Obama The Iran Deal We Should Have Done

I knew you had nothing.

 

Your "logical reasons" for leaving our citizens in the hellhole that must be an Iranian prison without even making it a negotiating point is just more rationalizations. Even if I was in favor of the deal I wouldn't approve of abandoning our people when it was such an easy thing to demand and a very easy point for the Iranians to concede.

 

But it was ok for a traitor, couldn't leave him behind

 

Why do Republicans get so angry every time GWB is brought up in a political discussion? Each Presidency is measured against all of the others, especially the ones immediately preceeding them.

 

At this time I think accepting the treaty is the only workable path. This isn't because of the so called merits of the treaty but for the consequences of the U.S. being the only country to refuse ratification. Face fact the Russians see too much opportunity as they and Iran share investment in Assad's Syria. They also see opportunity in arms sales (remember the S-300s ?). Likewise our European allies aren't interested in continuing the sanctions. We cannot stand alone on this. The only barrier to the deal happening is for Iran to reject it. I wouldn't hold my breath on that.
That being said are there serious issues and weaknesses in the agreement. The technical points are debatable and have pluses and minuses that we really aren't knowledgable enough to really comment.
Likewise the economic issues are technical and somewhat arcane.
Finally there is no support for going back to the negotiating table.
My problems with the deal are two fold. First is trusting Iranian intent and what they will do with the $100bn or so and whether they really want to join the world as a mature citizen. Tied into this is what seems to be the president's idee fixe that Iran can be a factor in bringing peace to the ME. This is as naive as W's belief that Iraq could be the same.
I advocate acknowledging reality and making the best we can and watching the Iranians like a hawk. Just because there's a treaty doesn't mean you're don't remain vigilant.

 

This is the million dollar question and the concern of every reasonable person.

 

Unfortunately I fear the president doesn't worry enough about that.

 

http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2015/09/sheldon-adelson-is-ready-to-buy-the-presidency.html#

 

So, NC, how do you and the other liberals not named red55 feel about not making the release of American prisoners held in Iran a negotiating point to the deal?