Critical Documents: Iran

Eight Ways to Deal with Iran
Stephen J. Hadley, Foreign Affairs

Acknowledging the security threat posed by a nuclear armed Iran, Hadley emphasizes the necessity of a detailed and comprehensive solution. He presents eight potential resolutions to the threat, ranging from a temporary “stop the clock” agreement to an overt military strike. The benefits and risks of each option are presented in detail.

Weighing Benefits and Costs of International Sanctions Against Iran
Collaboration between former U.S. Government officials and national security professionals

Published by The Iran Project, this report analyzes the pros and cons of international sanctions against Iran. These sanctions slow the growth of Iran’s nuclear program and weaken the country’s local and international influence. However, sanctions also lend to strengthened anti-American sentiment and threaten global energy supply.

A Red Line and a Reeling Rial
The Economist

International sanctions have had a disastrous effect on the Iranian economy. Iran’s rial has lost at least 25% of its value against the dollar, and the price of food staples has doubled. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu believes the sanctions have done nothing to stop the country from advancing its nuclear agenda. President Obama is not nearly as alarmed, stating that a nuclear armed Iran is not yet an imminent reality.

Ten Reasons Iran Doesn’t Want the Bomb
Seyed Hossein Mousavian, The National Interest

In this selection, Mousavian rebuts the popular opinion that Iran is actively working towards becoming a nuclear power. Not only is the development of nuclear weaponry considered to be a sin by the Iranian religious community, but nuclear power would inhibit Iran’s global aspirations and intentions. Giving ten reasons the country doesn’t want the bomb, he argues that Western pressures are only aggravating tensions.

Why Iran Should Get the Bomb
Kenneth N. Waltz, Foreign Affairs

Waltz opposes the majority view of the U.S., Europe, and Israel. He suggests that instead of destabilizing global security, the capability to create nuclear weapons would result in a “nuclear peace” in the region by countering Israel’s nuclear monopoly. If Israel’s acquisition of the bomb didn’t start an arms race in the 1960s, there’s no reason Iran’s push for a nuclear weapon would lead to unchecked proliferation.