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Published On: Thu, Jul 23rd, 2015

Thousands protest Iran deal as John Kerry addresses Congress

As Secretary of State John Kerry addressed Congress on President Obama’s Iranian nuclear deal Wednesday, thousands took to the streets to protest.

Tensions rose between Democrats and Republicans as Kerry said the international coalition behind existing economic and military sanctions will collapse no matter what Congress decides.

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chair and Tennessee Senator Bob Corker said the administration had “given up our veto at the U.N. on Monday,” when the United Nations Security Council voted unanimously to lift international sanctions.

“This is a God-awful deal, this must be rejected. Congress must do its job and stand up for the American people, stand up for our safety and say no to this Iranian deal,” Jeffrey Wiesenfeld, co-organizer of the Stop Iran Rally, said in New York, joined by thousands of protesters.

Sen. John Cornyn of Texas echoed the protester’s point, pointing out that the deal did not require the dismantling of Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, and said, “There are tougher sanctions that will bring Iran to the table for a better deal and a good deal.”

Sec. of State John Kerry Image/Video Screen Shot

Sec. of State John Kerry
Image/Video Screen Shot

Critics of the Obama administration were frustrated that the deal went before the UN ahead of a Congress vote and is strongly criticized by Israel, America’s strongest ally in the Middle East.

Israeli Ambassador Ron Dermer met privately with several House Republicans. One participant in the meeting, Rep. Dave Brat of Virginia, said the diplomat’s main point had been to “pay less attention to all the details” like nuclear centrifuges, and more attention to “who’s on the other side of the ethical debate, and that is Iran.”

Despite the deal, Iranian leadership led “Death to America” and “Death to Israel” chants at rallies just days after the deal was struck.

While House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California supports the deal and expressed optimism that the White House can prevail, other Democrats complained of Kerry’s approach.

“I would appreciate if the secretary really showed a little more respect for members of Congress,” said Rep. Dan Lipinski of Illinois.

Rep. Mike Pompeo of Kansas complained about side issues between Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency. He quoted Kerry as saying the U.S. is just going to have to “trust” the IAEA, and added, “I just find that completely unacceptable and I don’t see how a member of Congress can vote for an agreement not knowing the full scope of what the agreement actually is.”

Susan Rice, Obama’s national security adviser, acknowledged that the text of a side deal between the IAEA and Iran over past military activity wouldn’t be given to Congress, but said none of the information would be withheld.

Susan Rice photo/ donkeyhotey

Susan Rice photo/ donkeyhotey

 

 

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About the Author

- Writer and Co-Founder of The Global Dispatch, Brandon has been covering news, offering commentary for years, beginning professionally in 2003 on Crazed Fanboy before expanding into other blogs and sites. Appearing on several radio shows, Brandon has hosted Dispatch Radio, written his first novel (The Rise of the Templar) and completed the three years Global University program in Ministerial Studies to be a pastor. To Contact Brandon email [email protected] ATTN: BRANDON

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