Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and President Obama deserve credit for reaching an accord limiting Iran’s nuclear enrichment program in return for easing crippling sanctions. It is encouraging that we are moving away from a strident confrontational approach and have softened our language to reach this accord. In contrast, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, irked the United States with his hyper-ventilating militaristic attitude attempting to drive a wedge between U.S. lawmakers and the White House.
It must be remembered that Netanyahu hardline rhetoric is aimed at appeasing his right-wing coalition that helped him get elected as prime minister. In sharp disagreement with Netanyahu, Israeli President Shimon Peres and former military chief, Amos Yadlin, support the U.S.-Iranian accord. As a signatory of the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Iran has every right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes.
More than 40 countries — signatories of the NPT — carry out enrichment programs. The International Atomic Energy Agency monitors the performance of most countries who produce nuclear fuel. In contrast, Israel has refused to sign the NPT lest its huge stockpile of nuclear weapons be exposed. As a historical footnote, it was the Bush administration who refused to respond to Iran’s diplomatic efforts which would have severely curtailed its nuclear ambitions. As a bonus, perhaps largely prompted by the U.S.-Iranian accord, the Syrian government and the opposition have agreed to peace talks in Geneva on Jan. 22.
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Keep the discussion civilized. Absolutely NO personal attacks or insults directed toward writers, nor others who make comments.
Keep it clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
Don't threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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Be proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
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