IRAN NEGOTIATIONS
What’s happening. Negotiations between Iran and the “P5+1” continued this week in Moscow after meetings in Turkey and Iraq. This is the third meeting in this series of negotiations over Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The fact that Iran was forced to the table demonstrates the impact that international pressure and economic sanctions are having on the regime, particularly as oil-purchase sanctions from Europe kick in.
Why it’s important. This is the first time that coordinated, comprehensive, international sanctions have been given the time and political space to make a real dent. And as a result, Iran is increasingly under pressure economically – their currency has lost significant value and billions in energy sector projects have been canceled.
The Right says. On Fox, former Bush administration official John Bolton attacked the Obama administration over the Iran negotiations, saying, "The right thing from the U.S. perspective is to say we are tired of talking... these people are not serious, we will not prolong this any further," and adding: "When are we going to wake up from the fact that Iran is not going to negotiate away its weapons program." The Washington Times published an op-ed that declared: "Negotiations and sanctions will not deter the Islamic regime from obtaining the bomb. Once it has nuclear weapons, world peace will be at risk. We must act now; time is no longer on our side." That and more at Media Matters.
Your approach. America’s Iran policy has pushed them to the negotiating table while at the same time preventing an armed conflict which few Americans are interested in. Of course, most Americans view Iran as a real threat to our security, so it’s important not to dismiss that.
ROMNEY ON AMERICAN GREATNESS
What’s happening. Governor Romney often talks about making America a “great nation again.” The rhetoric of American greatness is persuasive and rooted in the long and compelling history of American Exceptionalism. However, the policies that made America a great nation in the 20th century are being ignored by Governor Romney and may conservatives in the 21st.
Your approach. Today’s 21st century threats can not be met with military force alone. Modern threats require diplomacy, development, and a strong military. America as a world leader has always relied on all these tools of power. Abandoning these tools means forgetting the legacy of the greatest generation, who earned America’s leading role in the world.
Use Examples: “A tank is useless against pandemic disease. A nuclear weapon can’t take out a terrorist cell hiding in London.”
Don’t forget: President Obama is the first president – ever – to use the phrase “American exceptionalism.” Cite.
SYRIA
What’s happening. The Syria situation is particularly complicated and seems increasingly difficult for outside observers to remain uninvolved. Yet there is no international consensus for a military intervention, either at the UN, the Arab League, or among US allies. In fact, a military intervention in Syria could end up looking remarkably like Iraq, with the US responsible for the fate the country. That is why we have been focusing on non-military ways to have an impact, such as supporting Syria’s neighbors as they deal with refugees and pressuring Russia.
Your approach. The stakes are high: Military intervention in Syria would be difficult, costly, and have an unpredictable outcome. The last thing we want to do is spend the next decade responsible for rebuilding another Middle Eastern nation. Few Americans are interested in a protracted military engagement in the region. Advocates for military action are well outside the mainstream of public opinion and don’t have a plan for the aftermath.
NATIONAL SECURITY LEAKS
What we’re seeing: Fox & Friends misrepresented a quote by President Obama to accuse him of hypocrisy over an investigation of possible national security leaks. The co-hosts claimed that Obama had called for a special counsel to investigate the leak of the identity of covert CIA operative Valerie Plame when he said that "a special counsel will ensure the public's confidence in the investigation and prosecution and help to restore its faith in our government." In fact, the quote came in the context of the Jack Abramoff investigation, and the Bush administration rebuffed calls for a special counsel in that case. Obama was not even a U.S. senator at the time a special counsel was appointed to investigate the Plame leak.
Approaching the problem. The accusation of leaking secrets for political gain can be quite damaging. At the same time, it defies logic that the Obama administration would intentionally do that given their already-strong national security performance. The New York Times, which most of this reporting has actually come from, has stated that leaks did not come from the White House.
