Iran Nuclear Deal

                Iran made a nuclear deal with the United States – and won.  Iran is gloating about the fact that its pressure on the United States gave it what it wanted.  The deal legitimizes Iran’s nuclear program, rewards Iran’s defiance of international treaties and obligations, and gives Iran billions of American dollars to support terrorist activities in the Middle East.  Barack Obama is being acclaimed as the great foreign policy maker amid much talk of his “legacy.”  Conservatives and Israelis are calling out in alarm.

                Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israeli, called the deal “an historic mistake for the world.”    He said it would have “far-reaching concessions” in “all areas that were supposed to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons capability.”  “In addition, Iran will receive hundreds of billions of dollars with which it can fuel its terror machine and its expansion and aggression throughout the Middle East and across the globe.”

                Mr. Netanyahu continued with these statements: (1) “One cannot prevent an agreement when the negotiators are willing to make more and more concessions to those who, even during the talks, keep chanting:  `Death to America.’”  (2) “We knew very well that the desire to sign an agreement was stronger than anything, and therefore we did not commit to preventing an agreement.”  (3) “We did commit to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and this commitment still stands.”  (4) “I say to all the leaders in Israel, it is time to put petty politics aside and unite behind this most fateful issue to the future and security of the State of Israel.”  In an updated statement, Mr. Netanyahu said that Israel rejects the deal and will continue to defend itself.

                Michaela Dodge is a policy analysis for defense and strategic policy at The Heritage Foundation and gave six “most egregious misinterpretations of the deal” made by Mr. Obama in his remarks. 

                First, to Mr. Obama’s statement of “A comprehensive long-term deal with Iran that will prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” Ms. Dodge notes:  “The concluded deal does not prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon in the future.  The deal imposes temporary restrictions on Iran’s illegal nuclear Program….”

                Second, to Mr. Obama’s statement of “Every pathway to a nuclear weapon is cut off,” Ms. Dodge notes:  “Iran is permitted to retain its enrichment infrastructure, including advanced centrifuges.  The administration’s concession on uranium enrichment is a serious blow to a decade old principle of U.S. nonproliferation policy….  Yet Iran, which developed this capability in defiance of its existing international obligations, is being rewarded for its bad behavior by lifting sanctions on its country….”

                Third, to Mr. Obama’s statement of “The deal is in line with a tradition of American leadership,” Ms. Dodge notes:  “In reality, the deal undermines U.S. nonproliferation policy in the Middle East and in the world.  The United States has demanded that other countries in the Middle East not pursue enrichment efforts.  While allies obliged, adversarial Iran is getting a deal that legitimizes its illegal uranium enrichment program….”

                Fourth, to Mr. Obama’s statement of “America negotiated from a position of strength and principle,” Ms. Dodge notes:  “Time and again Obama conceded on key principles that would improve a chance that the United States is getting a deal beneficial to its national security interest.  From a deal that stops Iran’s nuclear weapon pursuits to a deal that delays them at best (and speeds them up at worst).  From a deal that allows anytime anywhere inspections given Iran’s past deception, to more restricted inspections that cannot interfere with Iran’s national security and military activities.  Iran is not permitted under the Nonproliferation Treaty to pursue a nuclear program with military applications.”

                Fifth, to Mr. Obama’s statement of “The same options that are available to me today will be available to any U.S. president in the future,” Ms. Dodge notes:  “Obama is in a better position to negotiate Iran’s nuclear deal because of congressional and international sanctions that Obama is promising to dismantle.  Any future president will have to deal with consequences of Obama’s concessions on all aspects of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program….”

                Sixth, to Mr. Obama’s statement of “Consider what happens in a world without this deal.  Without this deal, there is no scenario where the world joins us in sanctioning Iran until it completely dismantles its nuclear program,” Ms. Dodge notes:  “The world has already jointed the United States in sanctions.  An alternative to a no-deal is to continue them.  After all, sanctions are the only reason why Iran negotiated to begin with.  A continuation of sanctions is a sound alternative to a bad deal….”

                In my humble opinion, America has been sold down the river once again by the President of the United States!