nuclear ambitions.
1
If Nikki Haley did show some independence early on, that independence is gone. Anyone who sees "hostility toward the United States, support for Hezbollah, and ballistic missile tests" as parts of a jigsaw puzzle that justify leaving the 5 + 1 agreement is a person not very familiar with our ally Saudi Arabia and our support for that ally in creating the disaster that the children of Yemen are going through.
The other countries party to that agreement are not going to leave it, so if we do we are putting ourselves in an exceptionally isolated pariah position.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
The other countries party to that agreement are not going to leave it, so if we do we are putting ourselves in an exceptionally isolated pariah position.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Dual citizen US SE
1
I see two large areas of serious misunderstanding here.
1. "While Iran indeed is engaging in some very worrisome pursuits, the deal is confined to the nuclear program."
This assertion represents a mind-boggling misconception of the Iranian mindset. The Iranians do not / not compartmentalize in such a fashion.
Whether it makes sense to Americans or not, Iran views US certification of its compliance with the nuclear deal as a de facto green light for its other nefarious activities in the region. We in the US cannot comprehend such "logic," but it is our failure to see things the way Iran sees them that has led us down numerous paths to policy failure over many, many years.
2. "And if deals with the United States cannot be trusted, North Korea will have one more reason to keep pursuing its nuclear program."
North Korea does not need any "reason" to continue its nuclear program. The development of a deliverable, nuclear-tipped warhead by the DPRK is, for the North Korean leadership, a divinely-inspired dynastic imperative that has nothing to do with trust in the USA. The DPRK does not trust the US and will never in a million years trust the US. Hence, the statement by the North Korean foreign minister in early August that Pyongyang will never give up its nuclear program.
1. "While Iran indeed is engaging in some very worrisome pursuits, the deal is confined to the nuclear program."
This assertion represents a mind-boggling misconception of the Iranian mindset. The Iranians do not / not compartmentalize in such a fashion.
Whether it makes sense to Americans or not, Iran views US certification of its compliance with the nuclear deal as a de facto green light for its other nefarious activities in the region. We in the US cannot comprehend such "logic," but it is our failure to see things the way Iran sees them that has led us down numerous paths to policy failure over many, many years.
2. "And if deals with the United States cannot be trusted, North Korea will have one more reason to keep pursuing its nuclear program."
North Korea does not need any "reason" to continue its nuclear program. The development of a deliverable, nuclear-tipped warhead by the DPRK is, for the North Korean leadership, a divinely-inspired dynastic imperative that has nothing to do with trust in the USA. The DPRK does not trust the US and will never in a million years trust the US. Hence, the statement by the North Korean foreign minister in early August that Pyongyang will never give up its nuclear program.
The problems mount. First things first, see that Mueller succeeds. The evidence also mounts. Collusion looks like more of a lock every day. Evidence tells us to expect the worst everyday Trump is in office.
From reading the comments I see there are some people who completely agree with Trump and most that see nothing in his position.
I see both sides.
There is merit on both of them and there are problems on both of them.
One side seems to believe this agreement will stop Iran from developing the bomb.
It doesn't do that.
It just stops them from developing it now.
The other side sees no value in that.
I don't care if Iran develops the bomb now when they have no way to use it.
They are in the process of developing missiles that when perfected in the future will enable Iran to use the bombs this agreement will let them develop.
Seen this way the work Iran is doing to perfect their missiles is in fact going against the spirit of the agreement even if it isn't against the letter of the agreement.
Trump is right to see that the development of these missiles is a breaching of the agreement that was made.
I believe neither side sees the real danger.
I believe Iran doesn't have to build heir own bombs to get one.
North Korea I believe is more than willing to give them as many as they want.
With the missiles Iran is in the process in perfecting they will have the capability to use the threat of using these bombs to get what she wants.
This is the real reason we have to stop them from developing these missiles and why it is just as important or even more so to stop them from developing the bomb.
I see both sides.
There is merit on both of them and there are problems on both of them.
One side seems to believe this agreement will stop Iran from developing the bomb.
It doesn't do that.
It just stops them from developing it now.
The other side sees no value in that.
I don't care if Iran develops the bomb now when they have no way to use it.
They are in the process of developing missiles that when perfected in the future will enable Iran to use the bombs this agreement will let them develop.
Seen this way the work Iran is doing to perfect their missiles is in fact going against the spirit of the agreement even if it isn't against the letter of the agreement.
Trump is right to see that the development of these missiles is a breaching of the agreement that was made.
I believe neither side sees the real danger.
I believe Iran doesn't have to build heir own bombs to get one.
North Korea I believe is more than willing to give them as many as they want.
With the missiles Iran is in the process in perfecting they will have the capability to use the threat of using these bombs to get what she wants.
This is the real reason we have to stop them from developing these missiles and why it is just as important or even more so to stop them from developing the bomb.
2
Smuggling of bombs will draw scrutiny. It isn't that easy "North Korea willing to give". If the bombs could be given so could the missiles. Theoretically the argument for some other country to not have the tech that we go around brandishing in an effort to maintain the world order is unfair. It is completely understandable for them to pursue their program while we want it to be gone. Therefore any deal that could delay that program is a win. Problem is there are no better ideas and yet just based on appeasement to some they are out to cancel the deal.
1
@ stone brooklyn - as we, most of us, have always known, Iran would be in the same position as North Korea. If it used a nuclear weapon Hillary Clinton would see her campaign promise realized, the obliteration of Iran.
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
Only-NeverInSweden.blogspot.com
To Sameer
I think it is easier to transport a bomb.
For one thing it is smaller.
Second no one will try to attack it from a plane like Israel attacked missiles that were being transported to Hezbollah.
because the bomb might explode or release atomic radiation
I believe the only reason North Korea hasn't given Iran the bomb is because China has threatened to do something either militarily or economically to North Korea if they did.
I think it is easier to transport a bomb.
For one thing it is smaller.
Second no one will try to attack it from a plane like Israel attacked missiles that were being transported to Hezbollah.
because the bomb might explode or release atomic radiation
I believe the only reason North Korea hasn't given Iran the bomb is because China has threatened to do something either militarily or economically to North Korea if they did.
"While Iran indeed is engaging in some very worrisome pursuits, the deal is confined to the nuclear program."
Those other matters did not get the same support from the other powers to the agreement. The US was always extremist on those issues.
It was hard enough to get the agreement we got, even with friends who agreed with us on it.
Those other matters did not get the same support from the other powers to the agreement. The US was always extremist on those issues.
It was hard enough to get the agreement we got, even with friends who agreed with us on it.
24
"the president would give Iran an excuse to revive what had been a rapidly advancing nuclear capability and confront the world with another intractable nuclear challenge in addition to North Korea"
Not likely. Far more likely is that the US would be isolated by the other powers to the deal. Iran would be on the inside, looking out at the US isolation, alone with its Wahhabi, Kurdish, and Israeli friends.
As that happens, others in the Middle East will step back even more so.
The US could collapse its own position, rather than collapse the nuclear deal. Iran would get what really wants, without bombs.
That is by the way what North Korea wants too, not bombs but those other things.
The US is on the road to diplomatic disaster, not the road to nuclear weapons everywhere.
Not likely. Far more likely is that the US would be isolated by the other powers to the deal. Iran would be on the inside, looking out at the US isolation, alone with its Wahhabi, Kurdish, and Israeli friends.
As that happens, others in the Middle East will step back even more so.
The US could collapse its own position, rather than collapse the nuclear deal. Iran would get what really wants, without bombs.
That is by the way what North Korea wants too, not bombs but those other things.
The US is on the road to diplomatic disaster, not the road to nuclear weapons everywhere.
26
Mark,
Wahhabi Kurdish & Israeli friends.Isolated,your ridiculous,Nato without the United States regardless of who's President is merely a paper tiger..I'm sorry your wish of isolation will never come to fruition.
You and & people like you take Trump too seriously. His method of governing is to throw ideas out & see what the reaction would be. If he's attacked by the Left he has scored points with the deplorable, who are his only serious supporters & keep him in power.He's as crazy as a Fox.
Wahhabi Kurdish & Israeli friends.Isolated,your ridiculous,Nato without the United States regardless of who's President is merely a paper tiger..I'm sorry your wish of isolation will never come to fruition.
You and & people like you take Trump too seriously. His method of governing is to throw ideas out & see what the reaction would be. If he's attacked by the Left he has scored points with the deplorable, who are his only serious supporters & keep him in power.He's as crazy as a Fox.
1
Joe,
Trump is the leader of the country. He is also the top foreign diplomat of our country. If he says he wants to back out of a nuclear deal, what's stopping him? This behavior is one of buffoonery and recklessness. People with sound policy don't operate like that.
Trump is the leader of the country. He is also the top foreign diplomat of our country. If he says he wants to back out of a nuclear deal, what's stopping him? This behavior is one of buffoonery and recklessness. People with sound policy don't operate like that.
There is one part of the Nuclear deal that is bothersome, & that is the agreement that Russia would safe guard the Iranian nuclear fuel. Of all the countries involved in the Nuclear deal, aside from China,I couldn’t think of any country that we should not have agreed to safe guard Iran’s nuclear fuel. Iran & Russia are bed fellows, & have allied together to keep the Syrian butcher Assad in power. What is to prevent Russia from using the Iranian fuel to build Nuclear weapons for Iran ? Does anyone one in the world aside from Russia’s inner circle ,believe that Russia really believes in keeping nuclear weapons out of the hands of Iran. Russia recently said they would not abide by the boycott of oil to North Korea.They are consistent in opposing the United States on every issue.Iran & Russia, along with China are not our friends, & have proven we cannot rely on them.
10
Why would Russia want Iran to have nuclear weapons? Russia and Iran may be allies for middle east purposes, but otherwise not so much. One of Russia's biggest problems is Islamic extremism. It's not in their interest to have a more powerful Iran.
actually IAEA keeps an eye on overall scenario.
1
Russia could just sell nuclear weapons to Iran if they wanted to ... clearly they also believe the world is safer with a diplomatic deal than without.
1
Why do I fear that the "grounds" to which our Ambassador to the UN, Ms. Haley, refers will be as public as Trump's tax returns? I expect the Administration to tell us those "grounds" are top-secret and cannot be made public without endangering our national security. And perhaps Trump even thinks the other parties to the arms-control agreement will buy into it, given his amazing negotiating skills.
But if they don't, and if they refuse to accept the inevitable sanctions, will Trump then start the mother of all trade wars by cutting off European companies from the financial system, inviting similar draconian retaliation?
But if they don't, and if they refuse to accept the inevitable sanctions, will Trump then start the mother of all trade wars by cutting off European companies from the financial system, inviting similar draconian retaliation?
8
One of the very few bright spots in the Trump administration so far has been Nikki Haley who at times has shown some independent thought and voice as our representive in the United Nations. Like Secretary Mattis, she has taken reasoned positions of common sense rather than follow whatever reckless and mercurial foreign policy pronouncement our President utters. She has been a good representative of this country's values in the U.N., despite Trump's indifference and even hostility to our pre-eminent role in that organization.
For those reasons, it is especially painful to see Nikki Haley become just another one of the President's enablers--this time on Iran. Iran has been on Trump's list because it was a major achievement of President Obama. It doesn't matter that Iran is following the letter of the agreement--it's an Obama legacy and must be erased. To see Nikki Haley complicit in this charade, however, just as Trump's other syncophants, is very disappointing because it's obvious she would not subscribe to this position on the Iran treaty without pressure from above.
For those reasons, it is especially painful to see Nikki Haley become just another one of the President's enablers--this time on Iran. Iran has been on Trump's list because it was a major achievement of President Obama. It doesn't matter that Iran is following the letter of the agreement--it's an Obama legacy and must be erased. To see Nikki Haley complicit in this charade, however, just as Trump's other syncophants, is very disappointing because it's obvious she would not subscribe to this position on the Iran treaty without pressure from above.
46
Trump's obvious envy of Obama and his unrestrained hatred of him disqualify him to make any decision on any of Obama's accomplishments, let alone one of this importance because of its nuclear ramifications. Every day Trump contributes to a loss of standing of the USA in world opinion. I am sorry to say that this is one time when democracy has produced a wrong result. The Trump presidency is an abomination.
There was never any doubt that she would behave this way. She is and always has been a trump enabler.
Why would any foreign leader agree to negotiate with America in the future to limit nuclear ambitions if America proves itself the feckless signatory willing to dishonor its commitment as administrations change? Why would an ally negotiate a trade or environmental deal with the U.S. after we demonstrate our willingness to renege on a commitment when a new administration believes such to be expedient?
No Dreamer orany other person in the future should ever trust the US government's guarantee, its pledge, of safeguarding personal information and its agreement not to use the info against them in exchange for coming out of hiding now that our country has proven it has no word that survives a four-year term.
Banks would not trust Trump to honor loan commitments. The world should not trust us to honor our commitments. This is indeed the dismantling of using multilateral agreements to maintain peace and protect our environment. It is the undoing of American leadership inthe world.
Who knew a party could destroy decades of honor, integrity and trust in only eight months?
No Dreamer orany other person in the future should ever trust the US government's guarantee, its pledge, of safeguarding personal information and its agreement not to use the info against them in exchange for coming out of hiding now that our country has proven it has no word that survives a four-year term.
Banks would not trust Trump to honor loan commitments. The world should not trust us to honor our commitments. This is indeed the dismantling of using multilateral agreements to maintain peace and protect our environment. It is the undoing of American leadership inthe world.
Who knew a party could destroy decades of honor, integrity and trust in only eight months?
50
"Decades of honor, integrity and trust" like the way treaties with Native American tribes were honored?
1
Republican Party is no longer a Political Party, it has become a CULT with a Vengence to dismantle everything that the Obama Administration has achieved regardless of its adverse consequences for this Nation. The United States has truely become a Rogue Nation that would reneg its commitments at a drop of a hat with no honor and no credibility but a lot of Nuclear Warheads and Aircraft Carriers. Watch out World, the Americans are coming!
Why does this administration continue to put us and the rest of the planet at risk for major conflict? This agreement successfully stopped Iran's nuclear arsenal development dead in its tracks for ten years. The agreement lowered the risk of nuclear war, avoided an arms race in the region and decreased the tension in the region dramatically. How do this administrations actions and words do anything open the door for all of those risks to return? To what purpose? Anyone following this can see right through the twisted logic. The world can only see us as increasingly dangerous and a risk to world peace. Every tweet, twisted statement and act by this administration isolate us from our allies and put us at risk on every level. I don't recognize us and our foreign policy any more. We cannot continue in this direction because we are headed for serious and potentially multiple conflicts. If this happens, we will be hated by the world for causing these wars and alone. I pray that we don't find ourselves there.
36
Why does the Trump administration want Iran to have nuclear weapons?
Does someone own a centrifuge component factory that needs new business?
Does someone own a centrifuge component factory that needs new business?
14
Trump is very unpopular but is managing to dismantle hard positive work at home and abroad. Haley is, sorry to say, a joke. What could she possibly know about international relations? She was a minimalist governor, disallowing the expansion of Medicaid. What a team!
18
She is an empty vessel,parroting the neoconservative mantra of demonizing Iran!The ultimate goal of her position is to foment a military strike on Iran!
1
I will ask the same question that Vice-President asked Paul Ryan in the vice-presidential debate in 2012: "What do you want to do? Sending the troop." Ryan did not answered the question. So, answer please.
5
Frankly Iran does NOT Want nuclear weapons as it knows as a certainty that should they get close to completing one, that Israel and the US, or whoever else Israel can con into it, attack Iran with their own nuclear weapons.
Iran, unlike Iraq's Hussein, has never attacked anyone unless they have been attacked first. Also they are a wealthy nation in their own right with their own production facilities for military tech, and they well KNOW that they would be in the same position as Libya as far as being attacked from all sides should they declare they have nuclear weapons.
North Korea, by contrast, is not a 'Middle Eastern Hotbed of Terrorism' like Israe..err, Iran is supposed to be and is not in quite the same danger of being overrun by the Israelis or Americans because China and Russia are right there with borders touching North Korea.
Amb. Haley would be better off to begin Insisting that before we do anything more concerning Iran, that Israel discloses how many of what type of nuclear weapons they have, as a start to de-escalation of the nuclear equation (of which Israel holds the only numbers in the region) and should Israel not come forth with accurate data, then they need to be placed under strict and severe sanctions, not allowing aircraft in or out, especially not military ones, and open up the Gaza strip to the sea lanes and international trade.
Iran would not be any sort of problem then. In truth, they never have been, they want mostly to be allowed to thrive.
Iran, unlike Iraq's Hussein, has never attacked anyone unless they have been attacked first. Also they are a wealthy nation in their own right with their own production facilities for military tech, and they well KNOW that they would be in the same position as Libya as far as being attacked from all sides should they declare they have nuclear weapons.
North Korea, by contrast, is not a 'Middle Eastern Hotbed of Terrorism' like Israe..err, Iran is supposed to be and is not in quite the same danger of being overrun by the Israelis or Americans because China and Russia are right there with borders touching North Korea.
Amb. Haley would be better off to begin Insisting that before we do anything more concerning Iran, that Israel discloses how many of what type of nuclear weapons they have, as a start to de-escalation of the nuclear equation (of which Israel holds the only numbers in the region) and should Israel not come forth with accurate data, then they need to be placed under strict and severe sanctions, not allowing aircraft in or out, especially not military ones, and open up the Gaza strip to the sea lanes and international trade.
Iran would not be any sort of problem then. In truth, they never have been, they want mostly to be allowed to thrive.
22
Iran also supported a measure to create a nuclear free middle east. Guess who opposed the measure? The only country that has nuclear weapons in the region, Israel.
1
Trump is distancing himself from responsibility? No! Never!
You know. There are times when President Trump makes Sarah Palin's foreign policy seem reasonable. Can you see Iran from Bedminster, NJ? No? Okay. Don't worry about Iran then. The fact that Nikki Haley is running point on this issue is even more bizarre. Trump is incapable of leading on any issue. I'm waiting for the news conference where Trump professes love for the Iranian people while deliberately taking actions to undermine their security. The man is a coward.
You know. There are times when President Trump makes Sarah Palin's foreign policy seem reasonable. Can you see Iran from Bedminster, NJ? No? Okay. Don't worry about Iran then. The fact that Nikki Haley is running point on this issue is even more bizarre. Trump is incapable of leading on any issue. I'm waiting for the news conference where Trump professes love for the Iranian people while deliberately taking actions to undermine their security. The man is a coward.
12
It's kind of ironic that he is all concerned about North Korea, blaming previous administrations for not curtailing their progress to get to be a nuclear power but when there is actually an agreement in place for Iran to prevent the same thing, he is trying to break the deal of a previous administration.
30
I would love for someone to seriously explain the motivations for scrapping this deal. Why are Haley's arguments? What were the arguments for not signing it (forgive me, if they were laid out when the deal was made, I have forgotten them). Because Obama made it? So we have an excuse to go to war if necessary? Anyone?
11
What the deal did was tell Iran that their existential war for religious hegemony in the Middle East need only be put on partial hold for ten years in return for lifting of the economic sanctions that were denying them the resources they needed to press that war. So they agreed, to the extent we could detect it, that they would put aside aggressive development of nuclear warheads while merrily pursuing increasingly effective delivery vehicles, which weren't part of the deal. In the end, ten years isn't very long when you're playing for such stakes -- it's within the likely lifetimes of all the major players, who could still see the contours of eventual victory.
The original French reaction to the deal in its formative phases was the correct one: it was a bad deal for the West. Possibly before we've managed the threat of a piratical Kim Jong-un, we will need to address yet again the threats of a piratical Iran, and this time with no sanctions to provide us leverage.
As time passes one gets the impression that Times editors will be defending retaining this bad deal even though it may have only six months remaining in force, and the prospect of dirty nuclear warheads on very sophisticated delivery missiles is imminent, destabilizing the entire Greater Middle East as Sunni powers madly cahoot with nuclear partners to catch up.
The argument that we must ignore all threat factors of a determined Iran to preserve this narrow deal is not compelling and historically wrong.
The original French reaction to the deal in its formative phases was the correct one: it was a bad deal for the West. Possibly before we've managed the threat of a piratical Kim Jong-un, we will need to address yet again the threats of a piratical Iran, and this time with no sanctions to provide us leverage.
As time passes one gets the impression that Times editors will be defending retaining this bad deal even though it may have only six months remaining in force, and the prospect of dirty nuclear warheads on very sophisticated delivery missiles is imminent, destabilizing the entire Greater Middle East as Sunni powers madly cahoot with nuclear partners to catch up.
The argument that we must ignore all threat factors of a determined Iran to preserve this narrow deal is not compelling and historically wrong.
1
This comment reflects the classic blindness of seeing the other side as a monolith. There is no such thing as "telling Iran" - Iran as a constantly evolving mix of forces, both conservative and progressive. When you refuse to see colors and nuances on the other side of the table and assume that all on that side are like the most dangerous, you're voting for worst case scenarios to emerge.
The goal must be to create a viable path for progressive elements to emerge. I wonder how you envision that happening?
The goal must be to create a viable path for progressive elements to emerge. I wonder how you envision that happening?
18
Our goal with Iran is to create a peaceful and stable relationship. For far too long we have tried to dictate Iran. Let's back out and work with them instead.
1
Peter:
Simply monumental innocence.
Simply monumental innocence.
In a larger sense, sabotaging the Iranian nuclear deal makes perfect sense to the simpleton acting as president for at least three reasons.
First, it continues to sow and nurture his " ruling" philosophy: that of perpetuating chaos and disorder. Second, he keeps himself in the media glare with more reckless and dangerous statements and actions (i. e. see his actions in his campaign). Finally, it brings joy, celebration, and comfort to his base as well as enhances their adoration and love of him.
That said, and as a retired federal prosecuting attorney and navy veteran ('65-69), it comforts me to know that the legal system, including the Special Prosecutor, the pending Emoluments clause lawsuits, and the Federal Courts will bring him, his minions, and his children to their day of reckoning.
Indeed, one need look no further than the panic emerging from Republicans both on the House and Senate investigating committees to know that day is coming and right soon, For it will be a day for which the Founding Fathers will surely be proud.
First, it continues to sow and nurture his " ruling" philosophy: that of perpetuating chaos and disorder. Second, he keeps himself in the media glare with more reckless and dangerous statements and actions (i. e. see his actions in his campaign). Finally, it brings joy, celebration, and comfort to his base as well as enhances their adoration and love of him.
That said, and as a retired federal prosecuting attorney and navy veteran ('65-69), it comforts me to know that the legal system, including the Special Prosecutor, the pending Emoluments clause lawsuits, and the Federal Courts will bring him, his minions, and his children to their day of reckoning.
Indeed, one need look no further than the panic emerging from Republicans both on the House and Senate investigating committees to know that day is coming and right soon, For it will be a day for which the Founding Fathers will surely be proud.
81
Is Ambassador Haley using the metaphor of jigsaw puzzle to make it eaasy for us rubes to understand, in which case this rube says that all pieces are not eq ual in value. Nuclear weapons are not equal in weight to aiding Hezbollah. What is more worrisome is the possibility that Ms. Haley actually thinks in that metaphorical way.
53
When friends tell me how bad Obama's nuclear deal with Iran was for the U.S., I ask them what they would suggest? I get no response. Are Americans willing to go to war over this? Are you willing to accept another North Korea scenario? Just what the world needs: The war in Syria, the war in Afghanistan, the war in Iraq, and a war in Iran just for good measure. With nuclear weapons to boot. The problem is Trump and his supporters have this notion that we can win everything and not have to give anything. That compromise isn't necessary. That kicking the issue down the road is a bad thing. Then with DACA and the debt ceiling, he kicks the can down the road. The other thing his supporters are convinced of is that "winning" has no price tag. That they will get the deal they want at no cost. The world is hearing all the bluster and the day is coming when one of these places is simply going to call his bluff. Let's see how eager they are then. Particularly when their kids start coming home in a box. And just remember: Iran didn't become a problem in a vacuum. We meddled in their politics and created fierce opposition to our involvement. When you support dictators to be on the winning side and make some money and have access to oil, don't be surprised that when the opposition takes over, they don't trust you and fight back. And, from their perspective, they have good reason to distrust us.
108
The suggestion from your friends should have been to continue sanctions so that Iran would not have gotten the resources they have now to do what they are doing and to give an alternative voice a chance in Iran. Now we have very aggressive very hard liners in Iran for the foreseeable future.
The president's ego and narcissism seems to trump common sense once again. He just keeps adding problems to the already high pile of unsolved issues on his desk: real tax reform generated through regular order, real health care reform, repairing our crumbling infrastructure, a budgetary process to reduce the debt, and real education reform for inner cities. In stead of making progress we seem to be drowning in chaos and stupidity. Sadly there seems nobody to get this administration on a rational course.
36
This is what happens to the foreign plicy of a nation where what passes for diplomacy is being handled by amateurs, the head of state is unfit and unstable, and everything is driven by ideology and hatred for the previous head of state.
How much longer can we allow this to go on as a nation?
How much longer can we allow this to go on as a nation?
84
We can allow it to go on until the next election, when the voters can make a decision. The constitution does not provide for a mechanism of removing a president because you don't like their policies.
DRS,
Or we could have massive demonstrations, civil disobedience, and other tools calling for Trump's ouster and oppose his policies.
The constitution means Trump can be president. Doesn't mean the people must tolerate his policies and can't show their discontent.
Or we could have massive demonstrations, civil disobedience, and other tools calling for Trump's ouster and oppose his policies.
The constitution means Trump can be president. Doesn't mean the people must tolerate his policies and can't show their discontent.
I feel a sense of deja vu. This sounds eerily similar to the nonsense that we used to justify why we should attack Iraq. My hope is that the rest of the UN is not so naive as they were in 2003 when Colin Powell gave his speech detailing how Iraq was in violation of their weapons of mass destruction agreement.
The middle east is complicated. Too many groups of people divided by religion or ethnicity who historically don't get along. These are issues that they must work out, we've lost credibility in the region and have been deemed untrustworthy thanks to the debacle of the Iraq war.
As long as Iran is honoring the agreement we need to honor our end. Trump's desire to upend anything Obama was for shouldn't come at the cost of another war. Congress needs to put country first and stop the US from pulling out of this agreement.
One of these days, in our arrogance we're going to go too far and find ourselves isolated from the world and on the receiving end of sanctions. Let's not let this be the straw that broke the camel's back.
The middle east is complicated. Too many groups of people divided by religion or ethnicity who historically don't get along. These are issues that they must work out, we've lost credibility in the region and have been deemed untrustworthy thanks to the debacle of the Iraq war.
As long as Iran is honoring the agreement we need to honor our end. Trump's desire to upend anything Obama was for shouldn't come at the cost of another war. Congress needs to put country first and stop the US from pulling out of this agreement.
One of these days, in our arrogance we're going to go too far and find ourselves isolated from the world and on the receiving end of sanctions. Let's not let this be the straw that broke the camel's back.
24
Trump ignores that the nuclear deal with Iran, is an international agreement. The US, is one very important member, but all other nations involved are also in agreement at controlling the nuclear ambitions of Iran. They are not trying to undermine the Iran deal, but Trump wants to erase any achievement of Obama, despite the Iran deal being in the best interests of the international community.
Why would Trump want to sabotage the nuclear deal with Iran, that is demonstrably successful? Trump dislikes order. He seeks chaos where he feels safe.
Hopefully there are wiser heads in Congress who can see this nuclear deal with Iran is worth supporting.
Why would Trump want to sabotage the nuclear deal with Iran, that is demonstrably successful? Trump dislikes order. He seeks chaos where he feels safe.
Hopefully there are wiser heads in Congress who can see this nuclear deal with Iran is worth supporting.
19
Nambucca, oh, how I would love to be there now. So many lovely childhood memories.
Trump can't handle a nuclear North Korea, a nation of 25 million with a 25 billion GDP, no valuable export commodities, geographically strategic only to China as a buffer, virtually no industry and not enough food to feed its own people. Now he wants to unleash a nuclear Iran; 80 million people, 438 billion GDP, awash in oil, overlooking the Persian gulf and 25% of the world's daily oil shipping, thriving biotech, nano-tech, robotics, auto manufacturing, durable goods, pharmaceuticals and the list goes on. Oh yeah - and stock up on apricots because Iran is a food EXPORTER.
Sun Tzu - Don't plan to win a war, make victory inevitable.
Trump - Immediately start a fight.
Sun Tzu - Don't plan to win a war, make victory inevitable.
Trump - Immediately start a fight.
26
Back out of the Iran nuclear deal, further alienate our allies and allow Iran to continue its quest for nuclear weapons. Brilliant.
48
How could our President Trump do such a transparently foolish, manipulative, self-serving injustice to our long-term shared American interests.
Probably via Twitter.
After listening to Fox.
Probably via Twitter.
After listening to Fox.
33
As Trump grapples with NK, the imperfect Iran deal in an imperfect world, may look good if it wasn't covered in those nasty Obama fingerprints.
Weren't Egyptian pharoahs, from another Middle East venue, also driven to erase their predecessors' record?
Weren't Egyptian pharoahs, from another Middle East venue, also driven to erase their predecessors' record?
7
The deal breaker Trump ensures that our allies will view the US as more unreliable in international affairs. The Iranians will default to a no holds barred acquisition of nuclear capabilities. The world will become a little more unpredictable and unsafe. Vladimir Putin will be able to check off another item on his to-do list.
I hope our allies are appropriately vociferous and united in their opposition to Trumps efforts to scuttle this agreement. I hope the real threat to our country, and the world, is neutralized as soon as possible, through impeachment or his resignation.
I hope our allies are appropriately vociferous and united in their opposition to Trumps efforts to scuttle this agreement. I hope the real threat to our country, and the world, is neutralized as soon as possible, through impeachment or his resignation.
12
More likely all of the powers to the agreement will default to an agreement without the US. We'll shed our allies, not the agreement.
3
I cannot comprehend why so many, including Israel were against the Iran nuclear deal. It appears that vast numbers of people look at nuclear weapons as just another bomb. How can any thinking person be so profoundly ignorant? Nuclear bombs are actually really bad.
The US has done a poor job, until Obama with non-proliferation. Trump is going in the opposite direction. To Trump nuclear weapons are just another bomb. He showed this during his campaign when he suggest nuclearizing the Korean peninsula.
The idea that it is better for Iran to have nuclear weapons than not is incomprehensible. Beyond stupid. We cannot prevent North Korea from having them, they already do but because of the US's past behavior the future for negotiating our way to a non-nuclear North Korea are probably impossible. Kim need only look at what happened to Gaddafi. What Trump is trying to do is deliberately encourage Iran to develop nuclear weapons and by extension support that countries' isolation and by extension strengthen their hard line rulers. Almost as bad this policy deconstructs our relationship with the rest of the globe, particularly on this 'important' topic of non-proliferation.
The US has done a poor job, until Obama with non-proliferation. Trump is going in the opposite direction. To Trump nuclear weapons are just another bomb. He showed this during his campaign when he suggest nuclearizing the Korean peninsula.
The idea that it is better for Iran to have nuclear weapons than not is incomprehensible. Beyond stupid. We cannot prevent North Korea from having them, they already do but because of the US's past behavior the future for negotiating our way to a non-nuclear North Korea are probably impossible. Kim need only look at what happened to Gaddafi. What Trump is trying to do is deliberately encourage Iran to develop nuclear weapons and by extension support that countries' isolation and by extension strengthen their hard line rulers. Almost as bad this policy deconstructs our relationship with the rest of the globe, particularly on this 'important' topic of non-proliferation.
6
The attempt to prevent North Korea from obtaining a nuclear weapon able to strike the entire U.S., including NY and D.C. is over. It has failed. I don't know what is in Trump/Msttis/McMaster's minds but maybe they don't want a repeat of North Kiewa with Iran. If Iranis violating U.N. resolutions on missile development ( and it is) and then resumes nuclear testing after 15 years we will be faced by an even greater threat than North Korea. The latter simply wants to sustain itself in power. Iran seeks hegemony over the entire middle east. Iran must comply with U.N. resolutions on missile testing otherwise all options really could be on the table. Unlike North Korea iran now does not pose a threat with nuclear weapons to us or our allies. Not yet anyway.
1
If the US withdraws from the agreement and reimposes sanctions, the other parties to the agreement will likely reinforce their commitment to it in the hope of keeping Iran in compliance. If Iran continues to comply with its obligations under the agreement, this will tend to marginalize the United States and diminish its hard-won international credibility, since commitments given under one administration are blown off by the succeeding one. But this would be a better outcome by far than a resumed quest for a nuclear weapon by Iran.
2
If this path is pursued, Iran will no longer be compelled to stop development of nuclear weapons while benefitting from a lifting of sanctions from other countries. This would be the ideal outcome from the hard-liners in Tehran's perspective. And our now-damaged reputation as an honest, fair power-broker takes yet another hit. How can our POTUS see this outcome as a deal worth pursuing? Does he not see or just not care, as long as he can dismantle Pres. Obama's acheivements?
9
Ten years is a very short time to bring order to American-Iranian relations. Actions by the Trump administration are driving things the wrong way. In the long run Iran will become the dominant force in the Middle East, and it would be best if the USA decided to find mutual interests, not to follow its present path of stubborn hegemony.
17
Trump watched Wag The Dog. He knows he needs a war, any war, and with anyone, to distract from the Russia Thing, which he fears--and we know-- is going to take him down.
7
I'll bet part, if not most, of Mr. Trump's reason for threatening to cancel our involvement in the Iran nuclear deal is that he views such a move as one more strike against President Obama's legacy. After all, he does have a history of trying to destroy those with whom he disagrees. The most important question posed in this editorial is "...then what?" Do those opposed to the nuclear deal really think that withdrawing from the agreement will somehow magically stop Iran's march to a nuclear capability? Even imposing additional sanctions would, based on the North Korea example, do little to stop their program. It seems to me that as long as Iran is in compliance with the provisions of the agreement, that's where we need to be.
4
If you believe that the Trump administration is a threat to the security and well-being of America and, indeed, of the world:
Protest and resist every day in every way.
Protest and resist every day in every way.
6
Let's be honest. Donald Trump is so deep in Benjamin Netanyahu's pocket that every time the Prime Minister reaches for his keys out pops Trump. Killing the Iran nuclear deal is item number one on Netanyahu's agenda and Trump is simply a willing surrogate.
Netanyahu has also been behind the avalanche of assertions of Iran spreading its tentacles thought the Middle East. While it was the American destruction of the Iraqi state and the Sunni insurgency that turned violently anti-Shehite that has brought Iran into Iraqi influence.
Let's not forget that Iran has been on the American hit list since their revolution in 1979. Bush specifically targeted them for regime change in 2001. The Obama nuclear deal represented a win by the real politic element within the government over the neocons who still want a war with Iran.
The danger of Trump is that we never know who he's listening to and with no nuclear deal the neocons clearly gain the upper hand. If they succeed, expanding war in the Middle East will be at hand.
Netanyahu has also been behind the avalanche of assertions of Iran spreading its tentacles thought the Middle East. While it was the American destruction of the Iraqi state and the Sunni insurgency that turned violently anti-Shehite that has brought Iran into Iraqi influence.
Let's not forget that Iran has been on the American hit list since their revolution in 1979. Bush specifically targeted them for regime change in 2001. The Obama nuclear deal represented a win by the real politic element within the government over the neocons who still want a war with Iran.
The danger of Trump is that we never know who he's listening to and with no nuclear deal the neocons clearly gain the upper hand. If they succeed, expanding war in the Middle East will be at hand.
32
Yes, but so is the entire Blob that fought Obama's efforts, not least Hillary's team that even brought on board Bush's neocons like Kagan and Boot.
Our problem is our Washington Consensus establishment, of both parties. It isn't just Trump, it is all of them.
It is a much more serious problem than just resisting Trump. We need a new leadership, not more of what even Trump defeated.
Our problem is our Washington Consensus establishment, of both parties. It isn't just Trump, it is all of them.
It is a much more serious problem than just resisting Trump. We need a new leadership, not more of what even Trump defeated.
4
That Trump and his team are not smart people should be evident to any thinking person by now. They are the kind of people that think every worldwide problem can be fixed with a hammer and the really big ones with a sledgehammer. How this ends well for any of us is a mystery to me.
5
These are flawed people there total lack of or understanding of empathy is the root of the problem. They cannot see or refuse to see that their own actions actually encourage countries to seek a nuclear option rather than shun it. They just can't put themselves in the shoes of Irans leaders and understand why the would want a nuclear deterrent to what they see as American aggression.
5
Ms. Haley is just another opportunistic Republican with an eye on the 2020 Presidential election. She likely doesn't fully appreciate the ramifications of exiting the agreement and the fallout from our Allies that are signatory to it. Even if she does, here focus is in another direction. Higher office.
Haley like others are using their positions to gain national attention amongst their party. Pruitt at EPA is doing the same, as is VP Pence.
Their "me first", and the Country is somewhere further down the list of importance. They know Trump is a weak and unpopular President and they'll take advantage of it at every opportunity to promote their own agenda.
Haley like others are using their positions to gain national attention amongst their party. Pruitt at EPA is doing the same, as is VP Pence.
Their "me first", and the Country is somewhere further down the list of importance. They know Trump is a weak and unpopular President and they'll take advantage of it at every opportunity to promote their own agenda.
9
As a South Carolinian, I keep trying to see Ms. Haley in the best light. That's getting more and more difficult and unrealistic in trumpskys enormous dark shadow.
And she showed such promise.
And she showed such promise.
4
Trump's obsession with Obama continues. No matter the cost in American lives or world stability, Trump seems determined to undo everything Obama accomplished. Is it racial animus? There's plenty of evidence of that. There's no other logic, domestic gain or international strategic purpose to any of it. It's Trump's "birther" campaign continued. He couldn't prove Obama wasn't an American, but he remains pathologically obsessed with the fact that a black man was president.
10
If ever there existed a worthy cause- an initiative that warrants military involvement- it has to be nuclear disarmament.
Not just for N.Korea or Iran, but for all the nations of the world, including the USA.
The goal, all nations submit to a 90% reduction in nuclear weapons of whatever type, submarine, intercontinental, short range... whatever.
Can we rationally expect other countries to abandon nuclear arms if we maintain the largest arsenal in the world, 100 times over?
This proliferation is only leading to one, all to horrible, eventual result.
It is a cheap comparison, but true.
If you live in a house full of snakes, some day you will be bitten.
Not just for N.Korea or Iran, but for all the nations of the world, including the USA.
The goal, all nations submit to a 90% reduction in nuclear weapons of whatever type, submarine, intercontinental, short range... whatever.
Can we rationally expect other countries to abandon nuclear arms if we maintain the largest arsenal in the world, 100 times over?
This proliferation is only leading to one, all to horrible, eventual result.
It is a cheap comparison, but true.
If you live in a house full of snakes, some day you will be bitten.
1
the most important statement is that Trump has no alternative and Iran would very soon be free to develop a bomb. If he thinks North Korea is difficult then consider the even more complex situation with Iran and its sworn motive to end Israel, and think how such a holding of an atomic weapon would make them even more emboldened with their mischief all of the world.
Republicans have been very busy rolling back the accomplishments of the Obama administration. The spitefulness of this approach has been breathtaking. They have been almost exclusively the party of "NO" for eight years. Right-wing radicalism has taken over their party. They may as well change their name to the tea party at this point. Where are the true conservatives? Where are the people who have American values deep in their bones? Where are the smart conservatives who can come up with workable plans that can truly benefit the majority of Americans? Donald J Chaos and his minions seem to be too busy rescinding any Obama approach they can find to come up with their own. God help us all!
2
Unbelievable. To,break the treaty will of course not only provide the other party with a perfect excuse to wriggle out but also hand over the initiative for time being, all on a silver plate. Where are the career diplomats?
1
The best course of action is to resist this administration in every way possible and spend all political capital on DJT's removal from office.
The dismantlement of all of the Obama era accomplishments is not a valid foreign policy.
DJT is viewed as an international joke. His departure from office is the most important thing to tackle so we can limit the damage done with our allies and those that used to fear and respect us.
The dismantlement of all of the Obama era accomplishments is not a valid foreign policy.
DJT is viewed as an international joke. His departure from office is the most important thing to tackle so we can limit the damage done with our allies and those that used to fear and respect us.
3
The tenor of this administration, domestically as well as internationally, is one of an irresponsibility so complete as to be breathtaking in its ignorance and willfulness to undercut one of President Obama's signature achievements.
Nikki Haley, who has no international bona fides and whose only political credential is that she governed a red state (South Carolina) for six years without distinction. Well, she's for voter ID laws; perhaps that's why Donald Trump chose her as U. N. ambassador.
Hard-line hawks, in and out of Congress, want the Iran nuclear deal killed. But what of Israel in all of this? Their silence is deafening. Benjamin Netanyahu campaigned for the defeat of the agreement before Congress in a pointed affront and rebuke of President Obama. Donald Trump would more than likely, since he's averse to making a courageous decision (see DACA, where he trotted out his attorney general to break the news) "punt" the decision to Congress.
The danger here is that this is an executive, or presidential, decision. Congress cannot be made to interfere with certain aspects of international diplomacy. This is not war, where they must approve a foreign invasion or campaign. But by passing this dangerous buck to a Congress that worships only ideology and cannot be made to picture a broader, more comprehensive worldview than just their own tiny, insular bailiwicks because it doesn't possess the breadth and learning requisite to the task is to light a fire and walk away from it.
Nikki Haley, who has no international bona fides and whose only political credential is that she governed a red state (South Carolina) for six years without distinction. Well, she's for voter ID laws; perhaps that's why Donald Trump chose her as U. N. ambassador.
Hard-line hawks, in and out of Congress, want the Iran nuclear deal killed. But what of Israel in all of this? Their silence is deafening. Benjamin Netanyahu campaigned for the defeat of the agreement before Congress in a pointed affront and rebuke of President Obama. Donald Trump would more than likely, since he's averse to making a courageous decision (see DACA, where he trotted out his attorney general to break the news) "punt" the decision to Congress.
The danger here is that this is an executive, or presidential, decision. Congress cannot be made to interfere with certain aspects of international diplomacy. This is not war, where they must approve a foreign invasion or campaign. But by passing this dangerous buck to a Congress that worships only ideology and cannot be made to picture a broader, more comprehensive worldview than just their own tiny, insular bailiwicks because it doesn't possess the breadth and learning requisite to the task is to light a fire and walk away from it.
2
That pretty much hits the nail on the head. Nice bit of work from the board.
In a few days, Trump will receive a used copy of author Eric Schlosser's 2013 Pulitzer Prize Finalist book in the mail.
It is titled: "Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety." (Penguin Books, 2013)
It's thinly possible --- he could accidentally read the cover of the book.
That would be nice.
He is so tough, that the world feels safer every day from his sturdy and steady leadership.
It is titled: "Command and Control: Nuclear Weapons, the Damascus Accident, and the Illusion of Safety." (Penguin Books, 2013)
It's thinly possible --- he could accidentally read the cover of the book.
That would be nice.
He is so tough, that the world feels safer every day from his sturdy and steady leadership.
1
This blind obsession of Trumps to destroy every accomplishment of the Obama administration will lead to worldwide grief. Trump's whole life has been marked by score settling, an overwhelming desire to crush people who he feels have gotten in his way or have crossed him. Apparently Obama's cardinal sin was that he successfully mocked and publicly humiliated him at a press correspondence dinner. And yet who started the feud by trying to delegitimize our first black American President with a devious, wild, and totally unfounded accusation; something Trump is prolific at. For those who wondered what damage one man could wreak in the Presidency, Trump's term, however long that will be, will be like Sherman's march to Georgia.
4
One day Nikki Haley castigates North Korea's continuing development of nuclear weapons as "begging for war" and the next she's trying to undermine the Iran nuclear deal that will inevitably lead to their developing a nuclear weapon. This is the definition of mind-boggling non-sense.
177
Paul,
Does it bother you that as part of the deal, Russia was given the Iranian Nuclear fuel for safe keeping. Would it be possible for Russia to use the fuel for building nuclear bombs for their Ally Iran ?
Does it bother you that as part of the deal, Russia was given the Iranian Nuclear fuel for safe keeping. Would it be possible for Russia to use the fuel for building nuclear bombs for their Ally Iran ?
1
Joe,
Not really. Russia has a bunch of nukes and unlike the US has never used them.
Not really. Russia has a bunch of nukes and unlike the US has never used them.
1
It is interesting that all of the signatories of this accord are in agreement as to Iran's compliance, except for the US. Of course the US is led by the least informed and most biased leader involved, which could certainly explain the discrepancy.
This is just one more step in Trump's never ending process of making the US "special" again, but not in a good way. The Trump administration is like some dark, evil force determined to stamp out everything good that we have achieved as a nation in the last 50 years.
I guess as long as Fox News is onboard with whatever Trump does the electorate will just fall in line and keep quiet, regardless of the dire consequences. I seems that you really do get the government that you deserve.
This is just one more step in Trump's never ending process of making the US "special" again, but not in a good way. The Trump administration is like some dark, evil force determined to stamp out everything good that we have achieved as a nation in the last 50 years.
I guess as long as Fox News is onboard with whatever Trump does the electorate will just fall in line and keep quiet, regardless of the dire consequences. I seems that you really do get the government that you deserve.
118
That was the position of the Blob that fought Obama on this every step of the way, long before Trump, including all the NeverTrump guys.
It is a lot bigger and far more dangerous than just Trump.
It is a lot bigger and far more dangerous than just Trump.
3
Donald Trump went to Saudi Arabia. He did a line dance with a sword. He was immersed in royalty. He was treated like royalty. He bowed his head to the king. Donald Trump idolizes Bibi Netanyahu. His advisers tell him Israel can do no wrong. Israeli expansion is OK with him.
Well, Saudi Arabia and Bibi Netanyahu hate Iran. They want Iran to be neutered and stuffed in a box. Trump always does what those that pay homage to him want. He is a sucker for the big kiss up. This is the result. Trump wants to tear up the Iran nuclear deal.
Isolation and ostracization never works. It didn't work in Cuba. It didn't work in North Korea. It won't work in Iran.
The irony here is that Iran has a large, educated population of young people that want to embrace the West. Iran isn't a backward nation like Afghanistan. The potential for its people is enormous. Instead of incorporating Iran into the modern world, Trump wants to push them into a corner and wall them off.
The guys in Iran with the turbans and beards will die off. They will steadily shrink in numbers as time goes on. Now is the time to reach out, especially to the young, and build relationships. Why turn Iran into another Cuba or North Korea?
Well, Saudi Arabia and Bibi Netanyahu hate Iran. They want Iran to be neutered and stuffed in a box. Trump always does what those that pay homage to him want. He is a sucker for the big kiss up. This is the result. Trump wants to tear up the Iran nuclear deal.
Isolation and ostracization never works. It didn't work in Cuba. It didn't work in North Korea. It won't work in Iran.
The irony here is that Iran has a large, educated population of young people that want to embrace the West. Iran isn't a backward nation like Afghanistan. The potential for its people is enormous. Instead of incorporating Iran into the modern world, Trump wants to push them into a corner and wall them off.
The guys in Iran with the turbans and beards will die off. They will steadily shrink in numbers as time goes on. Now is the time to reach out, especially to the young, and build relationships. Why turn Iran into another Cuba or North Korea?
78
Nikki Haley's case can be stated in one sentence:
"The government of Iran is bad people doing bad things, so let's clear the way for them to get their very own nuclear weapons."
"The government of Iran is bad people doing bad things, so let's clear the way for them to get their very own nuclear weapons."
98
The nuclear deal ensures that they will get their very own nuclear weapons, not now but later when the terms of the deal expire.
The Obama administration simply sought to kick the can down the road. It succeeded. The hope was that there would be regime change in Iran over the next several years, and that eventually Iran's regime would morph into a secular, reasonable entity.
That is unlikely.
The Obama administration simply sought to kick the can down the road. It succeeded. The hope was that there would be regime change in Iran over the next several years, and that eventually Iran's regime would morph into a secular, reasonable entity.
That is unlikely.
1
Robert,
Does it bother you that as part of the deal with Iran, Russia was given the Iranian Nuclear fuel for safe keeping? Can you envision Russia using that fuel to build a nuclear bomb for their Ally Iran?
Does it bother you that as part of the deal with Iran, Russia was given the Iranian Nuclear fuel for safe keeping? Can you envision Russia using that fuel to build a nuclear bomb for their Ally Iran?
1
Frank thanks for your thoughts but you miss the key point. The agreement stops all plutonium work and most uranium work for 15 years, giving us time to negotiate for permanent. But if you kill the deal, the 15 years changes to zero. Why would any American want that?
If you have a better solution, let's hear it. Nikki Haley doesn't offer one.
If you have a better solution, let's hear it. Nikki Haley doesn't offer one.
It's different matter if in order to fulfil a reckless campaign promise Trump recklessly blows up the Iran nuclear deal, not on grounds of any violation of the terms by Iran, but on extraneous grounds beyond the purview of the deal. By doing this on one pretext or the other, or shifting responsibility to the Congress for such clever scuttling of the deal wouldn't exonerate Trump from the sin he would be committing by breaching the faith the US and other major world powers had reposed in Iran and its commitment to the international deal, duly attested by the IAEA- the sole international watchdog. If Trump's clever game plan to punish Iran for the offense it has not done somehow succeeds it would be a big setback for the US diplomacy, international peace efforts, and an open encouragement to North Korea to pursue its aggressive nuclear course with a renewed vigour under the pretension of self-defence, not to mention the larger security implications for the region and beyond.
29
First of all the deal is illegal. The President can not negotiate a treaty, only Congress can. To call the Iran deal something else is a complete farce.
Secondly, the deal is fundamentally flawed. Here is why:
It takes a majority vote of the six countries named to initiate an investigation of a violation. Remember when France would not support sanctions against Libya because of their oil deal? Who just negotiated an oil deal with Iran? Russia, China and France can block any investigation.
It takes a majority of 7 to withdraw. The seventh country is Iran.
The agreement says nothing about the billions of currency Obama airlifted to Iran as part of the deal. Yes, the money was the Shaw's deposit for weapons. However, there is billions owed to the US for property seized and contracts voided after the Iran revolution.
Then, of course, there are all of the civil rights violations by Iran against both their own citizens and citizens of other countries including the US.
Iran can do anything they want and get away with it under this agreement.
Secondly, the deal is fundamentally flawed. Here is why:
It takes a majority vote of the six countries named to initiate an investigation of a violation. Remember when France would not support sanctions against Libya because of their oil deal? Who just negotiated an oil deal with Iran? Russia, China and France can block any investigation.
It takes a majority of 7 to withdraw. The seventh country is Iran.
The agreement says nothing about the billions of currency Obama airlifted to Iran as part of the deal. Yes, the money was the Shaw's deposit for weapons. However, there is billions owed to the US for property seized and contracts voided after the Iran revolution.
Then, of course, there are all of the civil rights violations by Iran against both their own citizens and citizens of other countries including the US.
Iran can do anything they want and get away with it under this agreement.
2
"Iran can do anything they want and get away with it under this agreement"
Except to develop a nuclear weapon, which is why the agreement was implemented. One sure thing that will end any such attempts at diplomatic solutions is for the US to view agreements as temporary, and applicable only so long as it helps the party in power
The alternative is for the US to keep its commitments as a nation if Trump supporters want to"make America great again," this is step one.
Except to develop a nuclear weapon, which is why the agreement was implemented. One sure thing that will end any such attempts at diplomatic solutions is for the US to view agreements as temporary, and applicable only so long as it helps the party in power
The alternative is for the US to keep its commitments as a nation if Trump supporters want to"make America great again," this is step one.
12
It's an agreement, not a treaty. It is legal for a president to enter into agreements. Part of your argument is a straw man.
Second, the agreement has a limited purview: the nuclear weapons program. Other issues are not regulated, and therefore are not relevant.
Third, it provides access was not in place prior to the deal; this access enables the signatories to monitor facilities. That access will dissolve if the US pulls out. That alone would be stupid, since the goal should be non-proliferation.
Fourth, the narrow scope of the agreement minimizes the political machinations you describe, in which self interests of signatories would render the deal toothless. The five nations (plus the US) involved don't want a nuclear weapon in Iran.
Fifth, if the Artful Dealmaker can create a better agreement or negotiate a more air right treaty, then he should do so. I suspect he won't, not only because he doesn't care, it because he's completely inept, incompetent, and an ignorant fool.
Second, the agreement has a limited purview: the nuclear weapons program. Other issues are not regulated, and therefore are not relevant.
Third, it provides access was not in place prior to the deal; this access enables the signatories to monitor facilities. That access will dissolve if the US pulls out. That alone would be stupid, since the goal should be non-proliferation.
Fourth, the narrow scope of the agreement minimizes the political machinations you describe, in which self interests of signatories would render the deal toothless. The five nations (plus the US) involved don't want a nuclear weapon in Iran.
Fifth, if the Artful Dealmaker can create a better agreement or negotiate a more air right treaty, then he should do so. I suspect he won't, not only because he doesn't care, it because he's completely inept, incompetent, and an ignorant fool.
12
Abrogating the deal will show the US to be an untrustworthy partner. It would bolster the North Korean drive for nuclear weapons and encourage others to so the same including Iran.
6
Why is it that every time there is some new foreign policy position taken by djt's administration, the proffered 'logic' is like some twisted Cold War era Kruschev Diktat, flavored with a dash of Castro rant ?
The effort by djt to erase everything Obama is an utterly boundless obsession.
The effort by djt to erase everything Obama is an utterly boundless obsession.
122
In the misguided belief in the United State's rightness in all matters, distrust of all others, and drive to erase Mr. Obama from history, Mr. Trump and his administration are rapidly destroying one thing which is hard won and will be even harder to recover - faith in the word and integrity of the United States of America.
188
And in Trump's incredible brainlessness there is no concern for long term affects. In short, he doesn't care as long as it defeats whatever Obama accomplished.
Call him doorknob-in-chief.
Call him doorknob-in-chief.
1
Ah, yes, the United States, the only country ever to have used a nuclear weapon, is forever spoiling for war. In this case, it'll make for a helluva distraction, won't it? Emphasis hell.
107
I believe Trump's buddy, Putin may likely be supplying Iran and the DPRK with the technology and know-how to make the extremely fast progress without the R&D cost required for such achievements. What better way to keep our military forces distracted and focused on these two, not to mention Syria and Iraq, while Putin undermines Europe in the East with impunity - especially if we go to war with Iran or DPRK, what will Putin do while we are stretched too thin to do anything?
"Hostility toward the United States." Really? Seems like the hostility towards Iran is equivalent.
Trump has already demonstrated that France, Britain and Germany don't matter with his clear sentiments on NATO. Russia is Trump's business partner and thus a Trump ally, and Trump is all over the place on China.
Honestly, I believe the mullahs over Trump any day! Both of which truly stink, even holding my nose and breath.