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The Iran Interim Deal: Let the War of Interpretations Begin

(Ha'aretz) Emily B. Landau - In negotiations for a comprehensive deal, the Iranians can be expected to challenge what was agreed and continue to haggle over the terms, while pressing the P5+1 to agree to further sanctions relief. Already there are two texts of the agreement, one released by the White House and one by the Iranian Foreign Ministry, and they are not identical. Iran's strategy is still to get maximum sanctions relief for the absolute minimum nuclear concessions. The only truly revolutionary change is that for the first time in over a decade Iran is at the table actually looking for a deal. It cannot get sanctions relief without cooperating with the international community. This leverage is the most precious asset the P5+1 have, and it cannot be given up for less than a truly comprehensive deal. Many accuse Netanyahu of being contrary, not willing to join the celebrations. But why are the international negotiators not voicing similar concerns as Netanyahu on the technical questions? Netanyahu's positions on these issues are actually in line with the long-held positions of the international community - even codified in a string of UN Security Council resolutions. The writer is a senior research associate at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv.
2013-11-27 00:00:00
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