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Source: http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/templateC06.php?CID=1734
Deter, Don't Dismiss, the Iranian Threat
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Michael Singh - The Obama Administration will be careful to avoid a war of escalation with the Iranian regime, but should resist the temptation to confine its response to the Washington terror plot to sanctions. By downplaying the U.S. military option against Iran and ceasing military signaling activities in the Gulf, the administration has allowed American deterrence of Iran to deteriorate. Reestablishing that deterrence is vital to discouraging IRGC activities such as this plot. A sanctions-only response would encourage a sense of impunity rather than discouraging escalation. The Obama administration should seek international cooperation to roll up IRGC operatives and assets globally in response to this plot.