Blocking Iran talks is rerun of Iraq failure
This past weekend, with news that the U.S. and Iran may be planning direct talks soon to address the nuclear standoff, there were swift reactions by some to try to kill the initiative. Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren warned that Iran should not be “rewarded” with direct talks, and Senator Lindsey Graham–who has pledged the U.S. […]
Romney confused about “dirty bombs”
It’s hard to know where to begin when pointing out flaws in Mitt Romney’s recent comments on Iran’s nuclear program. A secretly recorded video, which was released by Mother Jones early this morning, portrays Mr. Romney channeling his inner role-playing geek, playing the part of Iran: If I were Iran, if I were Iran—a crazed fanatic, […]
The Realities of “Preventive” Strikes
Certain media outlets as well as conservative political camps in both the US and Israel would have you believe that it would take no more than a few days of airstrikes to delay and/or end Iran’s nuclear program. This claim is misleading in more ways than I can count, but here are a few. Compared […]
Will Obama go on offensive about loose war talk?
On the eve of Barack Obama’s speech at the 2012 Democratic National Convention, it’s an open question as to how the President plans to frame the Iran debate. At the Republican Convention last week, we heard loud and clear how Mitt Romney plans to differentiate himself from Obama: less talking to Iran, more talk about […]
“Capability” ultimatum misses the point, threatens diplomatic opportunity
We’re at a rare moment in which both the United States and Iran have unclenched their fists and appear ready for real talks. Obama, thankfully, has taken the pro-war crowd to task. The P5+1 are finally setting new negotiations for April. And Khamenei took the rare step of publicly welcoming new talks. These are very […]
Sparks fly between Obama & GOP on Iran saber rattling
The President had some choice words yesterday for those who are rattling the sabers on Iran to score political points, indicating that the White House is finally ready to stand up for a diplomatic resolution rather than allowing the contest to be measured getting bullied into a war of choice: Now, what’s said on the […]
Iran News Roundup 12/16
GOP candidates get fact checked for Iran claims at debate Michelle Bachmann made the claim that the IAEA report proves that “Iran is within just months of being able to obtain that [nuclear] weapon.” Fact checks from CNN, The Washington Post, and the New York Times said Bachmann got it wrong. Mitt Romney accused President Obama of having said “pretty […]
Iran News Roundup 11/23
Iran highlighted at Republican debate At last night’s Republican primary debate the candidates discussed Iran at some length. Here are some of the notable positions they talked about: Herman Cain suggested he would support an Israeli attack, and if their plan was strong enough he would “join with Israel” for the strike. Ron Paul rejected […]
Question’s for tonight’s GOP debate
The GOP candidates will take to the stage tonight at 8pm EST to debate national security issues, and we expect Iran policy will once again be a major point of discussion. Given that many of the candidates have had a chance to offer their talking points on Iran, here are some questions the moderators can […]
Iran News Roundup 11/22
New Iran Sanctions U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner announced new sanctions against Iran’s petrochemical industry and classified Iran and its Central Bank as a “primary money laundering concern” (To read the full transcripts click here). The U.K. announced their own sanctions against the Central Bank of Iran (CBI), cutting […]
Iran News Roundup 11/17
Top Story Action on Iran at the UN: With the IAEA Board of Governors meeting today, the Washington Post is reporting that China and Russia have agreed to sign on to a resolution condemning Iran, over the IAEA’s most recent report that will not include the harsher language that the U.S. had sought (Washington Post 11/17). […]
Iran News Roundup 11/16
U.S. officials warn Congress that proposed sanctions could benefit Iran U.S. officials warned Capitol Hill at a hearing yesterday that Congressional sanctions proposals could be a “boon to Iran,” that would raise oil prices for the U.S. and Europe while creating a “windfall” for the Iranians (NIAC 11/15). A State Department official warned that new […]