Editor, Times-Union: We are at a delicate place in the negotiations between Iran and six major powers (U.S., France, China, Russian, Germany and Britain) to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran and avert another war in the Middle East. Forty-seven Republican senators recently sent a letter into the mix, undermining the leaders of those six nations and strengthening the hand of the hardliners in Iran who don’t trust us. Thankfully, our own Indiana senators didn’t take part in this travesty. This is not the first time the GOP has blatantly attempted to sabotage the fragile, internationally backed negotiations with Iran. Are these senators aware that while the negotiations take place, Iran has shown good faith by freezing key parts of its nuclear program, not developing any new centrifuges and most importantly allowing daily access to sites, mines and centrifuge production facilities, some with 24-hour video surveillance? Do they seriously think other nations will continue to honor any sanctions we propose after the senators have sabotaged a deal? Iran is a signatory to the Non Proliferation Treaty and as such has pledged not to develop nuclear weapons, but is entitled to a peaceful nuclear energy program. There is nothing in the treaty which prohibits enriching uranium, so they are going the extra mile by even considering restrictions. President Obama let us know when he was running for office that he was open to talking to other leaders, whoever they may be. We are still paying dearly for leaders in the past who thought sending our young people to war was the answer to some problem. Let’s give our president and other world leaders a chance to do what’s right. Dean Beery Huntington, via email
