Defusing Iran
European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton, left, and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, speak to the press after closed-door nuclear talks in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Iran and six world powers are back at the negotiating table eager to come to terms on a comprehensive nuclear deal but deeply divided on what it should look like. The two sides began meeting Tuesday in attempts to build on a first-step accord that temporarily curbs Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for some sanctions relief. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)
European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton, left, and Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, speak to the press after closed-door nuclear talks in Vienna, Austria, Thursday, Feb. 20, 2014. Iran and six world powers are back at the negotiating table eager to come to terms on a comprehensive nuclear deal but deeply divided on what it should look like. The two sides began meeting Tuesday in attempts to build on a first-step accord that temporarily curbs Tehran's nuclear activities in exchange for some sanctions relief. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak)

BERLIN – On February 18, crucial negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program began in Vienna between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany (the P5+1). The alternative to the talks is a further nuclear buildup by Iran, followed by additional international sanctions and, eventually, another war in the Middle East, which no one believes can resolve the problem. So, can a comprehensive agreement that respects Iran’s right to civilian nuclear energy, while allaying the international community’s fears of weaponization, be achieved?

Read more at Project Syndicate.

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