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On Iran, It's Time for Obama to Set Clear Lines for Military Action
(Washington Post) Jamie Fly and Matthew Kroenig - The Obama administration has gone to great lengths to stress the possibility and desirability of a diplomatic solution, and to make clear that the military option is a last resort. But despite the optimism that came out of the negotiations last month in Istanbul, there is little reason to believe that Iran is serious about doing anything other than using the coming weeks to enrich more uranium and make progress toward a nuclear weapon. The U.S. must not only lay out the curbs on Iran's nuclear program that Washington would be willing to reward, but also clearly outline what advances in Iran's nuclear program it would be compelled to punish with military force. Over the past six years, the international community has engaged in an intense diplomatic effort to persuade Iran to give up its nuclear program. All the while, the program has continued to progress, reaching disturbing milestones. Iran now possesses more than 100 kg. of 20%-enriched uranium, having done 90% of the work required to get to weapons-grade material. If we wait until Iran turns the final screws on a nuclear device, we probably will be too late. Once Iran has the fissile material, the game is over. No one wants military action. But drawing red lines linked to the guaranteed use of force by Washington and its allies could be the best way to avoid conflict. Jamie Fly served as director for counterproliferation strategy on the National Security Council staff of the George W. Bush administration. Matthew Kroenig served as adviser on Middle East policy in the office of the secretary of defense from 2010 to 2011.