Iran’s October missile test. (Iranian Defense Ministry via AP)
The Obama administration is letting Iran get away with provoking the United States and its allies with impunity following July’s nuclear deal between the country and world powers, according to a Washington Post editorial on Sunday.
The Islamic Republic, the piece says,
is racing to fulfill those parts of the accord that will allow it to collect $100 billion in frozen funds and end sanctions on its oil exports and banking system, while expanding its belligerent and illegal activities in other areas — and daring the West to respond.
Unfortunately, the Obama administration’s response … [has been to] downplay them … thereby encouraging Tehran to press for still-greater advantage.
The Post points to the unjust imprisonment of its Tehran bureau chief, Iranian-American journalist Jason Rezaian; the arrest of two businessmen with US citizenship or residence; and the October and November test-firing of long-range missiles.
The editorial then rips into the White House and State Department for a total lack of response to the above human rights and UN Security Council resolution violations – going so far as to refer to this inaction as “fecklessness,” and to bemoan what it considers to be the cause of it.
President Obama is reluctant to do anything that might derail the nuclear deal before Iran carries out its commitments, including uninstalling thousands of centrifuges and diluting or removing tons of enriched uranium. The same logic prompted him to tolerate Iran’s malign interventions in Syria, Yemen and elsewhere, along with the arrest of Mr. Rezaian, while the pact was under negotiation.
The editorial concludes:
Iran is clearly testing the will of the United States and its allies to enforce the overall regime limiting its nuclear ambitions. If there is no serious response, it will press the boundaries in other areas — such as the inspection regime. It will take maximum advantage of Mr. Obama’s fear of undoing a legacy achievement, unless and until its bluff is called. That’s why the administration would be wise to take firm action now in response to the missile tests rather than trying to sweep them under the carpet.
By: The Algemeiner