Interesting spin from Obama
A nuclear deal with Iran -- whether it proves good or bad -- will be a chunk of Obama's foreign policy legacy but he's been extremely careful not to tout the deal or talk about any kind of new era.
Instead, he's stuck to lines emphasizing skepticism, distrust and even antagonism. It's probably a wise strategy to help sell it to Congress and the public. He doesn't want to look like a friend of Iran.
Here are some of his comments:
- Iran continues to pose 'challenges' to US
- 'Real consequences' if Iran breaks deal
- He doesn't foresee formal relations with Iran
- Arms embargo issue with Iran is 'real concern'
- Likely that with sanctions coming down, Iran will have more resources for its military and activities in that region that are threatening
- Shares concerns about more Iran arms causing conflict in region
- There are mechanisms under international law to interdict Iran weapon shipments
- It's possible Iran will try to cheat
- We don't have the diplomatic leverage to eliminate every bit of a peaceful nuclear program in Iran
- Critics have not presented a better alternative to Iran deal
Biden said "I think we're going to be okay" on Iran Congressional deal review. The key is whether it gets through.
