Republican House of Cards

The alternative to reaching an agreement with Iran is war.  If Iranian development of nuclear weapons is unfettered we would bomb Iran's nuclear sites.  Wisely, the American public does not want another war in the Middle East.  So the Republicans have invented the myth of the better deal.

They would up the ante, overcoming their objections to this deal.  The first objection is that lifting sanctions will enrich Iran.  Since Iran is not our friend, that money may not be used consistent with America's best interests.  But the purpose of sanctions was to bring Iran to the bargaining table.  Time to declare victory.  It worked.  You cannot stop nuclear development and keep the sanctions.

The second, and most substantive, objection is that Iran might cheat.  No tougher inspection regime has ever been imposed, but it is not perfect.  Iran may cheat.  But we did get a snap back provision.  If cheating is discovered, sanctions go back in place automatically.  No United Nations resolution is required.

The third objection is that the agreement does not deter other bad acts by the regime.  The sole goal of the sanctions, and of negotiations, was to deter nuclear development.  The agreement can only be judged on that basis.

The Republicans claim that if they block this deal, they will force concessions.  The Republicans want to bluff with a lowly two pairs, convincing voters that they have a full house.  No better deal is in the offing.  Iranian hardliners may yet block this deal.  But more importantly, there are 5 other players at the table.

We can only effectively walk away with our chips if France, Germany, Great Britain, Russia and China agree to void the hand.  If the other countries lift sanctions, the Republican Congress will be playing solitaire.  Two years of tough negotiations, and tough sanctions, have yielded the best result that Iran would agree to and that Russia, China and our allies would accept.  The Republicans are playing liar's poker.