Political dysfunction in Washington is a much greater threat to every American than the Islamic State will ever be.
The risk of a failure to reach a comprehensive deal with Iran is growing. However, a gradualist approach is the most realistic option for solving the nuclear issue.
Moisés Naím discusses the international news stories of the week.
It’s easy to forget just how remarkable the nuclear talks with Iran are and that there is no better alternative to the current approach.
Netanyahu’s speech to the Congress makes it harder for the administration to sell a nuclear deal in the United States.
If the nuclear talks fail, further Russian cooperation on coercing Iran is not likely while Russia and the West remain locked in a standoff over Ukraine. Moreover, Russia and Iran may move to build closer relations in the future.
The big unknown at this point in the negotiations is how much Iran is willing to concede in its enrichment program in order to get sanctions relief. While Iran wishes to remove all sanctions immediately, the United States and its allies would like to see the sanctions removed gradually.
Assad seems to be giving up on the reintegration of rebel-held Syria into the state apparatus. Thus, entrenching himself among the militias and what remains of his army, he has precious little left to offer anyone else—no carrot, only stick.
Turkey has figured in a recent case where nonproliferation interests and perceived strategic interests collided.
Failed talks on Iran’s nuclear program could lead to a managed irresolution, where the two sides fail to meet in the same place but also recognize that it is in the best interests of both parties to have the talks keep going.
















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