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The Iran Deal: How Not to Negotiate in the Middle East

(TIME) Michael B. Oren - In reaching the parameters agreement, international negotiators were worn down by the protracted talks. They were persuaded by Iran's displays of warmth and earnestness, and accepted its claim that the nuclear program was a matter of national pride similar to America's moon landing. Most damagingly, the P5+1 recognized the Islamic Republic's right to enrich and to maintain its nuclear facilities. Instead of telling the Iranians that "if you don't take this offer, our next one will be smaller," the P5+1 said, "If you don't like these terms, perhaps we can improve them." Rather than responding to Iranian intransigence with heightened sanctions and credible military force, negotiators removed these options. The U.S. and its P5+1 partners must reject any further Iranian demands. They should make clear to Tehran that it risks losing the gains it has made while facing punitive measures such as ramped-up sanctions. They must be prepared to walk way. The writer is a former Israeli ambassador to the U.S.
2015-04-07 00:00:00
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