Kerry was asked, if the nuclear deal, reached last week would make it more likely that Israel might attempt a military or cyber attack on Tehran.
Obama made an unprecedented nuclear deal with Iran, circumventing Congress and going to the United Nations Security Council, which backed the deal. The deal does not need congressional approval to take effect, but Republicans are expected to try and sink it with legislation that would block Obama from lifting sanctions lawmakers have previously put in place.
These include secret letters of understanding between the U.S. and France, Germany and the United Kingdom that spell out some of the more ambiguous parts of the agreement, and classified explanations of the Iran deal’s provisions that commit other countries to provide Iran with research and development assistance on its nuclear program. While it’s a good deal for Iran, it’s a bad deal for America, Israel, and our allies.
In addition, the idea that Congress must approve the deal so the United States retains its global credibility is bizarrely wrong.
Obama has been especially ambitious in his goal of turning Iran from an enemy to a friend, using the proposed nuclear agreement as a means of trying to bring that isolated country back into the family of nations and ceding its status as a leading power in the Middle East. Activists say a “no” vote from Schumer will not be enough; they want him to rally others to override President Barack Obama’s anticipated veto. “So what’s your plan?…” We could even invite ISIS to come in and fight it out with the Iranian militants for the desolated, non-nuclear wasteland.
“Iran is the world sponsor of terrorism…their aim is to go nuclear”, said Roz Rothstein, the CEO of StandWithUs, a global Israel education organization.
Opening the hearing on a contentious note, the committee’s Republican chairman, Bob Corker, criticized Kerry in the terms he negotiated. World powers have called it a historic opportunity to set relations with Iran on a new path.
The aide spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t authorized to discuss lawmakers’ decisions until they are formally announced. “No”, said Moniz. With the exception of Sen.
Senator Ben Cardin, the top Democrat on the committee, said he has not yet decided how he would vote, but he felt that “our negotiators got a terrible lot”. In the House, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi has expressed optimism that a veto can be upheld.
Across the Capitol, Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer met privately with several House Republicans. “I doubt Congress will be more careful in the future, since it typically doesn’t like (and cannot organize itself to exercise) the responsibility as an equal constitutional partner in the conduct of U.S. foreign relations.”This debate overlays another year-long one among legal scholars, according to University of Virginia School of Law Professor John Harrison, who focuses on constitutional law”.
