US Opinion and Commentary

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A Reality Check on Iran

Posted March 1st, 2016 at 1:47 pm (UTC-4)
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We must not let our natural—and laudable—hopes for liberalization in Iran blind us to what is really happening. Have we already forgotten that just six weeks ago ten American sailors were on their knees with Iranian guns pointed at their heads?

Obama: ‘Strong American Diplomacy’ Pays Off

Posted January 17th, 2016 at 2:58 pm (UTC-4)
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“This is a good day.” So began President Barack Obama’s televised statement on the release of Americans held in Iran following delicate negotiations between the United States and Iran on a prisoner swap apparently tied indirectly to last year’s historic nuclear pact to scale back Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Five Americans, including a Washington Post reporter, were freed in exchange for seven Iranians. The prisoner trade was swiftly condemned by Republican presidential hopefuls and some pundits. The stunning developments included sanction relief for Iran, and the release of roughly $100 billion of its assets after international inspectors concluded that the country had dismantled large portions of its nuclear program. Despite the developments – who can argue against the happiness that comes with release of Americans citizens and their families? – Iran remains on the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism. And that means the road ahead will be long and bumpy.

Forget Congress. Can Rouhani Sell the Nuclear Deal in Iran?

Posted August 7th, 2015 at 10:00 am (UTC-4)
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Iran’s president is riding a wave of popularity, but hard-liners may have the ear of the supreme leader.

John Kerry and Ernest Moniz: The Case for the Nuclear Deal with Iran

Posted July 23rd, 2015 at 9:16 am (UTC-4)
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Without this deal, Iran could double its capacity to enrich uranium in a short time. With it, it must reduce that capacity immediately and sharply.