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How to Negotiate with Iran

(Los Angeles Times) Dennis Ross, Eric Edelman and Michael Makovsky - The most pressing national security threat facing the U.S. remains preventing a nuclear-capable Iran. The U.S. should only pursue an agreement within certain parameters, to ensure the deal actually furthers the interests of the U.S. and its allies. 1.Iran must resolve outstanding international concerns about its nuclear program, including the existence of possible military dimensions. 2.Iran must adhere to international legal requirements, including the six UN Security Council resolutions requiring Tehran to "suspend all enrichment-related and reprocessing activities" and to implement transparency measures. 3.Deny Iran nuclear weapons capability. An acceptable deal must not just freeze but tangibly roll back Iran's ability to produce enough weapons-grade uranium for a nuclear device. 4.Impose a strict inspections regime. Negotiators should require Iran to agree to more rigorous monitoring of its nuclear program. 5.Negotiate from a position of strength. The success of these talks will hinge on Iran understanding that there will be very real and damaging consequences if negotiations fail. This will require the U.S. to intensify sanctions and incentivize other countries to do the same. 6.Do not waste time. Iran will likely attain an undetectable nuclear capability by mid-2014. Implementing and making known a strict deadline for talks can dissuade Iran from using diplomacy as a cover while sprinting for the bomb. Negotiators must walk away from any agreement that violates these principles. Dennis Ross is counselor at the Washington Institute for Near Policy and was a senior Middle East advisor to President Obama from 2009 to 2011. Eric Edelman was Undersecretary of Defense for policy in 2005-09. Michael Makovsky is chief executive of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs.
2013-10-29 00:00:00
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