Thursday, April 2, 2015

The Agreement With Iran

The President has announced the outlines of a deal struck with Iran limiting their nuclear program, and lifting our sanctions against their economy - see the Politico story on his announcement. Unlike many fellow rightists, I reserve judgment.

I will have more about the agreement as three things become known. First, the details of the agreement reached. Second, whether or not Congress will undertake the law changes required to implement it. And third, whether Iran truly permits the detailed verification called for in the agreement, something they have been unwilling to do in the past.

A Congressman speaking on CNBC this afternoon alleged that the Tehran regime, broadcasting in Farsi, has called it an unqualified victory for Iran. Given that florid overstatement appears to be part of many Middle Eastern languages, an actual unqualified victory for Iran would be a qualified loss for the U.S. and Europe, and an unqualified loss for Israel and the Saudis.

It is, however, typical for negotiators to come out of an agreement singing its praises - touting their wins and minimizing their losses. I shall wait to see what unfolds.