(Arab News-Saudi Arabia) Editorial - A deal with Iran over its nuclear program will focus almost entirely on the International Atomic Energy Agency being given unrestricted access to nuclear sites. It will not take account of Iran's deadly meddling in the Middle East. It will not commit the government in Tehran to restoring friendly relations with its neighbors in the Gulf. Iran is suffering badly from the international sanctions imposed upon it. Popular discontent is rising. The government in Tehran is desperate for the lifting of sanctions. The minute they end, all chance of curbing Tehran's misbehavior in the region is gone. It has to be suspected that the 12 long years of talks were all about buying time for Iranian nuclear scientists. Forcing Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program was never the key issue. The wider issue is convincing Iran to revert to being a good neighbor. Thus, reaching a wide agreement based on a commitment not to interfere in the affairs of other states is crucial. The nuclear deal therefore needs to be recast. Tehran needs to be convinced that its tragic regional interference must end.
2015-05-13 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive