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Why the U.S. Must Quit Negotiating with Iran

(The Hill) Michael Makovsky - It is time to abandon the quixotic quest for a diplomatic solution to the Iranian threat, and instead pressure the regime further. For an already paranoid regime, the threat posed by Covid-19, in the assessment of Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, head of U.S. Central Command, "probably makes them - in terms of decision-making - more dangerous, rather than less dangerous." Talks always sound appealing, especially when one's adversary is weakened. But they must have a clear purpose, and the prospective benefits must outweigh likely costs. Simply reinstating the JCPOA would allow Iran to legitimately expand its nuclear program and procure advanced weapons. In fact, only complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program, as Libya conducted 15 years ago, would truly suffice. The Iranian regime sees diplomacy with the U.S. as a sign of weakness it cannot afford. Actually, as the regime weakens, diplomacy will only bolster it. Talks would also signal that the U.S. is willing to work with an Iranian regime that jails, tortures and kills its own people, demoralizing the many anti-regime Iranians. The writer, a former Pentagon official, is president and CEO of the Jewish Institute for National Security of America (JINSA).
2020-04-13 00:00:00
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