Whether you’re an optimist, a pessimist or somewhere in between, this week’s Action Update has something for everyone. From predictable behavior by the Islamic Republic, to surprising twists in the Iran saga and, not least, some welcome vigor from Israel’s allies on Capitol Hill, we’re covering it all.
Anyone Surprised?
The moment the most recent round of Iran nuclear talks in Vienna commenced, the Iranians called for a complete end to US sanctions against the Islamic Republic. Last week, and many times before, we dove into the fundamental flaw in these talks. So, it should not come as a great surprise that the talks ended with nothing accomplished whatsoever.
The silver lining to all of this is that the US did not capitulate to Iran’s extreme demands. And while that may not seem like much, its better than the alternative. Nonetheless, the world continues to be confronted with a belligerent, terrorist supporting, nuclear weapons seeking, pariah state in the Islamic Republic of Tehran. Something must be done.
Anyone Listening?
After the most recent Iran negotiations misfire, French President Emmanuel Macron said, “It is difficult to reach an agreement if the Gulf states, Israel and all those whose security is directly affected are not involved.”
Couple things…. First, Macron is right, and the CUFI Action Fund, as well as virtually everyone
else who is actually concerned with preventing a nuclear Iran, have been saying for quite some time that one should include in this process those most threatened by Iran - namely Israel and the Arab states. Second, while it is a bit surprising that this is coming from the French President, we’ll take it; the question is, will the Biden Administration listen or plod forward on another soon to be failed round of talks?
There are a few axioms of political science that have held true over the years. All politics is local is one. Nothing against our Parisian friends, but another that should be quickly
gaining favor is that if you find your negotiating position weaker than the French, you’re off the reservation.
Anyone Opposed?
Raise your hand if you think Iran should be allowed
to target American citizens for kidnapping and other crimes without any consequence. Nobody? Ok, let’s try another. Raise your hand if you believe the Palestinian Authority should receive foreign aid while continuing its pay-to-slay policy. Still no one? Well, we agree, and that’s why this week the CUFI Action Fund is coming out in support of two important pieces of legislation.
First, we are backing the Masih Alinejad Harassment and Unlawful Targeting (HUNT) Act, which will sanction Iranian individuals, banks and others associated with efforts
to target American citizens. This bipartisan bill, led by Senators Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Pat Toomey (R-PA), is about as common sense as it gets. We look forward to the legislation swiftly landing on the President’s desk.
The second bill we’re supporting is the Taylor Force Martyr Prevention Act led by Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR). This legislation strengthens the Treasury Department’s existing anti-terrorism financing authorities to more effectively target banks which are used to facilitate or promote martyr payments to terrorists or banks who
knowingly provide financial services to Hamas.
Both bills are important reminders about the danger’s freedom loving people face from the Iranian regime and their proxies. It is up to all of us to ensure that those forces of evil are countered at every turn. Effective legislation targeting the regime and its tentacle’s is just one way, ensuring that billions don’t flow into their coffers as a result of Iran’s nuclear blackmail is another.
Sincerely,
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