Journal Article - Washington Quarterly
The Fool's Errand for a Perfect Deal with Iran
After months of optimistic statements from negotiators, the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) and Iran still have not achieved a comprehensive agreement to resolve the nuclear dispute. However, the interim Joint Plan of Action (JPA) is—at this writing—still in force and both sides maintain that a comprehensive deal remains within reach.
In reality, however, the negotiations have made limited overall progress. The two sides appear to have narrowed some seemingly intractable differences, most notably on Iran's IR-40 research reactor, which the United States and its allies have maintained could produce plutonium for a weapons program. Specifically, Iran has stated its readiness to make technical changes to the reactor's design that would reduce the amount of plutonium it can produce.1 However, they have failed to resolve many of their most important differences. Moreover, both sides remain so far apart on these issues that it appears unlikely they could reach an accord to resolve them.
Continue reading: https://twq.elliott.gwu.edu/sites/twq.elliott.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Fikenscher-Reardon_Fall2014.pdf
1 Rick Gladstone, "Iran Altering Reactor in Bid for Nuclear Deal," New York Times, August 27, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/world/middleeast/iran-alteringreactor-in-bid-for-nuclear-deal.html?_r=0
For more information on this publication:
Please contact
Managing the Atom
For Academic Citation:
Fikenscher, Sven-Eric and Robert J. Reardon. “The Fool's Errand for a Perfect Deal with Iran.” Washington Quarterly, vol. 37. no. 3. (Fall 2014): 61-75 .
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions
- Foreign Policy
A Face Lift Can't Fix the State Department
Analysis & Opinions
- ARD Online
Clüver Ashbrook on Biden's greatest challenges
Analysis & Opinions
Inauguration Day: The USA between fear and hope
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions
- National Post
War Between China and the United States Isn't Inevitable, But It's Likely: An Excerpt From Graham Allison's "Destined for War"
Paper
- Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Ideal Qualities of a Successful Diplomat
Journal Article
- Journal of Risk Research
Precaution against Terrorism
After months of optimistic statements from negotiators, the P5+1 (the five permanent members of the UN Security Council plus Germany) and Iran still have not achieved a comprehensive agreement to resolve the nuclear dispute. However, the interim Joint Plan of Action (JPA) is—at this writing—still in force and both sides maintain that a comprehensive deal remains within reach.
In reality, however, the negotiations have made limited overall progress. The two sides appear to have narrowed some seemingly intractable differences, most notably on Iran's IR-40 research reactor, which the United States and its allies have maintained could produce plutonium for a weapons program. Specifically, Iran has stated its readiness to make technical changes to the reactor's design that would reduce the amount of plutonium it can produce.1 However, they have failed to resolve many of their most important differences. Moreover, both sides remain so far apart on these issues that it appears unlikely they could reach an accord to resolve them.
Continue reading: https://twq.elliott.gwu.edu/sites/twq.elliott.gwu.edu/files/downloads/Fikenscher-Reardon_Fall2014.pdf
1 Rick Gladstone, "Iran Altering Reactor in Bid for Nuclear Deal," New York Times, August 27, 2014, http://www.nytimes.com/2014/08/28/world/middleeast/iran-alteringreactor-in-bid-for-nuclear-deal.html?_r=0
- Recommended
- In the Spotlight
- Most Viewed
Recommended
Analysis & Opinions - Foreign Policy
A Face Lift Can't Fix the State Department
Analysis & Opinions - ARD Online
Clüver Ashbrook on Biden's greatest challenges
Analysis & Opinions
Inauguration Day: The USA between fear and hope
In the Spotlight
Most Viewed
Analysis & Opinions - National Post
War Between China and the United States Isn't Inevitable, But It's Likely: An Excerpt From Graham Allison's "Destined for War"
Paper - Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, Harvard Kennedy School
Ideal Qualities of a Successful Diplomat
Journal Article - Journal of Risk Research
Precaution against Terrorism