An important bipartisan statement on the nuclear negotiations with Iran

For those who care about American and international security, this short statement is well worth a quick read:

http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/policy-analysis/view/public-statement-on-u.s.-policy-toward-the-iran-nuclear-negotiations

I heard a prediction this morning that is potentially worrisome:

Suppose that we reach an accord with Iran.  (We’ve already conceded a great many items that we had previously said were non-negotiable.  Mr. Obama is — there’s lots and lots of evidence for this — not a very effective  negotiator, to put it mildly.)  The Grand Ayatollah Khamenei, whose role as Supreme Leader of Iran transcends that of the conventional government, declares a week or two later that the agreement is unacceptable.  But the concessions already made have now become the new benchmark, the default starting position, and the Obama administration, desperate for a deal, is now under pressure to make further concessions.

It may happen.  I wouldn’t be surprised.  The Iranians are very good at this.  They’ve been brilliant.  We, alas, have not.

Posted from Newport Beach, California