Candidate Calculator 2008 Election
U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
Introduction
Iran has been developing a nuclear program for nearly two decades. It claims it is developing nuclear power for domestic energy needs, but many nations suspect Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Currently, Iran is enriching uranium, experimenting with plutonium, developing hard-water facilities and installing thousands of centrifuges in enrichment facilities, all active steps toward developing nuclear capabilities.
The United Nations Security Council has imposed two rounds of economic sanctions against Iran. The United States is pressuring the Security Council to implement further sanctions, and it has implemented its own sanctions against Iran.
Yes: Support U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
Iran is a rogue nation that harbors terrorists and is unapologetically anti-American since the Iranian Hostage Crisis in 1979. The United States must prevent a nation as openly antagonistic toward it from developing nuclear capabilities. The United States cannot risk believing Iran's claim that it is developing nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes. Time and time again history has shown that intervening early with belligerent nations before they have acquired more power and arms is the wisest course of action for securing peace and American interests.
You support this or similar arguments.
No: Against U.S. Sanctions Against Iran
A nuclear Iran is dangerous, but the United Nations has sanctions in place. Before striking out on its own, the United States should work together with the United Nations. The Iraq War has damaged U.S. diplomatic standing throughout the world, and like it or not, the United States needs cooperation from as many nations as possible if sanctions are to work—otherwise nations such as Russia or China will undercut the efforts and take the trade abandoned by U.S. companies. In fact, some argue that the best way to influence Iran is not through sanctions, but through increased economic ties. The thinking being that the more economically interconnected are two nations, the less chance of hostilities. See the arguments that support free trade for more details.
You support this or similar arguments.
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Additional Information
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