Read on Twitter
Let’s talk for a moment about the Biden administration’s deliberations on the Iran deal as presented in this @Reuters story. https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-iran-nuclear/u-s-may-weigh-baby-steps-to-revive-iran-nuclear-deal-idUSKBN2A82AO
Here’s the key bit: vacillation over what to bargain for—either a “straight return” to the existing deal or “less for less.”
Just a couple of comments here. First, if anyone thinks it will take *less* time to negotiate a substantially new deal than to resume complying with the existing one, they should think again.
Second, if anyone imagines that trying to go only halfway will spare them harsh criticism from the right, they’re being naive.
And certainly, if one’s goal is to go *beyond* the terms of the JCPOA, then it’s hard to see what’s gained by stopping short of them.
This seems like an awful lot of energy to invest in hopes of securing a less successful outcome than Obama’s.
Right now, the argument about negotiating a return to the deal on both sides is about sequencing, which is to say saving face.
There is no clearer sign of weakness than being hampered by one’s own fears of looking weak. (end)
