First it was
the scientists, now it's retired military members—three dozen retired generals and admirals—who are
voicing strong support for the Iran nuclear deal. Karen DeYoung
reports:
Calling the agreement “the most effective means currently available to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons,” the letter said that gaining international support for military action against Iran, should that ever become necessary, “would only be possible if we have first given the diplomatic path a chance.” [...]
“There is no better option to prevent an Iranian nuclear weapon,” the letter said. “Military action would be less effective than the deal, assuming it is fully implemented. If the Iranians cheat, our advanced technology, intelligence and the inspections will reveal it, and U.S. military options remain on the table.”
“And if the deal is rejected by America,” it said, “the Iranians could have a nuclear weapon within a year. The choice is that stark.”
Coming on the heels of a similar document from 29 leading scientists, the letter from former military officers is yet another leverage point for the administration as it works to build a firewall around the deal. Congress is expected to vote on the deal next month and if they reject it, Obama will need 34 supporters to sustain his veto. Here's the
current breakdown from Meteor Blades:
The Hill reports in its "whip count" that Schatz is the 17th Democrat to announce support, with seven more leaning in that direction, for a total of 24. The Washington Post has a different whip count of supporters and those leaning in support, 27 when Schatz is included.
And
here's where you can weigh in with your senators.