[BusinessInsider] In speaking with nearly 30 experts and veterans of both the Bush and Obama administrations, I've found one core factor at the heart of this outcome: the desire to avoid military engagement with Iran at all costs -- and, particularly during the Obama administration, the fear of even threatening it.Without a credible threat to use force, the United States has relied on tools that alone could never have compelled the Islamic Republic of Iran to abandon its nuclear program.
Convinced that the United States would not attack, Iran has largely dictated the terms. The history of negotiating with Iran suggests that no matter the result of the next round of diplomacy -- full agreement, another extension, or collapse -- the Iran talks have failed.
| There's a cute little map at the link that will be of absolutely no use to you if you are even slightly colourblind, dear Reader. But if you aren't, it's quite informative. |
