As I compare the prospects of congressional approval of the Iran nuclear accord versus disapproval of it, disapproval is the lesser evil, by far. I am guided by my belief that Iran will become a nuclear nation soon without the agreement, and in the next 10 years with the agreement. Either way we are going to be facing a nuclear Iran in the near future. Can Congress influence what Iran will look like? I believe so.
If the agreement is approved and adhered to, after 10 years we will be facing a powerhouse Iran — rich, well-armed and highly influential. {mprestriction ids="1,3"}During the 10 years of the agreement Iran will quickly obtain the released sanction-money, estimated to be between $100 and $150 billion. Iran gets to become even richer over the next 10 years by selling its oil and engaging in profitable commerce; and with all that wealth it can purchase heavy weapons and ICBMs, and engage much more extensively in its promotion of terror, all under the political cover of the agreement. Iran has openly promised to continue its “Death to America” and “annihilation of Israel” campaigns of aggression and terror until the goals of its Islamic Revolution are accomplished. The argument that the agreement “buys time” for Iran to change its culture and join the family of peace-loving nations seems far-fetched to me and I put no weight on it. Would you encourage your child’s belief that the nogoodnick she plans to marry is going to change because of her positive influence?
I prefer the situation without congressional approval. To the extent the United States resolves to continue sanctions and not release the money, and to use its influence to reassemble an international sanctions regime, Iran will be a poorer and less influential regional power, even if we go it alone. Iran’s president argued to his own opposition that without the agreement Iran will continue to be in “the economic stone age.” Perhaps congressional disapproval of the agreement will cause Iran to come back to the negotiating table, or to not develop nuclear weapons. Without the political cover and economic blessings of the agreement, Iran might become a pariah nuclear power like North Korea, isolated in the world, economically disabled, with a lot less influence. In a military confrontation I would much rather face a partially disabled Iran than the powerhouse it is sure to become inside of the agreement.
If you are opposed to the Iran nuclear agreement it is imperative that you contact your senators and congressional representatives and express yourself emphatically. In Kansas the delegation is solidly against the agreement, but they still need to be thanked, encouraged, and urged to override a presidential veto. In Missouri and elsewhere, where opposition to the agreement is not assured, our congressional delegations must hear from those opposed. This is not an idle exercise. It will have an impact. Those members of Congress who are on the fence need to know they have our support. The vote in Congress to override the expected veto will be close and our actions matter. This is the issue of our time. We must do what we can to defeat this ill-advised agreement.
Victor Bergman is a partner in the law firm of Shamberg, Johnson & Bergman.{/mprestriction}