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Open Think Tank Articles

November 2, 2011 | October's Best Debates

Editorial Team: Great policy ideas are collaborative, and member comments are a key part of our think tank. Here are some of the best comment debates from the past month, including discussions about Iran’s nuclear intentions, what Libya means to NATO, strategies for better engagement with Russia, and the possibilities of a Eurasian Union.

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October 31, 2011 | Overcoming the Paradox of Iranian Sanctions

Sascha Lohmann: The ever increasing use of sanctions against Iran reveals their actual function as a policy substitute. An engagement strategy based on concrete reciprocity should be used to fill this strategic void.

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October 17, 2011 | Iran's Nuclear Buildup Now Faces Tough Future

Paul Smyth: Away from the headline grabbing conflicts in North Africa and Syria and the recent convoluted assassination attempt, Iranian progress toward membership of the atomic club has continued with little international attention or fanfare. But recent events point to Iran having a much more difficult road ahead.

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August 25, 2011 | Nonviolent Tactics Could Topple Regime in Iran

CGA at NYU Ethnic Conflicts Learning Community : Nonviolent movements have toppled autocrats from Serbia to Egypt, and these tactics could also work in Iran. Protestors should exploit internal government divisions and leverage their youth and the strength of women to bring down this oppressive regime.

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March 16, 2011 | Earthquakes: Iran not Safe for Nuclear Energy

Gerlinde Gerber: Following the catastrophe in Fukushima it is time to add a new dimension to the already controversial discussion about the Iranian nuclear program. This should serve as further push for the international community to strengthen its efforts to halt Iranian nuclear development.

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October 26, 2010 | Isolate the Regime in Tehran

Niklas Anzinger: President Obama’s current dialogue policy legitimizes and strengthens radical forces in Iran, while it weakens moderates. The West should adopt a more confrontational strategy which includes consistent political and economic isolation.

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March 22, 2010 | Improving India's Nuclear Standing

Manasi Kulkarni-Kakatkar: India’s nuclear relations with world’s big powers have caused a great deal of friction. Next month’s Nuclear Security Summit is a chance for India to show its commitment to non-proliferation and to be a leader of setting up mechanisms for securing nuclear materials.

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May 17, 2007 | Quid Pro Quo is Best Deal For US and Iran

Maximilian Terhalle: I recommend that the United States offer Iran a fair deal in order to secure American interests in the Gulf region. The US needs to consider Iran’s political ambitions if it hopes to make headway with Tehran, and the international community should get involved in negotiating a mutually beneficial agreement.

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Global Must Read Articles

October 26, 2012 | Where do Iranians Stand on their Nuclear Program?

In celebration of Iran’s “Ten Years of Nuclear Resistance,” Deputy Secretary Bagheri depicted Obama’s dual strategy as counter-productive, doing little to change behavior. ++ And he may be right. ++ Despite pressure from the West, 87% of the Iranians still consider their nuclear program important. ++ At the same time, 65% blame the economic hardships on sanctions. ++ All this suggests that

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August 8, 2012 | Why Israel (and the US) Exaggerate the Iran Problem

Israel’s “bomb Iran fever” is based on lies and what if’s. ++ Iran does not even have nuclear weapons and has offered concessions beyond its obligations under the NPT, but still Israel is foolishly convinced that it is a threat. ++ In part, it is a public relations stunt the Israeli government plays off of. ++ Israel would not attack Iran without consent from Washington and the others anyway.

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June 16, 2011 | No Ahmadinejad, no Dialogue

The weakening of Ahmadinejad’s presidency, exercised by Iranian religious leaders, significantly decreases the chances of nuclear negotiations with the US. ++ Despite his strong beliefs in the necessity of a nuclear program, the Iranian president is “the most ardent advocate” of nuclear talks, which he has used to raise his political profile. ++ Since the Iranian religious

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August 28, 2009 | Iran's Regime Loses Ground

Although “the protesters have been routed from the streets of Tehran, the political turmoil in Iran continues unabated behind the scenes.” ++ The leaders authorities are challenged by a group of religious and secular elites. ++ It is doubtful that the regime will respond meaningfully to the Obama administration’s deadline to discuss the nuclear issue. ++ The biggest challenge for Washington is of

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June 23, 2009 | Israeli-Iranian War Becomes Very Possible

The current demeanor of both, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could lead to war in 2010. ++ Although the leaders aim at different goals, “they are united in their apocalyptic religious visions.” ++ The probable failure of US-Iranian nuclear negotiations must result in more sanctions against Iran. ++ The international community should prepare for

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April 17, 2009 | Iran's Nuclear Program Central to Middle East Peace

Ahead of US Middle East envoy George Mitchell’s visit to Israel, the issue of continuing Iranian uranium enrichment looms large. ++ Israelis want to see deadlines and performance based-milestones in place. ++ This issue is “emboldening this region’s extremists and cowing its moderates,” reducing the prospect for any successful resolution on matters relating to Palestine. ++ To improve the chances

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April 10, 2009 | Don't Focus Iranian Dialogue on Nuclear Issues

President Ahmadinejad saying that Iran “welcomes a hand extended to it should it really and truly be based on honesty, justice and respect” is a significant response to recent US overtures. ++ Iran has announced that its nuclear productive capacity had increased, and talks to persuade Iran to suspend its nuclear program are ongoing. ++ Iran sees its nuclear program as a vital sign of its

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April 6, 2009 | Patience with North Korea Is Required

Threatening North Korea with military action will not work. ++ North Korea knows that it can ask for much in return for the abandonment of its nuclear program, such as food and economic assistance. ++ A treaty would be attractive “if it were signed by all the relevant great powers” as part of a larger international disarmament move. ++ North Korea has become ostracized, and the offer of

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April 6, 2009 | The Clock Ticks on US - Iran Relations

As the US reaches out to Iran inch by inch, the concern exists whether this “incremental, seemingly ad hoc approach is best.” ++ Serious efforts are being made to find common ground and dispel the “Bush-era threat of regime change.” ++ Evidence suggests that Iranian people are eager for contact, while Iranian officials downplay the US outreach plan. ++ Obama has to decide whether to continue upon

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April 2, 2009 | Nuclear Stress: From Iran to North Korea

The period between April 4-8 will be characterized by tension given North Korea’s plans to launch a rocket and the suspicion that it might be a long range missile. ++ The US spoke of a defensive response if the rocket heads towards the US. ++ Yesterday’s meeting between President Obama and Hu Jintao could be crucial given China’s role as North Korea’s main oil supplier.

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March 24, 2009 | Iran and US Share Their First Words

Obama used television to address the people and government of Iran. ++ The President invited Iran into the “community of nations” but reminded them that rights come with responsibilities. ++ Iran replied by saying that actions speak louder than words. ++ Given a tempestuous bilateral relation such words are unlikely to make a breakthrough. ++ Obama can foster some diplomatic ties by

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March 20, 2009 | Iran Should Imitate the EU

It is silly to think that Mr Ahmadinejad is not aware of the enormity of reprisals to which he would be exposed should he attack Israel. ++ Thus, it is by no means excludable that the sole reason behind Iran’s insistence to continue its nuclear program is to be regarded as an equal partner. ++ After all, several countries such as France or Israel went through the same logic. ++ Yet, reproducing

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March 6, 2009 | A Fair Bargain Will Make Tehran Cooperate

Changing tone does not suffice, the US ought to consider Iran as a truly equal partner to reset the relationship with Tehran: “In Iran there is no willingness to co-operate with the US without being paid back,” as happened in the past. ++ Mr Biden’s message in Munich has not been welcomed on the Iranian side and was perceived in other words, as a continuation of Bush’s carrot and stick approach.

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February 25, 2009 | West, Stuborness Doesn't Pay Off!

Albeit at a slow pace, Iran is proceeding with its uranium enrichment program. ++ Unless the West completely reconsiders its diplomacy tactic vis à vis Iran, it is difficult to imagine a changed scenario: “years have been lost to ineffective approaches.” ++ Obama’s initiative to have direct negotiations with Tehran should have been opted for earlier. ++ An alluring option could be

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November 20, 2008 | "Three Options for Obama to Engage Iran"

President-elect Obama has repeatedly stated that he is willing to open talks with Tehran. ++ Obama will continue to contain Iran through multilateral mechanisms as well as greater coordination with Arab allies, should Tehran decide to reject US overtures. ++ There are three options in dealing with Iran. ++ Obama could limit Iran’s engagement to issues of common interest, start a

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October 31, 2008 | Falling Oil Prices - Key to Negotiations with Iran

The dramatic fall in oil prices could be the key to Iranian willingness to negotiate about their nuclear program. ++ Despite economic sanctions, Iran has managed to compensate for this financial hindrance via high oil prices, but current trends will intensify sanctions. ++ “30 percent inflation and 11 percent unemployment” will contribute to the oil price crisis – threatening

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September 11, 2008 | Do Not Ask If but When Israel Strikes Iran

Israel is known for not tolerating a deadly threat, and so it is only a matter of time before it strikes Iran. ++ The international community failed to pressure Iran, as it did not block the Strait of Hormuz thereby harming Iran’s oil-based economy. ++ This option would have had a negative impact on the oil market in the short run, but could have averted a new war. ++ The outcome of the elections

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August 18, 2008 | Iran Gambles with Russia-Georgia Conflict

Iran remains mute on Georgia crisis. ++ US-Russia rift could spoil Iran Six negotiations; or increase Russia’s engagement. ++ Historical ties to Georgia and more recent fears of Russian aggressiveness should lead Iran to condemn this violation of Georgian sovereignty. ++ Tehran needs to act as an impartial mediator. ++ An adverse effect on Russian-Iranian relations has to be risked. ++ Post-9/11

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June 30, 2008 | Talking to Teheran

“A US willingness to talk to Iran on the full range of issues dividing the two countries offers the best hope of rescuing a failed policy.” ++ If the US does not negotiate with Iran as proposed by Obama, they will be lacking options besides attacking Iran. ++ The Europeans, Russia, and China are already in dialogue with Teheran. ++ After coordinating with the Europeans, the US should start

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June 11, 2008 | Bush Helps Saudis Go Nuclear, Who are we Securing?

Bush is moving toward helping the Saudis develop a nuclear program under the guise of energy security. ++ Considering that Saudi Arabia bathes in oil and basks in sunlight, something is missing. ++ Adding a counterweight to Iran’s nuclear aspirations is what this is actually about. ++ The US should heed the lessons of history, that its addiction to oil spreads extremism and that adding nuclear

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June 9, 2008 | Europe: Trapped Between Washington and Tehran?

Europe is playing a dangerous game with Iran. ++ Supporting US-endorsed sanctions while simultaneously maintaining business ties with Iran has resulted in a “schizophrenic policy.” ++ While the US sees a nuclear Iran as absolutely unacceptable, many Europeans’ worst nightmare instead is a US or Israeli attack on Iran’s nuclear facilities. ++ “Europe’s new leaders may speak loudly, but they still

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May 20, 2008 | Iran: Requesting Transparency Not Suspension

While Iran’s nuclear program frustrates the West and demonstrates “the limits of American power,” feelings of satisfaction and success unite Iranians. ++ Western incentives for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment - such as commercial contracts - are unimaginative and defective. ++ Since Iran’s regional hegemonic ambitions won’t ebb, the US and its EU Allies should encourage a plan that trades

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April 25, 2007 | Chicago Tribune Finds UN Giving Dollars to Dictators

After the UN oil-for-food scandal, it seemed UN aid programs couldn’t possibly sink lower in public opinion. Enter North Korea which, according to the Chicago Tribune, has taken $150 million in hard currency from the UN Development Program in Pyongyang. UN officials now promise a full audit, but the fact that this “development aid” was used during the period when the North Korean nuclear weapons

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April 16, 2007 | Christoph Bertram on Gently Nudging Iran to Play Ball

The United Nations approach to halting the Iranian nuclear program is a deepening hole that the Security Council and Germany should “stop digging,” says Christoph Bertram, the former director of the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin and a member of the Atlantic Initiative Advisory Board. Bertram notes that attempts at sanctioning Iran have heightened Tehran’s

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Comments

November 8, 2011 | Thank you all very much for your comments. As...

March 28, 2011 | @Nabi: Fairness? Seriously? Poor Tehran,...

October 20, 2009 | From my point of view Iran has the same right...

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