Senator Chuck Schumer of New York has become the first high-profile Democrat to publicly oppose the nuclear deal the U.S. and six world powers struck with Iran. Outlining his rationale on the website Medium, Schumer said he would vote against the deal “after deep study, careful thought and considerable soul-searching.” His opposition centers on the fact Iran would be able to build a nuclear weapon after 10 years. And, Schumer says, under the deal, inspections of Iran’s nuclear sites was not “anywhere, anytime.” Congress has until September 17 to vote on the deal that was struck in July. President Obama has threatened a veto if lawmakers reject the historic accord. It’s unclear if opponents of the deal in Congress have enough votes to override a presidential veto. Most Republicans oppose the deal, as does Israel. Schumer’s opposition could allow other Democrats who are privately opposed to the agreement to publicly come out against it. The Obama administration has made a push to promote the deal. The president called it a choice “ultimately between diplomacy and some form of war.” Secretary of State John Kerry sought to assuage Israeli concerns about the deal. The onus is now on Obama to stand fast on the international accord that his administration has clinched, and which is likely to go as his legacy of rapprochement with rogue states. By terming Schumer’s stunt as a fantasy, Obama has deciphered it in an appropriate manner. The president rightly illustrated that the deal enjoys support from the world community, except Israel. To its credit, even the Gulf states are cautiously supporting the deal as they widely stand convinced that it would not alter the balance of power in the region. The deal cobbled by P5+1 is an attempt to not only hold back Tehran from going nuclear but also to preserve the volatile region of Mideast from another undesired war. Shenanigans of people like Schumer are meant to serve self-cherished goals and should be dealt with profound reason and logic at debating forums. As Congress resumes work after the summer recess, the White House has to lead from the front in saving the masterpiece of disarmament. Obama has already made it clear that he will veto any Congressional attempt to set aside the deal. He has to walk the talk to keep at bay legislators who plan to indulge in political exigency.
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