What 47 Republican senators 'may not understand' about Iran

[Blue_In_AK]

http://america.aljazeera.com/blogs/scrutineer/2015/3/9/what-46-republican-senators-may-not-understand-about-iran.html?utm_content=blog&utm_campaign=ajam&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=SocialFlow

<snip>

The key element missing from the GOP Senators’ letter, however, is that the deal is not being negotiated between Iran and the United States; it is being negotiated between Iran and the P5+1 group, in which the U.S. is joined by Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China. Even if the U.S. is the key player in that group, the deal being pursued reflects an international consensus — the same consensus that has made sanctions against Iran so effective.

This was likely in the mind of Iran’s foreign minister, Javad Zarif, who dismissed the letter as “of no legal value” and a “propaganda ploy.” Zarif noted that the deal would indeed be an international agreement adopted by the U.N. Security Council, which a new administration would be obliged to uphold — and that any attempt by the White House or Congress to abrogate, unilaterally modify or impede such an agreement would be a breach of U.S. obligations.

<snip>

Moreover, the Senators’ letter’s scenario also disregards Iran’s own leverage in the talks. As Columbia University professor and former National Security Council Iran analyst Gary Sick noted, periods of heightened pressure on Tehran over the past decade-plus have actually seen it increase and accelerate its nuclear work, shortening the distance it would have to travel should it decide to build nuclear weapons. While sanctions played a role in bringing Iran to the table, Iran’s leaders also know that enrichment of uranium to 20 percent helped bring Western powers to the table seeking compromise. Sick warns that should the current deal be broken in search of one more to the liking of a new U.S. administration, Iran could be expected to escalate its nuclear work to the same end.

So, while the GOP senators believe Iran’s leaders may not understand the workings of the U.S. Constitution, the decision-makers in Tehran may see a bigger picture than those Republican legislators.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

1. I know what we need, someone like Cruz or Walker to come in as President and just

start a nuclear war with the Middle East.

That is their solution, I hope everyone realizes that.

[Kablooie]

10. I feel that it's very possible that America will start a nuclear war in the near future.

We have so many ignorant, blind politicians being elected nowadays that before long one of them will be pushed into a real power position by Republican propaganda and lies, and then the end of the world as we know it will begin.

Sorry to be so dark but I don't see a lot of light coming from Washington from our side and don't see indications of a big change in the future.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

11. I hadnt thought of that, surely if we have a Cruz or Walker as prez it may well happen

Especially if they also control the house and senate.

I will say this again, it is important.

These ignorant and blind politicians you speak of, mostly TeaParTY are the dumbest people ever elected in our history.

They know nothing at all about our government, all they know is they hate it because a black man is running it.

[magical thyme]

12. iirc, the neocons were pushing limited nuclear war/1st nuclear strike as an option

at one point in time.

[NoJusticeNoPeace]

13. I just want each pro war house and senate member to be REQUIRED to send their first

born, male or female, to the front lines.

War talk ENDS INSTANTLY.

[Cali_Democrat]

2. Actually I think they do understand

...they're doing everything in their power to drag the US into another war.

[Martin Eden]

3. Excellent explanation of the sutuation!

Thanks for posting.

[hootinholler]

4. I just saw a response...

That includes:

Zarif expressed astonishment that some members of US Congress find it appropriate to write to leaders of another country against their own President and administration. He pointed out that from reading the open letter, it seems that the authors not only do not understand international law, but are not fully cognizant of the nuances of their own Constitution when it comes to presidential powers in the conduct of foreign policy.

Foreign Minister Zarif added that “I should bring one important point to the attention of the authors and that is, the world is not the United States, and the conduct of inter-state relations is governed by international law, and not by US domestic law. The authors may not fully understand that in international law, governments represent the entirety of their respective states, are responsible for the conduct of foreign affairs, are required to fulfil the obligations they undertake with other states and may not invoke their internal law as justification for failure to perform their international obligations.”

47 Senators schooled in Civics by the Iranian Foreign Minister.

Priceless.

[spanone]

5. i suspect they don't care to understand. their hatred for Obama supersedes everything.

[malaise]

7. They don't give a flyung fugg about

international obligations -they hate the UN

[Roland99]

6. Well, it's obvious who wrote that letter!!

Netanyahu

No way these 47 teabagging, knuckledraggers had the wherewithal to even spell Iran correctly!

[czarjak]

8. Mmmmmmmmmm...

Any New Testament Christians that voted for the guy who's Holy Book says the New Testament's "flawed", on board here?

[SCVDem]

9. What is so hard to understand about this?

Having a nuke and using it are two completely different things.

I believe it's called suicide!


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