Iran Negotiations—A Positive View

For John, BLUF:  The Administration is working on an unforced error.  Nothing to see here; just move along.

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Here is a key paragraph from an OpEd by Ambassador Dennis Ross,♠ "How to Save the Iran Deal".

For me, the deal is acceptable — provided that the transparency is real, we have assured response mechanisms to any noncompliance that cannot be blocked, and we establish in advance what the consequences or price will be for every category of violation.  I also believe that for the period during which the Iranians can build an industrial-size nuclear program, starting after 15 years, the Obama administration should establish now the principle that would bind its successors — namely, if the Iranians move to create a nuclear weapon, we will be prepared to use force to prevent it from doing so.

So, there is hope for an agreement.  And there is hope that it will buy us time to move forward on other fronts.  As an aside, the Administration is not doing a good job of selling it.

Regards  —  Cliff

♠  Once an Ambassador always an Ambassador.