Americans for Peace Now and DeLee: U.S. Must Engage Iran

Debra DeLee has an Op-Ed in JTA this week in which she argues, that the United States does not have to like Iran's president to engage in real diplomacy with his country, and engaging Iran in order to safeguard vital U.S. national security interests is not appeasement. DeLee says that the American-led strategy to cajole, threaten and sanction Iran into submission hasn't stopped its nuclear program.

Americans for Peace Now also released a new statement on September 24, 2008 calling on the Presidential candidates to support diplomacy with Iran as part of its "Responsibility over Rhetoric" initiative aimed at the Obama and McCain campaigns. Below is the full statement from APN. Like the DeLee Op-Ed, the statement calls on the candidates to embrace a serious, success-oriented approach to the challenge of Iran, involving a strategy of sticks and carrots, and founded on direct, determined diplomacy with Iran.

APN to Presidential Candidates: Support Iran Diplomacy

For years Iran’s leaders have espoused virulently anti-U.S., anti-Israel positions, complemented by moral and financial support for extremists and terrorist organizations – including Hamas and Hezbollah. The rise to power of President Mahmoud Ahmedinijad – arguably the most anti-Western, anti-Israel, anti-Semitic Iranian leader in history – has heightened concerns about Iran’s intentions in the region and in the world. These concerns have grown over the past decade, as Iran has tenaciously pursued a nuclear program.

An Iran armed with nuclear weapons represents an alarming scenario that neither the U.S. nor Israel can afford to ignore, and one that the U.S. and the international community should be exerting all efforts to avoid. A nuclear-armed Iran poses a potential existential threat to Israel and is likely to trigger a nuclear arms race in the region. An unchecked rogue Iran will likely continue to use support for terrorist groups to further destabilize the region and threaten Israel and other vital U.S. interests, including in Iraq and Lebanon. Moreover, in the absence of an effective international strategy to deal with Iran, domestic pressure for Israel to take matters into its own hands will continue to grow.

Unfortunately, instead of an orchestrated international effort to engage Iran and address these very serious issues, the U.S. has worked to ensure that the world follows its lead in adopting a one-dimensional strategy toward Iran – a strategy that seeks to threaten, browbeat, and sanction Iran into submission.

This strategy has failed. It has not stopped Iran's nuclear program or Iran’s reckless meddling in the region. Perversely, it may even have had the opposite effect: Just as American politicians routinely bolster their patriotic credentials by talking tough about Iran, today Iranian hard-liners -- including Ahmadinejad -- burnish their own nationalist credentials with pledges to stand up to American “bullying.” Indeed, such nationalist rhetoric is one of the only planks Iranian hard-liners have left to run on, given the domestic economic and social challenges facing their country. It should surprise no one that pushed into a corner, many Iranians -- including those who don't support Ahmadinejad -- have come to view the nuclear program as a symbol of national honor and pride.

And while it is true that the United States has at times offered to engage Iran in a limited manner, such engagement has been preconditioned on Iran first freezing its nuclear program. This approach – in which, as a precondition to negotiations, Iran is required to take an action that from its perspective should be the outcome of negotiations – has been unsuccessful. Preconditioning negotiations in this manner does not constitute genuine diplomacy.

Ahmadinejad is a populist rabble-rouser whose anti-American, anti-Semitic and anti-Israel rhetoric is repugnant. His country's support for terrorist groups throughout the region is abhorrent. Nobody is suggesting that America’s next President should embrace him.

But just as clearly, demonizing Ahmadinejad while constantly reminding him that "all options are on the table" does not constitute the basis for a responsible or effective Iran policy. Sanctions are indeed a potentially powerful tool for putting pressure on Iran, but they simply will not suffice as a replacement for diplomacy in resolving our differences. Clearly the option for military action is always available, but that option and even its threat must be reserved as the option of truly last resort.

Addressing the challenges posed by Iran requires a smarter strategy -- combining carrots and sticks, incentives and sanctions -- and strong U.S. direct engagement and leadership. The next U.S. President does not have to like Ahmadinejad to engage in real diplomacy with his country, and engaging Iran in order to safeguard vital U.S. national security interests is not appeasement. Rather, as the 2007 National Intelligence Estimate on Iran underscored, it is the kind of sensible and responsible foreign policy that is long overdue. A bipartisan group of five former Secretaries of State, speaking together at a September 15, 2008 forum, agrees:

Madeleine Albright (who served under President Bill Clinton): “I believe we need to engage with Iran. I think the whole point is you try to engage and deal with countries you have problems with…I think it’s one of the most important relationships that we need to work on. We are not gaining anything by this [current approach]…”

Gen. Colin Powell (who served under President George W. Bush): “…we should start to talk to them. Don’t wait for, you know, a letter coming from them. Start discussions.”

Warren Christopher (who served under President Bill Clinton): “…our relationship with Israel needs to be strong enough so we can say to them ‘Look, we want to have a comprehensive dialogue with the Iranians.’ We can’t be complacent about the nuclear possibilities in Iran, but nevertheless we cannot afford not to have a comprehensive dialogue to see if it can’t be stopped, because, frankly, the military options here are very, very poor…”

James Baker (who served under President George H.W. Bush): “We ought to engage. Yes… We’re all saying that you [the next U.S. President] ought to engage…”

Henry Kissinger (who served under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford): “…I am in favor of negotiating with Iran…”

Such a diplomatic effort will not be easy; indeed it will almost certainly be a long and arduous process. Nor is its success a foregone conclusion. But such an effort is indispensable if the United States is serious about dealing with serious challenges to U.S. foreign policy goals and to U.S. national security interests posed by Iran.

Americans for Peace Now urges the Presidential candidates to:

>>>> Enunciate a clear recognition that the current U.S. approach to Iran, consisting almost exclusively of sanctions and saber-rattling, has failed.

>>>> Embrace a serious, success-oriented approach to the challenge of Iran, involving a strategy of sticks and carrots – sanctions and meaningful incentives – and founded on direct, determined diplomacy with Iran, without preconditions.

>>>> Abandon casual rhetoric about U.S. or Israeli first-strike options, and discard the notion that the guiding policy of the U.S. must be that “all options are on the table.” Clearly, the option for military action is always available, but it must be reserved as the option of truly last resort.

Churches for Middle East Peace Statement on Iran

Churches for Middle East Peace has released a new policy statement on Iran. Below is the full statement.

CMEP Policy Statement on Iran: September, 2008

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) calls for robust U.S. diplomacy throughout the Middle East to resolve conflicts and reduce tensions, including direct, serious and sustained negotiations with Iran. CMEP views with deep concern the possible development by Iran of a nuclear weapon and Iran's ongoing support for Hezbollah and Hamas. As a coalition representing a wide variety of American Christians, we deplore the anti-Israel statements of Iranian President Ahmadinejad.

To address the current impasse, the United States should pursue a comprehensive diplomatic strategy vis-à-vis Iran, together with international partners, that maximizes non-military options to avoid escalation and strengthens global and regional nuclear nonproliferation efforts, including bolstering support for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty (NPT). Such a strategy must include economic and diplomatic incentives and should recognize that, while sanctions – carefully targeted not to impact vulnerable civilians and constantly evaluated for effectiveness – are preferable to the use of force, they are not a replacement for diplomacy.

CMEP opposes any pre-emptive military action against Iran, as well as provocative rhetoric or measures that increase the threat of confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. Military conflict with Iran would likely spark a dangerous regional crisis and would further marginalize moderating forces within Iran.

The vigor of the human rights discourse and vibrancy of civil society in Iran, even under formidable pressure from authorities, is promising and can be best furthered by diplomatic openings with Iran. CMEP supports efforts to build relationships and understanding between the people of Iran and America, including promoting more people-to-people exchanges among religious leaders and civil society.

CMEP remains committed to supporting vigorous U.S. diplomacy to resolve the Israeli-Arab conflict and views diplomatic engagement with Iran as integral to fostering regional peace, security and stability.

I'm Back

I apologize for the long lapse in postings. I had a bad swimming/cliff jumping accident about two weeks ago during which I fractured my spine in three places. Though I am somewhat limited, I'm home and doing well recovering. I feel very blessed that I will have a full recovery and will not need surgery.

Now, back to Iran. Link TV has produced a documentary of the June 10 "Time to Talk to Iran" even on Capitol Hill, providing an opportunity for American citizens and U.S. Congressional representatives to use a row of 60’s-era red “hotline” telephones to talk directly to ordinary Iranians in Tehran, including a 60-year-old petroleum engineer, a software designer, a French literature professor and a high school student.

The Link TV footage is unique in that they had a crew in Tehran to film the other side of some of the conversations. The 60-year-old petroleum engineer agreed to allow Link TV to film him while he was speaking on the phone with Americans. Click here to watch the documentary.

California Labor Federation Opposes Military Attacks on Iran

On July 23, 2008, the California Labor Federation passed a resolution opposing the controversial concurrent resolutions H.Con.Res. 362 and S.Res. 580. The resolution also calls for a deescalation in the confrontation with Iran. It also urges the AFL-CIO and Change to Win to take similar actions. Below is the full text of the resolution, a copy of which will be delivered to Nancy Pelosi, the Speaker of the House; Harry Reid, the Senate Majority Leader; and the entire California Congressional Delegation.

Resolution to Stop Escalating the Confrontation with Iran and Reduce the Danger of Another Military Conflict in the Persian Gulf

WHEREAS, the Bush Administration appears intent on ratcheting up tensions with Iran over development of its nuclear energy capabilities, and this escalation has raised the danger of a miscalculation or provocation that could result in military conflict between the U.S. and Iran, possibly involving Israel as well; and

WHEREAS, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has found no violation of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NNPT) and no evidence has been presented to demonstrate that Iran is in violation of any international treaties; and

WHEREAS, Iran, as a signatory to the NNPT, has a right to pursue the pursue the development of nuclear energy for peaceful uses, including uranium enhancement, and IAEA has found Iran to have met all the treaty requirements to which it is subject; and

WHEREAS, Rep, Gary Ackerman (D-NY) has introduced a resolution in the House, which is cosponsored by 231 other members of Congress, and a concurrent resolution has been introduced in the Senate by Sen. Evan Bay (D-IN) cosponsored by 33 other senators that calls upon the president to immediately impose additional sanctions on Iran, including prohibiting the export to Iran of all refined petroleum products, and imposing stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran; and

WHEREAS, such an embargo can be construed under international law as an act of war, and in an atmosphere of rising tensions could trigger military confrontation and conflict; and

WHEREAS, under circumstances of increasing danger of military conflict with Iran the price of oil has been driven even higher on the international market; and an embargo enforced against Iran by the U.S. Navy could lead Iran to cut off oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world supply of oil is transported, resulting in a huge additional increase in the price of oil, while driving into the conflict all the other nations affected by the cutoff; and such conflict could quickly spiral out of control in a wider regional war; and

WHEREAS, the Congress has already given the president unlimited authority to initiate military actions anywhere in the world under the 2003 resolution adopted at the outset of the invasion of Iraq, and thus the president will feel no obligation to bring a decision about whether to launch an attack on Iran to the Senate for ratification as required by the Constitution;

THEREFOR, BE IT RESOLVED that the California Labor Federation calls upon members of the House and Senate to reject H.R. 362 and S. 580, and to make clear to the president that he has no unilateral authority to initiate unprovoked military action against Iran or an embargo which could easily result in military conflict with Iran, or to support in any way such actions initiated by Israel or any other country, and that the United States should pursue instead conflict resolution through diplomatic alternatives in conjunction with the IAEA and the United Nations.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be communicated to the Speaker of the House and Majority Leader of the Senate, and all House and Senate members in the California Congressional delegation, and further, that copies also be forwarded to the AFL-CIO and Change to Win to urge that they too take such actions.

Approved at the California Labor Federation Convention July 23, 2008

New Film on Civilian Diplomacy

Golden Gate Cinema is shopping around a new revealing documentary, "Iran: Hot Tea, Cool Conversations.” The film chronicles an American college student's journey to Iran; challenging the conventional media portrayal of the country. Below is a trailer for the film.

The National: Activists Open Lines to Iran

The National, a new Abu Dhabi based media company, has an article on the "Time to Talk to Iran" event and the growing grassroots movement to prevent a military attack on Iran. Note: Nick Jehlen from Enough Fear is actually the mastermind behind the red phones and had previously set up actions in Boston and New York. We worked with him to bring the action to DC.

Diplomatic Courier: What Peace with Iran Could Look Like

The Diplomatic Courier has a feature story this week on "What Peace with Iran Could Look Like." The article focuses on the June 10, 2008 "Time to Talk with Iran" event and the importance of diplomacy to resolve to the U.S.-Iran standoff.

Real News Network Coverage of Time to Talk with Iran Event

Americans Talk Directly to Iranians

On Tuesday, June 10, 2008, the Campaign for a New American Policy on Iran (CNAPI) and the Enough Fear Campaign organized an innovative “Time to Talk with Iran” event and press conference on the Terrace of the West Side of the Cannon House Office Building. With the U.S. Capitol backdrop, Representatives Barbara Lee, Lynn Woolsey, former Congressman Bob Barr, Ron Paul, Marcy Kaptur and Sheila Jackson-Lee joined the campaign in a press conference and spoke in support of direct, bilateral and comprehensive talks without preconditions between the governments of the United States and Iran. The members of Congress were then invited to join Campaign members, foreign policy experts and American citizens in using a row of 60’s-era red “hotline” telephones to talk directly to ordinary Iranians, including a 60-year-old petroleum engineer, a software engineer, a French Literature professor and high school student. Click here to watch a video summary of the event by The Real News Network.

The “Time to Talk with Iran” event was an exercise in civilian diplomacy. It allowed Americans and Iranians to speak directly and get to know one another. There were more than 50 conversations between Americans and Iranians during the event. Most of the conversations focused on general personal questions and addressed how Iranians feel about Americans and how Americans feel about Iranians. The general sense was that despite the rhetoric between the governments of both countries, Americans and Iranians can and should be friends. Perhaps most significantly demonstrating this point, a number of people exchanged email addresses to continue the conversations. Politics mostly came up in the conversations between members of Congress and the Iranians. There was great emphasis on the need to get dialogue going and wanting better relations.

Campaign for a New American Policy on Iran organized the “Time to Talk with Iran” event because we believe that a military confrontation between the United States and Iran would have enormous human and financial costs. It would also plunge the Middle East, and global economy, into further violence and chaos. The Campaign advocates direct, sustained, and comprehensive talks without preconditions between the governments of the United States and Iran as a realistic way to resolving the long-standing conflicts between the two countries.

Concurrently on June 10, CNAPI organized a nationwide Call-in to Congress for Diplomacy with Iran for organizations with grassroots constituencies. Nearly 5,000 calls from across the country were made using the 1-800 number set up by the Campaign to Congressional representatives in the House and Senate urging direct diplomacy not war with Iran.


Click here for more information about the event.

Congress must not be left asking “What Happened?” in Iran

Congress must not be left asking “What Happened?” in Iran.

The Bush Administration will do and say anything to justify an attack on Iran.

Not sure? Just ask former press secretary Scott McClellan.

Congress must act to ensure that the president does not take the U.S. into another catastrophic war.

On Tuesday, June 10th, members of Congress and others will get the chance to talk directly to Iranian citizens through hotlines set up on the West Side Terrace of the Cannon Building.

Stop by from 10am–1pm for the “Time to Talk with Iran” event and show Congress we can talk with Iran.

Sponsored by the Campaign for a New American Policy on Iran.

New Iran Video

Agit Pop has created an edgy new video on preventing war and calling for diplomacy with Iran. The project was funded by the Lee and Gund Foundation.

Iranians and Americans Take Diplomacy Into Their Own Hands

To facilitate people-to-people diplomacy, Enough Fear designed an action to connect Americans and Iranians who otherwise would never have the opportunity to talk with each other. Yesterday, they launched their first diplomatic hotline in Boston Commons which gave the opportunity to passers-by to speak directly to someone in Iran.

According to the AP article on the action, which was picked up by several papers, WBUR in Boston and NPR, Sarah Shugars, 24, an Emerson College master's student who was the first to take the phone, asked the Iranian on the other end of the line, “May I ask how the U.S. is portrayed in the media?” A 25-year-old artist on the other end in Iran, whose name and hometown could not be identified for fear of Iranian reprisals, responded, “Iranians don't have a problem with the American people, and it's just the president that's problematic and giving them a hard time.”

While the governments of the US and Iran have not engaged in direct diplomacy at official levels for decades, this citizen action allows ordinary citizens in both countries to connect with each other and demonstrate a willingness to resolve tensions through dialogue and diplomacy. Nick Jehlen said that 15 to 20 people took advantage of the opportunity during the hour-long effort yesterday. Nick noted it was a test run for an action that could be repeated in other cities. I’ve announced in my monthly “Iran Update” e-newsletter and Enough Fear is looking for volunteers in other cities.

Enough Fear Campaign

Here is a creative citizen action: The Enough Fear campaign. Enough Fear is an international effort to prevent war between the US and Iran and the campaign is collecting photos of Americans and Iranians on its website to demonstrate solidarity in this cause.

The Enough Fear campaign was created by The Action Mill, the same people who founded Turn Your Back on Bush in the wake of the 2004 US Presidential election. We create non-violent direct actions, events, websites, and other tools for progressive organizations, grassroots groups and campaigns.