The United States, led by President Obama, Secretary of State Kerry, diplomats and foreign policy experts, have put together an agreement with Iran and six other countries to limit Iran’s nuclear program. The agreement, subject to benchmarks and sanctions, takes the threat of Iranian nuclear proliferation off the table for at least 10 years.
Evidently, this is not good enough for some of our local officials who signed a letter addressed to senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and representatives Steve Israel and Kathleen Rice, urging them to vote against the agreement. They suggest that their Iranian constituents, most of whom came to the United States after the fall of the Shah 36 years ago, and most of whom are against the agreement, “understand” the Iranian mentality in a way that our diplomats, military and president cannot.
I trust that these signatories, many of whom are up for re-election, are interested in pursuing security without warmongering, rather than in pursuing votes.
I trust they will give peace a chance.
—Ruth Shalom
