(Washington Times) Clifford D. May - The unsigned, non-binding "understanding" announced last week dismantles none of Iran's nuclear infrastructure. It does nothing to slow the Islamic republic's development of intercontinental ballistic missiles, whose only conceivable purpose is to deliver nuclear warheads to distant targets. It does not authorize "go-anywhere-anytime" inspections. It doesn't address Iran's support for terrorists, its holding of innocent Americans hostage, its power grab in Iraq, its military support for the brutal Assad dynasty in Syria and Houthi rebels in Yemen, its continuing threats to topple Arab regimes with close ties to the U.S., and to "erase Israel from the map." In exchange for not making these concessions, Iran is to be rewarded with the lifting of the remaining economic sanctions. The agreement being finalized is likely to lead to the spread of nuclear weapons (with a serious risk that some of those nukes will end up in the hands of terrorists), that it will further fuel jihadi fires, and that it will heighten our enemies' contempt for us. 21 years ago, President Clinton announced a "framework" deal with North Korea, an agreement he described as "a good deal for the United States" because North Korea would be obligated to "freeze and then dismantle its nuclear program." Today, North Korea has nuclear weapons and is building more - while also developing longer-range missiles and assisting Iran's nuclear weapons program. The writer is president of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.
2015-04-09 00:00:00Full ArticleBACK Visit the Daily Alert Archive