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In-Depth Coverage

Original Commentaries

12/06/10
Examining the P5+1-Iran Talks in Context  —Karim Sadjadpour, associate, Middle East Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Interview with Middle East Bulletin
12/01/10
Egyptians and Jordanians Head to the Polls  —
11/17/10
Working Towards Progress  —

Setting the Record Straight

Determined to Reach a Common Objective

“We knew at the outset that the task would be difficult. We acknowledged that publicly and privately. We knew this would be a road with many bumps— and there have been many bumps—and that continues to this day. But we are not deterred. We are, to the contrary, determined more than ever to proceed to realize the common objective, which we all share, of a Middle East that is at peace with security and prosperity for the people of Israel, for Palestinians, and for all the people in the region. We will continue our efforts in that regard, undeterred and undaunted by the difficulties, the complexities or the bumps in the road.”—George Mitchell, special envoy for Middle East peace, remarks with Prime Minister Netanyahu, September 29, 2010

Middle East Analysis

Upcoming Events

The Road Forward on Middle East Peace

Event: October 1, 2009 - 12:00pm-1:00pm

Introduction:
Winnie Stachelberg, Senior Vice President for External Affairs, Center for American Progress

Featured speaker:
Congressman Robert Wexler (D-FL)

Moderated by:
Moran Banai, U.S. Editor of Middle East Bulletin

WATCH HERE

Next Steps with Iran

P5+1-Iran Meeting in Geneva (AP)

Examining the P5+1-Iran Talks in Context

Karim Sadjadpour, associate, Middle East Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Interview with Middle East Bulletin

The P5+1 is currently holding its first meetings with Iran in more than one year. What do you think are the objectives of the two sides in these meetings?

The objective of the P5+1, particularly the United States and Europe, is to commence a process whereby Iran would eventually, in the near term, agree to meaningful and binding nuclear compromises and greater transparency. Whereas in previous discussions the goal of the United States was for Tehran to cease uranium enrichment, I think it’s understood that is no longer a realistic outcome.
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Background Basics

Overview of Recent International Sanctions on Iran

UN Sanctions
Passed: June 9, 2010
The sanctions passed with twelve states voting in favor, Lebanon abstaining, and Turkey and Brazil voting against. The sanctions were the fourth round passed by the UN. They include, among other provisions, further restrictions on arms sales to Iran; increased inspection of cargo with Iran as its destination or point of launch; prohibitions on Iran investing in other countries’ nuclear-related activities; additional restrictions on Iranian banks outside the country with connections

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A Comparison of the October 2009 and May 2010 Nuclear Deals with Iran

On May 17, Turkey, Brazil and Iran announced an agreement on a proposal for Iran to transfer a portion of its low enriched uranium (LEU) supply to Turkey in exchange for more highly enriched uranium. The proposal followed an agreement between France, Iran, Russia, the United States and the IAEA—the “Vienna Group”—in October 2009 that also focused on a uranium swap. The 2009 proposal was described as a confidence-building measure and was part of a larger

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Iran’s National Security Framework

Supreme Leader
Designated the political and religious leader of the Islamic republic.
Controls all critical foreign policy decisions.
Appoints the six religious members of the Council of Guardians.
Appoints the head of the judiciary, leader of the state-run media and the top military officials.
Commands the armed forces, decides when to mobilize the military and is the only person who can declare war and peace.
Possesses final

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The Obama Administration’s Statements and Actions on Iran

Since taking office, President Barack Obama’s administration has initiated a review of U.S. policy towards Iran led by Puneet Talwar, National Security Council senior director for Iraq, Iran and Gulf States and Dennis Ross, special adviser to the secretary of state for the Gulf and Southwest Asia. While undertaking the review, the administration has already begun to make changes in the way the United States engages with Iran.

January 20: In his inaugural address, President Obama

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