Answers to “Tough Questions” About Iran
1. Q: "Isn't this only about Israel's safety and well-being?"
A: This is no more about Israel than it is about any other country which does not share the Iranian theocracy's views. Fundamentalist extremism such as that espoused by Iranhas killed people of nearly every religious and political stripe throughout the world, especially other Muslims.
2. Q: "Israel almost certainly has nuclear weapons. Why should Iran be prevented from having nuclear weapons as well?"
A: Other nations in the region also have nuclear weapons—China, Russia, Pakistan, India. The key difference is that none of them threaten to wipe other nations "off the map" or imply they will use nuclear weapons in an offensive, first-strike capacity. Moreover, Iran seeks to create regional and global instability. Lastly, Iran actively recruits and maintains large groups of suicide bombers as part of its national military strategy; so nuclear terrorism is a frightening possibility.
3. Q: "The oil is flowing from Iran right now; doesn't that provide stability?"
A: Beyond Iran's own political instability, it has been a massively destabilizing influence throughout the region. Additionally, Iran's ongoing attempts to export radical Islamist doctrine to the Muslim-majority former Soviet republics make it a danger to the future security of both Russia and China.
4. Q: "Wouldn't it be better to entice Iran's cooperation through incentives?"
A: Iran's total lack of good faith in negotiations indicates that they are following the same path as North Korea, which violated agreements after receiving huge concessions. Incentives might be better used rewarding those who stand with us against Iran.
5. Q: "Iran has threatened America and its allies with a wave of suicide bombings if sanctions are enacted. Why should we endure this?"
A: Because a nuclear-armed Iran that did not fear retaliation would be much more dangerous. Iran's goal - by their own admission - is to have nuclear weapons for a broader purpose. Since 1979, Iran's rhetoric and actions have consistently attempted to make its version of Islam and Islamic law predominant world-wide. Its rulers are religious extremists, its government is a theocracy, and their actions have to be viewed in the context of their world-view, not ours.
6. Q: "Let's say you can get sanctions and they are actually enforced; what does the end look like? What is the ultimate goal?"
A: An Iran that respect's the sovereignty and security of its neighbors, and which does not reflexively resort to belligerence and threats as a means of achieving its goals. An Iran that realizes it is part of a community of nations and acts accordingly is the ultimate goal.
