A middle way on Iran

It’s been nearly a year since Secretary of State Clinton promised “crippling sanctions” on Iran. The U.S. House has passed the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act (IRPSA), and the Senate has passed similar legislation, but congressional leaders have failed to start a reconciliation process. President Obama—enmeshed in domestic policy debates—has done little to hasten the congressional process.

And so Iran’s enrichment continues. On Feb. 18, the New York Times reported that not only did Iran lie about previous enrichment efforts, but it continues to breach international agreements by playing hide and seek with International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors.

Is a military strike by the United States or Israel now the only means to prevent a nuclear Iran? The editorials of John Bolton suggest so, but as an optimist, I’m still searching for a middle way.

One such proposal comes from Illinois’ 9th district—not from Rep. Jan Schakowsky, a seeming opponent of American military strength and a friend of J Street, but from her Republican opponent, Joel Pollak.

Joel has coined the NEDA Proposal, an acronym for: No tolerance for a nuclear Iran; Extend pre-emptive support to Israel; Develop human rights sanctions; and Assist democracy. The proposal was originally released to the Jerusalem Post and can be read in full here.

The first two points utilize game theoretical tactics employed during the Cold War—by committing to military action, we forced the Soviets to withdraw in many instances. Similarly, in the “N” of NEDA, Joel suggests we back UN Security Council resolutions with military support. This will add teeth to an otherwise toothless organization.

The last two points recognize the growing civil discontent in Iran as opportunity—an opportunity for the reform of Iran’s internally impressive regime and also as an opportunity to usher in a peaceful regime. Iranian-Americans and other sympathizers have called for fair elections followed by a just regime, but the American government did little to support Iranian dissidents.