President Obama announced in January that a deal was reached to halt Iran’s nuclear program. He also announced that a separate negotiation had been reached on a decades old debt dispute; that $400 million in frozen assets would be returned, plus $1.7 billion interest, which was way less than Iran was seeking. (The Shah paid the U.S. millions of dollars for weaponry that was never delivered, as he was deposed by the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 1981 the 2 countries agreed the international tribunal, The Hague, would settle the legal claim.) Our president agreed to settle this old score in order to halt their nuclear capabilities. A 3rd negotiation was for the release of 4 Americans; the New York Times stated, “all three issues came together in a carefully choreographed push that many hoped would set the stage for the constructive relations between the two nations; the administration withheld the payment to ensure that Iran didn’t renege on its promise to free the detainees”, which was strong, smart diplomacy! Our president said, “We do not pay ransom. We didn’t here and we won’t in the future!” Anyone using this situation for political gain, instilling in the minds of terrorists that we do pay ransoms — puts all Americans at risk! (It is, however, NOT against our law IF a president decided to pay a ransom!)
Aug 31 2016
Trump and others have called the delivery of $400 million to Iran a payment in exchange for hostages. What do you think?
President Obama announced in January that a deal was reached to halt Iran’s nuclear program. He also announced that a separate negotiation had been reached on a decades old debt dispute; that $400 million in frozen assets would be returned, plus $1.7 billion interest, which was way less than Iran was seeking. (The Shah paid the U.S. millions of dollars for weaponry that was never delivered, as he was deposed by the 1979 Islamic Revolution. In 1981 the 2 countries agreed the international tribunal, The Hague, would settle the legal claim.) Our president agreed to settle this old score in order to halt their nuclear capabilities. A 3rd negotiation was for the release of 4 Americans; the New York Times stated, “all three issues came together in a carefully choreographed push that many hoped would set the stage for the constructive relations between the two nations; the administration withheld the payment to ensure that Iran didn’t renege on its promise to free the detainees”, which was strong, smart diplomacy! Our president said, “We do not pay ransom. We didn’t here and we won’t in the future!” Anyone using this situation for political gain, instilling in the minds of terrorists that we do pay ransoms — puts all Americans at risk! (It is, however, NOT against our law IF a president decided to pay a ransom!)
By spiritspeak • Community Roundtable 0