Saturday Night Surprise

Saturday night live:  Breaking news from Geneva.  The President speaks to the Nation.  After 35 years, a breakthrough in moving toward change in Iran's nuclear capability.  It's a six-month, temporary agreement during which Iran's intentions will be tested.  Skepticism is understandable, given Iran's track record on trustworthiness.  It's been made clear by the President and Secretary Kerry that this agreement is intended as a first step only.  There's more work to be done and careful monitoring to assure Iran is keeping its part of the bargain.  Accountability is key.  This was a deal made with international support. 

 

The agreement has opened a door to the possibility of historic change in our world.   Eventually it could mean avoiding another war. 

 

It's no surprise that Israel continues its opposition to diplomatic progress.  Their negative reaction was immediate.   However, it was a sad to see even a Republican responding as Senator John Cornyn of Texas did.  He tweeted "Amazing what WH will do to distract attention from O-care."  Really, Senator?  Really?  A historic diplomatic victory is a distraction?  Sounds more like the tone of a temperamental toddler than a United States senator. 

 

I'm hoping Senate Democrats— including New York Senator Chuck Schumer—will support the President and the Secretary on this.  Democrats need to stand strong, not allow Republicans to undermine this remarkable progress.  Republicans would very much like to do that by insisting on still more sanctions during this six-month period.  To do that would be to unravel the historic agreement reached yesterday.

 

This agreement was made possible because of the Obama Administration—the result of far tougher sanctions imposed during his term and bringing in more of the international community.   We are not alone with our goal of a non-nuclear Iran, and for the first time there's a glimmer of hope that this goal might be realized peacefully.

 

Now it's time for that to be duly noted and celebrated—understanding that time, along with built-in accountability measures, will tell what the next step will be.