The Iran deal is our best possible option. Let’s not spoil it: Heinbecker

Paul Heinbecker analyses the Iranian draft nuclear deal and concludes with the following sharp and pointed comment:

Finally, what can and should Ottawa do? Not much in Tehran, because with our embassy closed by the Harper government, we are blind, deaf, and dumb there. And as for Washington, we should just “zip it.” It would be an error in substance, and destructive of our wider interests, if we undermined the Obama administration vis-a-vis Iran, Israel or Congress. As regards Israel, we should not succumb to the temptation to play diaspora politics, even in an election year in Canada. We should, therefore, do nothing overtly to support Mr. Netanyahu, whose own election tactics destroyed whatever credibility he still had outside of Israel and the Republican side of Capitol Hill.

The Harper government has said little, but has announced a contribution of $3-million to support the IAEA’s efforts to monitor Iranian compliance. On an issue so fraught with dangers, such constructive circumspection is the beginning of wisdom. May it continue.

The Iran deal is our best possible option. Let’s not spoil it – The Globe and Mail.