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Neal's avatar

It’s kinda silly to think there’s a single template for dealing with enemies. Every enemy has different strengths, weaknesses, constraints, and capabilities.

I think it’s easier to make cases about what doesn’t work. Our experience in the Middle East I think demonstrates that military-led forced regime change doesn’t lead to positive outcomes. I think every time we’ve tried to appease enemies it’s led to bigger problems down the line.

Regarding Iran, the motivations of the regime seem to sincerely be religious in nature: kill Jews and expand Islam. If nothing else, it’s hard for a regime to chant “Death to Israel, death to America” and then negotiate in good faith for mutual benefit while maintaining credibility at home.

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Benjamin B's avatar

Yes, you nailed it, it’s easy to say what doesn’t work, and important to recognize. But moving forward requires productive solutions and ideating.

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Jonathan L Becker's avatar

Let’s spend the next 10 years ideating over solutions. That’ll really get us somewhere. Two simple things, restore the sanctions and make it clear to Iran about the cost if it continues process of acquiring a nuclear weapon.

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