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Do not let this opportunity for peace with Iran pass

The United States and Iran have an opportunity to work together to create peace and stability in the Middle East.

I do not believe the nuclear negotiations with Iran are based on misguided premises that could have disastrous outcomes. The basis of these arguments seems to stem from the February 27, 2015 David Brooks article in the New York Times, “Converting the Ayatollahs.” Many critics, such as Brooks, cite outdated facts and policies that have resulted in more aggression and hostility in the region over the past several decades.  Such hostilities have mutated into tragic events such as the attacks on September 11, 2001, as well as the creation of ISIS.

Israel’s Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu does not appear to be interested or ready to help facilitate stability in the Middle East.  His views and strategies on dealing with Iran are very destructive and counterproductive. Mr. Meir Dagan, a former head of Israel’s foreign intelligence service Mossad, has accused the prime minister of endangering the country’s security with his stance on the Iranian nuclear programme. Mr. Dagan is an architect and supporter of assassination plot of Iranian nuclear scientist and he is not by any means soft on Iran.

The Prime Minister’s actions are not only creating tensions in the Middle East but also with its ally, the United States. President Obama’s national security adviser, Susan Rice, warned that Netanyahu’s trip to Washington in this regard is “destructive to the fabric” of US-Israeli relations.

In dealing with Iran, the United States does not and should not try to “convert the Ayatollahs.”  The United States and Iran do not need to share the same religion or ideologies in order to work together and create substantive progress in the region.  In the 1960s there was resistance in strengthening the relations between the United States and communist China.  Though neither side shared the same religious or ideological background, negotiations and agreements were created that helped further the progress of both nations.

A US-Iranian working relationship is essential, but its development is a very delicate subject that requires honest thought and consideration.  American foreign policy in the Middle East cannot be led or dictated by some radical lobbyists of Israel and Saudi Arabia who believe that a “good Iran is no Iran.”  A long-term cooperation and understanding amongst the United States, Saudi Arabia, Israel and Iran is necessary to have a peaceful and stable Middle East. Productive negotiation is needed to begin turning several decades of misunderstanding into a period of mutual understanding.

The US and Israel are worried about nuclear Iran, security and terrorism in the Middle East, while Iran is asking for its sovereignty to be respected, military threat and sanctions to be stopped and mutual respect to be established. Resolving these issues requires serious political commitments from both sides. If a “nuclear Iran” is an obstacle and ongoing worry for US and Israeli security then the solution requires a diplomatic negotiation. But if it is just an excuse to continue sanctions and pressure Iran it will not work. In this time of terrible crisis of that flaming area the US and Iran have a number of overlapping interests congruent with establishment of a stable Middle East.

American bipartisan scholars with close knowledge of Israel, Mossad, and security agencies are monitoring the negotiation and calling for continuation. Thus, there is little if any reason to contend that “the nuclear negotiations with Iran” are based on misguided premises that could have disastrous outcomes.

For us as bipartisan peace builders, we cannot afford to let this opportunity to enhance the prospect of peace to pass. Let’s be hopeful and I urge you to let the voice of peace be heard.

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”The US and Israel are worried about nuclear Iran, security and terrorism in the Middle East ”

No. No, they are not. The intelligence agencies in both Israeal and the US are agreed that Iran is not pursuing a nuclear weapon. Iran is not a threat to the ‘security’ of Israel, unless by ‘security’ you really mean, Israel’s ability to bomb and besiege all around it without fear of any consequences. And as for ‘terrorism’, if you can provide evidence of Iranian involvement in acts of ‘terrorism’ over the past decade or so, please let’s see it.

What Israel fears is not an Iranian bomb, but rather that a strong, independent Iran would challenge its regional hegemony. There is absolutely no reason for the US or any other country to pander to Israel in this regard, particularly if this damages their own interests.

The Image of Iran,s Foreign Minister sitting and smiling with Kerry and Ashton must really get to the zionists.

They must feel like a jealous lover who catches their partner with their best friend.

This SO has to happen.

I’m not even religious but I’ve already put on a hairshirt and am considering a pilgimage to the Cartago knee walk.

In the meantime, I’ve taken a vow of silence and am praying fervently.

Until further notice, I can be reached at Assumption Abbey, the Trappist monastery that makes it’s earthly living baking and selling fruitcakes.

“What Israel fears is not an Iranian bomb, but rather that a strong, independent Iran would challenge its regional hegemony.”

Spot on MDM

And if I were Iran I’d make damn sure I did have a bomb sometime soon as a safeguard against total annihilation by israel/Saudis, other Gulf States and the USA. It might be the only way for them to secure their long term future

Everyone seems to be looking in the wrong direction, again. Looking for evidence or lack of evidence for WMD’s

Iran and its neighbours are advertising for tenders and contracting with each other for the construction of a huge electrical power grid. https://www.google.com.au/search?q=electricity%20grid%20export%20to%20from%20iran%20-wikipedia

The US and Israel are afraid Iran’s nuclear energy program and the grid extending to all parts of the region, west into Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and south into Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Africa and north and east will make it a hugely powerful and central player in a union of states held together by their own investment in the grid.

The US and Israel cannot and will not tell you this for obvious reasons.