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I Will Vote Against the Iran Deal
(Washington Post) Sen. Ben Cardin - Is the Iran nuclear deal more or less likely to prevent Iran from becoming a nuclear weapons state? Would rejection increase or decrease the likelihood of the nightmare scenario of a nuclear-armed Iran? The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) legitimizes Iran's nuclear program, providing a legal path to a country that remains a rogue state and has violated its international nonproliferation obligations for years. It would provide Iran with international endorsement of an industrial-scale nuclear program. Worse, Iran would be economically strengthened by frighteningly quick relief from sanctions and international economic engagement. If Iran violates the agreement, building international support for new sanctions would take too long to be effective. A military response in this scenario would be more likely. The agreement states that the parties shall "implement this JCPOA in good faith...based on mutual respect." But there cannot be respect for a country that actively foments regional instability, advocates for Israel's destruction, kills the innocent and shouts "Death to America." And I cannot support lifting the UN arms embargo and ballistic missile sanctions.