Double Whammy on House Suspension Calendar

I have been posting for the last two weeks that we should be expecting these bills to come up any time and now they are set on the House Suspension Calendar for Monday, July 30.

H.R. 957 - To amend the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 to expand and clarify the entities against which sanctions may be imposed (Rep. Ros-Lehtinen – Foreign Affairs)

H.R. 2347 – Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2007 (Rep. Frank – Financial Services)

It seems highly unlikely that either of these bills will fail to pass in the House. Most Members of Congress seem to think that rhetorically beating up on Iran scores them political points. Most have failed to grasp that concept that ramping up rhetoric and sanctions threats against Tehran only undermines US diplomatic efforts and strengthens the case being made by the hardliners inside of Iran.

Rather than ramping up threats, Congress should press for more sustained direct talks with Iran. Iranian expert Professor William Beeman published an excellent article about how the US should negotiate with Iran entitled "How to Talk the Talk with Iran." It can be read here, below the first article.