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Thursday, October 23, 2003
Iran's promise is worth a try
Iran must have really done the right thing for the whole world the other day with regard to nuclear development. After all, the administration rushed to claim credit for the actions of the purported Axis of Evil member.
On Tuesday, Iran promised foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany that it would open its nuclear-related facilities to broader international inspections. Iran also suspended uranium enrichment, although it didn't say how long the restraint would last.
As British Foreign Minister Jack Straw pointed out, Iran must deliver on its promises. Israel, among other countries, will be watching. One test will be whether Iran's cooperation continues over time, not just when the world is considering possible sanctions for violations of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Iran's gradual progress toward democracy argues for optimism.
For the moment, at least, the Iranian action appears positive enough to satisfy most of the world. While Europeans congratulated themselves on showing the United States that diplomacy works better than force, the administration put out the word that its firmness had led to Iranian concessions.
There's plenty of credit to go around. Iran's decision to clearly distance itself from any nuclear weapons development aims ought to ease tensions for much of the world. That is good news, not a sign of evil doing.
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