A reality based independent journal of observation & analysis, serving the Flathead Valley & Montana since 2006. © James Conner.

14 April 2015

An open letter on Iran to Senators Tester and Daines

As you consider the how the U.S. Senate should discharge its Constitutional duty to advise and consent on the multi-lateral executive agreement on nuclear energy and weapons with Iran, please take no step that results in, or makes more likely, war with that nation.

Iran has the materials, tools, and knowhow to build an atomic bomb. It will not renounce the right to do so. If Iran decides to build an atomic bomb, it will. We can’t stop that from happening, not even with the splendid little bombing campaign that Sen. Cotton thinks will be a cakewalk.

What, then, is the best possible outcome of an agreement with Iran? A recognition by Iran that exercising its right to build an atomic bomb is not in its enlightened self-interest. That might take some time. An agreement that gives Iran time to arrive at that realization is in the enlightened self-interest of our nation.

And if Iran builds a bomb anyway? Should we then launch Operation Guncotton to try to blow Iran’s nuclear facilities to Kingdom Come? No. We’ve lived with nuclear armed nations since 29 August 1949. It’s not pleasant, but history proves it’s possible. An uneasy but peaceful standoff with Iran based on the deterrent of mutually assured destruction is a state of affairs much preferable to sending our sons and daughters to die in another war.

Therefore, get behind our President. Support this agreement. Make it work. Do nothing that leads to our men and women in uniform returning home in body bags. Advise restraint. Consent to peace.

—James Conner