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Iran Talks Face Resistance in U.S. Congress
(New York Times) Jonathan Weisman - Secretary of State John Kerry will meet behind closed doors on Wednesday with members of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee to try to head off a new round of stiff sanctions on Iran that administration officials fear could derail the talks in Geneva. But they are facing bipartisan doubt about their course. "I understand what they're saying about destroying a chance for a peaceful outcome here with new sanctions, but I really do believe if the new sanctions were crafted in the right way, they would be more helpful than harmful," said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) proclaimed himself "dubious" of the possible agreement because of concerns that the administration might be willing to give too much away while getting too little in return. Sen. Bob Corker (R-Tenn.) said the administration's fears are misplaced: "New sanctions wouldn't kick in for three to six months. The important period of time for this country, candidly for the world community, on this issue is over the next two to three weeks."