Give Peace a Chance

This is historic:   Not since the overthrow of the Shah of Iran in 1979 have there been diplomatic talks between the U. S. and Iran -- until now.   But now, in a relatively short time, a temporary agreement has been reached that will make the world safer, while further negotiations continue for a permanent diplomatic solution.

It won't satisfy the hawks in our congress nor in Israel, who have good reason to mistrust Iran -- but they would probably not be satisfied with anything that doesn't involve war.

Here's the deal:   An agreement has been reached between Iran and the six world powers (United States, England, France, Germany, China, and Russia) for a 6 month freeze on all of Iran's nuclear development activities.   This includes not only the uranium centrifuge enrichment program but also their newer plutonium reactor.   It will also have to neutralize its 20% enriched uranium stockpiles and cooperate with intrusive inspections.   The deal does not acknowledge a right for Iran to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes, as they had wanted.

In exchange, the U. S. will release $6 to 7 billion of money that has been withheld by the sanctions.   The structure of the sanctions will remain in place and will be increased if Iran does not comply.  To be clear:  the sanctions are not being lifted;  only a modest amount of financial relief will be made available to the Iranian government.  If Iran does not comply with any terms of the agreement during the six month period, sanctions will be strengthened.

What this does is to buy time for a negotiated permanent settlement, gives Iran a little relief from sanctions, and tests their sincerity for going further.

Despite Iran's history of untrustworthiness, I believe they are sincere and cooperative.   Sanctions have placed an extraordinary burden on their economy;  the value of the rial has plummeted.   The people elected a moderate as their new president, and he appears to have the support of the Supreme Leader.   Conditions have changed dramatically inside Iran and within the government, partly due to the sanctions, partly due to pressure from the people in electing a moderate as president.

I believe it is time to "trust but verify" and see if we can move forward toward peace.   Remember that after 9/11, Iran reached out to the U. S. and offered help.    George Bush not only spurned their offer;  soon after that he included them with Iraq and North Korea as "the axis of evil."    Also remember that in 1953 our government was behind the overthrow of their democratically elected government and Prime Minister Mossadegh because they had nationalized the oil industry.    So the Iranians have reason to distrust us, as we do them.

But, hey, why don't we give peace a chance?    Maybe President Obama will have earned his Nobel Peace Prize by the time this is over.

Ralph