For eight years, Europe — and many progressives in the US — lamented the Bush Administration’s unilateralist approach in the Middle East.<\/p>\n
It was ‘shoot first and ask questions later.’ And with the exception of Great Britain’s Tony Blair, European and UN leaders hated it. <\/p>\n
But now the Obama Administration is floundering as it looks to use diplomacy and multilateralism to advance important goals, including the end of Iraq’s nuclear program.<\/p>\n
On Monday, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters that diplomatic outreach “has produced very little in terms of any kind of a positive response from the Iranians.”<\/p>\n
The International Atomic Energy Agency has played an important role in monitoring Iranian nuclear ambitions.<\/p>\n
But international organizations — and European powers — have done little to help pressure the Iranians into compliance. <\/p>\n
At stake here are two important principles: First, the Iranian regime cannot be allowed to emerge as a nuclear power.<\/p>\n
Also vulnerable is the idea that diplomacy, sanctions, and popular pressure can work when America’s military might isn’t in play. <\/p>\n
How can we make progress? A good place to start would be filling Europe’s streets with protesters and vigils.<\/p>\n
Peace groups on the Continent once raised hell over the U.S.’s nuclear plans. They should do the same over Iran’s infinitely more dangerous ambitions.<\/p>\n
If Tehran feels truly isolated — by Europe, China and Russia — maybe, finally, real talks will resume.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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