IRAN NUCLEAR DEAL...A TRIUMPH FOR DIPLOMACY AND OBAMA

Today as New Horizons space ship flew by the most visible and distant body in our solar system--the dwarf lanet Pluto, our mastery of science and techology for once seems to have been matched or even eclipsed by just plain old common sense! The less common, it seems, life sense of humans who yearn for a safer more sane and sustainableable world. For on this date we were witness to both the pinnacle of human technical mastery in the form of the Pluto fly-by AND a triumph of human earth-bound common sense in the form of diplomacy over the folly of saber rattling and nuclear holocaust. The event: President Obama with VP Biden at his side announcing the accord with Iran on its nuclear technology ambitions and the relief from sanctions imposed by the US and P5 nations.

As expected, elements from the left tail-end of the IQ bell curve, particularly those in the running for the GOP nomination for the top office of this land, were all dead set against this logical, sane accord. On the Democrat side, the top contender, Mrs. Clinton described the agreement as "an important step" not even a "good" important step! Mrs Clinton's response only reinforces the perception that she is not trustworthy or honest. Senator Bernie Sanders on the other hand was among those few who spoke clearly and honestly in open support.

Mr. Netanyahu, the sole nuclear hegemon in the Middle East, remains, as expected, vociferously opposed to this accord, greeted almost unanimously around the world with optimism. He would prefer a war, preferably one in which the USA was engaged and did the heavy lifting. This accord makes that human and economic disaster less likely. But as a bully boy in the ME, Mr. Netanyahu's objections are at least understandable.

But what of the Republicans? What are they against? Or with Mrs. Clinton, why is she undecided?

According to the NY Times, July 14, 2015, "Crucial Provisions of the Accord" this is what we know so far about the treaty:

Iran will reduce its stockpile of enriched Uranium to only 300 Kg (660 lbs) and keep this cap on its stockpile for fifteen years.

Iran will cut the number of centrifuges which it operates to enrich uranium by two thirds. They will be limited to only the early models of centrifuges they already have. The decommissiioned centrifuges will be stored and continuosly monitored by the IAE. The accord limits on fuel (above) and the limit on centrifuges will make it impossible for Iran to make a quick "break-out" (at least one year) to build a bomb should that nation abandon the accord.

Finally, Iran is restricted from research in ballistic and nuclear-related technologies.

On the US and allies side, the anctions against Iran will be lifted. Iran will again be able to sell its oil and trade on the international market and use the global financial system. Its frozen cash assets will be released.

The international arms embargo against Iran will gradually be lifted, the pace being dependent upon IAE inspections of its nuclear facilities.

A "Snap Back" provision for sanctions is incorporated into the accord to be implemented if it is deemed by an established international body that Iran is not abiding by the accord.

The results of the accord in a few words: Iran does not have now and will not have the capacity to produce a nuclear weapon for fifteen years and beyond! It's ability to break out of the accord and begin weapons making would be impossible for at least a year. Diplomacy has won over war, over threats of bunker busting bombs, asssination of Iranian nuclear scientist and computer virus attacks. Obama and his team have put together an accord that makes peace a possibility in the chaotic Middle East and in the world in general. It will stand as a testament to his vision and perseverance in the face of overwhelming opposition.

So what is there to object to? Perhaps it is only that the GOP, like the kid who will cut off his nose to spite his face...wants to undermine anything that Obama accomplishes. Let us not let them do that this time.