ARGUING “STOP NOW”
Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies
ARGUING “TOLERATE”
Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center
MODERATOR
Host and Moderator-in-Chief
This week:
- New episode: Is this the right moment to stop Iran from building nuclear weapons?
- Your Sunday reading list
Iran is expanding its nuclear program and can produce enough uranium for a weapon within as little as one week, according to Secretary of State Antony Blinkin.
Some say now is the time to consider bold action against the Middle Eastern country. Given Iran is still affected by economic sanctions, and it has suffered setbacks in the loss of a key ally in Syria and the dismantling of its “Axis of Resistance” with Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran may be even more emboldened to develop the ultimate deterrent. Furthermore, tolerating a nuclear Iran would create further instability in the region and embolden its leaders to strike our allies.
However, others disagree about the timing. They say Iran’s current vulnerability is the opportunity we need for diplomacy and beginning negotiations. Any military options now should be a last resort. Instead, using easing sanctions and international partnerships as leverage could lead to more progress with the country.
Can America and its allies tolerate a nuclear Iran, or is the time to stop them now? Listen to the debate now on your favorite podcast platform, NPR, and our website. As always, let us know what you think.
POINT/COUNTERPOINT
Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?
STOP NOW: Behnam Ben Taleblu
“All of the issues that we have with the Islamic Republic today — missiles, drones, terrorism, cyber, foreign aggression, domestic suppression, maritime harassment — all of them would be quite literally put on steroids because the Islamic Republic would believe its territory would be immune and that it would have a shield of nuclear immunity to prosecute its export of the Revolution, something we’ve seen violently throughout the Middle East for the past four decades.”
TOLERATE: Barbara Slavin
“This is not one and done. Iran has had a nuclear program since the ’50s. You can’t bomb the knowledge out of the heads of Iranian nuclear scientists. So by bombing them, we incentivize them. In fact, I’m thinking when Israel bombed the Osirak reactor in 1981, it incentivized Saddam Hussein to go for nuclear weapons. He just tried different ways of doing it.”
WEEKLY POINTS OF VIEW
Emma Ashford and Matthew Kroenig | January 3, 2025
Foreign Policy
Watch Emma’s debate on Ukraine
The crisis of democracy is really a crisis for the left
Fareed Zakaria | January 4, 2025
The Washington Post
Watch Fareed’s conversation on combatting polarization
Strasbourg, Ankara, Madrid: none felt like home, but in books I discovered my people
Elif Shafak | January 2, 2025
The Guardian
Watch Elif’s debate on whether nationalism is a force for good
Embracing the Joys of Solitude in the New Year
Jessica Grose | January 1, 2025
The New York Times
Watch Jessica’s debate on whether Millennials stand a chance
Debate = A Healthy Democracy
Debate is at the heart of a healthy democracy, and Open to Debate is committed to keeping it strong. By fostering thoughtful debates on critical issues, we help ensure that every voice is heard and every idea is explored. Your support allows us to continue this essential work. Donate today to help us maintain a space where respectful discourse shapes our collective future.