November 20, 2013 John Bradshaw gives a speech on recent nuclear deal with Iran to an audience at Florida State University /wp-content/uploads/2013/12/irantalks1125d.mp3 Read More ›

Last month negotiators from the P5+1 and Iran reached a historic agreement over Iran’s long disputed nuclear program.  The first step of a two-phase deal provides meaningful constraints on Iran’s nuclear program and provides a six-month period for the parties to come to a comprehensive resolution of the Iranian nuclear impasse. However, last week reports emerged of an effort, led by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor for Congress to define the terms of a final agreement – before the negotiations on the final phase have begun. Cantor’s bill would reportedly call for the maximalist “zero enrichment” position for Iran’s program, a position analysts have deemed unrealistic. Micro-managing negotiations from Capitol Hill and pushing unworkable approaches undermines negotiators seeking a diplomatic solution, which remains the best… Read More ›

As the security situation inside Syria becomes increasingly complex, intelligence agencies are focusing concern on the role of extremists in the conflict, particularly Westerners joining the fight. At the same time, the international effort with regime cooperation is advancing toward the removal of chemical weapons in accord with the September agreement. Yet, despite the cooperation on the chemical weapons issue, both the pro-Assad forces and the opposition are obstructing deliveries of humanitarian assistance. This obstruction is worsening the already dire humanitarian situation on the ground. While the need for a political resolution to the Syrian civil war remains central to addressing the humanitarian crisis, there are concrete steps that the international community can take to improve the situation. In complicated conflict, the already massive humanitarian… Read More ›

On November 23 President Obama announced to the country that world powers reached agreement on the first step of an accord with Iran over its controversial nuclear program. While details of implementation of the first step remain to be worked out, the accord will slow and roll back key elements of the nuclear program putting in place intrusive inspections, while providing modest sanctions relief for Iran. The deal has received some criticism in Congress and from war hawks like John Bolton. Most foreign policy experts, though, have expressed strong support for the deal, and many have called on Congress not to interfere with negotiations by adding on additional sanctions. The widespread support across the political spectrum will provide space for negotiators to move forward with… Read More ›

Security Insiders: World Powers Struck a ‘Good Deal’ With Iran By Sara Sorcher December 3, 2013 | National Journal But experts are split on whether the interim deal will lead to a lasting agreement. A strong majority of National Journal‘s National Security Insiders thought the recent agreement between world powers and Iran—to limit its nuclear program in exchange for some sanctions relief—is a “good deal,” despite scathing criticism by Iran hawks and Israel. The agreement, inked in Geneva, “is better than expected and rolls back key aspects of the Iranian progress toward bomb-grade highly enriched uranium,” one Insider said. It also increases likely international support for tougher sanctions, another Insider added, if Iran does not comply with this accord or refuses to conclude an acceptable, subsequent comprehensive… Read More ›

This week, Vice President Joe Biden travels to Japan, China and South Korea. The trip comes just one week after Beijing declared what is known as an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the East China Sea, requiring foreign aircraft – both civilian and military – to report their flight plans with Beijing and remain in contact while inside the zone. While commentators point out there is nothing inherently alarming about an ADIZ – which other countries operate as well, including the U.S. –  Beijing’s move has elicited concern in Washington and in the region because it overlaps with  islands contested by China and Japan that have been the focal point of increasing tensions between the two countries. As analysts and official statements from  countries… Read More ›