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February 14, 2005
In recent weeks, the Bush administration has intensified its rhetorical posturing towards Iran. Unlike Iraq, there is little serious doubt that Iran is on the path to acquiring the capacity to make nuclear weapons, even if it has no immediate intentions to actually build the bomb. With our military options against Iran limited as a result of uneven intelligence about the scale and scope of Iran's nuclear activities--and our military stretched thin to the breaking point--the Bush administration nevertheless seems intent on sabotaging diplomacy.
- The administration has no strategy for Iran. The administration's handling of Iran has been bungled from the start. By threatening to preemptively invade Iran by including it in the "Axis of Evil" in the 2002 State of the Union, the Bush administration has hardened the mullahs' determination to acquire the one weapon capable of deterring an American invasion: nuclear bombs. Since making his threat, however, the administration has done nothing credible to reduce Iran's incentive to continue arming itself.
- The administration's rhetoric plays into the mullahs' hands. The administration's counterproductive bluster is galvanizing Iranian nationalism and uniting the Iranian people behind the mullahs. This has made the already difficult task of diplomacy even more challenging and enabled the mullahs to further consolidate their rule.
- The administration has delegated American national security to the Europeans. The Europeans support U.S. participation in negotiations with Iran because they correctly recognize that without the U.S. at the table, the chances of success are slim. Yet, the Bush administration refuses to involve itself, likely dooming the negotiations to failure. The administration should engage the process and vigorously pursue meaningful opportunities for resolving the standoff.
Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund.
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Daily Talking Points is a product of the American Progress Action Fund. |
