Saul Alinsky on Iran

Saul Alinsky on Iran: "In response to multilateral condemnation of its nuclear program, Iran has announced its intent to expand massively its uranium enrichment facilities. Once again, the White House press spokesman has announced gravely that Iran has chosen to 'isolate itself.' Once again, the UN Security Council will consider a menu of ineffective economic sanctions. Far better for the president and the Secretary of State to consider the counsel of their erstwhile mentor, Saul Alinsky. In Rules for Radicals, Alinsky observes, 'No one can negotiate without the power to compel negotiation.'

This is the nub of the Obama administration's problem with Iran. In fact, it was the nub of the Bush administration's problem with Iran, and of the Clinton administration's before that. How are we to compel Iran to negotiate seriously over its nuclear program?

The Bush administration developed a comprehensive program of 'carrots and sticks' to bring Iran to the negotiating table. Carrots included the offer for more normal diplomatic relations, to join the World Trade Organization, and other economic incentives. Sticks included economic sanctions against entities involved with Iran's nuclear program, export controls on nuclear-related materials, and travel and financial sanctions against officials working in Iran's nuclear program."