This appeared first in the Chicago Sun Times -- Despite its continuing nuclear progress, US and Israeli intelligence agencies assert that Iran’s leadership has not made a decision to weaponize its nuclear program. it appears that many in the US Congress are determined to undermine the negotiations by pushing new sanctions forward. Knowing that new Congressional sanctions could sabotage diplomacy, the administration has sent Vice President Biden, Secretary of State Kerry and Treasury Secretary Lew to Capitol Hill to warn Senators to hold off. As Wendy Sherman, America’s lead nuclear negotiator, has warned “we think that this is a time for a pause to see if these negotiations can gain traction.” Ignoring the advice of our top diplomats and those privy to the negotiating process, Senator Kirk of Illinois has indicated that now is a time to strengthen” sanctions. He is not alone. Senator Rubio of Florida has indicated that he would reject any agreement with Iran to suspend or cancel additional sanctions unless they agree to abandon nuclear enrichment entirely.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Nov 2013 23:53:58 +0000