Casey: Time to Get Tough on the Iranian Regime

Pocono Mountains Media Group

It's time to impose economic sanctions on Iran in response to the regime's secret nuclear program, says U.S. Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa. But more analysis is needed before deciding if additional U.S. combat troops should be sent to Afghanistan, Casey said during a meeting Monday with the Pocono Record editorial board. The U.S. should lead an international economic embargo on goods to Iran, said Casey. This follows the Obama Administration's announcement last week that a secret Iranian nuclear installation has been photographed by American intelligence. "I think we've got to consider some sanctions," Casey said. "If not for the effect, then to convince the Iranians we're just not going to keep talking." Several countries — including France and Britain — have expressed alarm that Iran is developing nuclear technology as part of a weapons program. Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said last week that Iranian sanctions might be inevitable.

Since news of an additional, secret Iranian nuclear site became public, Iran has test-fired missiles that could be equipped with nuclear warheads. Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is for peaceful uses only. Casey said he is co-sponsoring a bill that would give state governments authority to withdraw state pension fund investments from companies with Iranian interests. He also wants to give President Barack Obama additional authority to impose U.S. sanctions on Iranian imports and exports. "There are several options there," Casey said. "We have to pick the ones that make the most sense and work." If Iran develops the capability to launch even one nuclear missile, Saudi Arabia and Egypt might feel threatened enough to develop their own nuclear programs, he said. The result would be a Middle Eastern nuclear arms race. It is difficult if not impossible to end Iran's nuclear ambitions through military strikes on its far-flung nuclear installations, Casey said. He said sanctions and negotiations offer the best hope of stopping nuclear weapons development. "I think we should impose sanctions while we're talking if that's possible," Casey added.

In a nearby international hot spot, Casey said he supports the Obama Administration's decision to carefully review American policy in Afghanistan before making any decision to increase combat troops there. "We have to make sure we get this policy right, no matter what," said Casey, who earlier this year made his second visit to Afghanistan. "I believe everyone in the Congress has a responsibility to listen and to debate." Lawmakers must listen to military commanders and other government agencies deployed there as part of the analysis, he said. Congress and the administration must look at the role of the Taliban and al Qaeda in both Pakistan and Afghanistan to devise the best strategy for the region. Gen. Stanley McChrystal, the commander of U.S. and NATO forces in Afghanistan, has issued a report calling for more ground forces in Afghanistan. It would be part of a new policy shifting emphasis from attacking the enemy, to protecting population centers and building new Afghan institutions while gradually increasing the size of the Afghan government's military. "He knows if all you do is try to kill the enemy you will lose," Casey said of McChrystal. Casey said he has met twice with Afghan President Hamid Karzai and is concerned about Karzai's ability to deliver services to and win the confidence of his people. "One of the biggest problems right now is we have a weak leader," Casey said. "He doesn't seem to have a sense of urgency."