March 23, 2017
Congress, Trump need a united front to face down Iran
Iran policy has been one of the most divisive foreign policy issues in recent years. The Obama administration’s nuclear deal passed Congress without a single Republican vote, and Donald Trump campaigned on a pledge to get tougher on Tehran. And with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee annual conference in Washington next week, we may see this issue once again near the top of the agenda as Congress is expected to introduce a slew of new initiatives.
For all the divisions, today it is on Iran policy that Congress can lead, joining forces across parties and even with the new administration.
With Iran now “officially on notice,” President Trump has yet to spell out the precise contours of his more aggressive approach. Given the intense debates on Iran during the Obama administration, many members of Congress have spent more time focusing on this foreign policy issue than any other. As administration officials review their options, Congress should seize the opportunity to articulate an assertive approach that can win the support of both the executive and legislative branches.
Read the full article at The Hill.
More from CNAS
-
How to Keep Hezbollah Away from Power
Commentary
The Middle East is entering a new era; Iran is weaker than it has ever been, the Assad regime is no more, and Lebanon is under new leadership with the potential to create last...
By Delaney Soliday & Adam Koussih
-
The Democratic Party Has a Middle East Problem
Podcast
Daniel Silverberg, adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, joins Brian for a candid conversation about the shifting politics of U.S. Middle East polic...
By Daniel Silverberg
-
Podcast
Indo-Pacific Security / Middle East Security
Ep. 45 | Global Swing States and the New Great Power CompetitionWith the future of the global order hinging on the outcome of today’s great power competition, a group of multi-aligned states has emerged with a growing ability to influence ...
By Richard Fontaine
-
Podcast
Middle East Security / Energy, Economics & Security
Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?The world has held a close eye on the Strait of Hormuz lately with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. Nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil passes through the narrow wat...
By Rachel Ziemba
