Top US Official: Nuclear Deal Could Improve Ties, Onus on Iran

by Derek Davison WASHINGTON—A top advisor to President Obama said that a deal over Iran’s nuclear program could lead to a new era of relations. “A nuclear agreement could begin a multi-generational process that could lead to a new relationship… Continue Reading

Why Obama Couldn’t Do Anything on Iran While Ross Was There

by Jim Lobe Following up on Paul Pillar’s excellent takedown of Dennis Ross’s remarkably crude display of Islamophobia (whereby Saudi Arabia is considered a “non-Islamist state,” while Syria’s Baathist regime is “Islamist”), it seems we can add Iranophobia to the… Continue Reading

How Not to Make Comparisons Between Iran and China

by Paul Pillar One of the most famous zingers in American political history is Lloyd Bentsen’s “you’re no Jack Kennedy” line in his 1988 vice presidential candidates’ debate with Dan Quayle. Quayle’s preceding remark in the debate actually had not… Continue Reading

Another AIPAC Miscalculation?

by Mitchell Plitnick When the history of pro-Israel lobbying in Washington is fully written, it may well be that the push for confrontation with Iran will be seen as a major turning point. On Monday, a consistently hawkish, pro-Israel Democrat, Robert… Continue Reading

Romney Adviser Lays Out Iran Policy Nearly Identical To Obama’s: ‘Romney Will Seek A Negotiated Settlement’

via Think Progress Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign studiously avoids calls for war with the Islamic Republic. While some advisers have been hawkish on Iran in the past, only John Bolton has called for an attack since the campaign got underway. Instead, on a recent… Continue Reading