Third, the U.S. must work strategically with Russia and China, the two UN Security Council members that have been most reluctant to impose sanctions. Gaining their cooperation with respect to Iran will make America and the world safer.
I support President Obama’s decision to abandon plans championed by the previous administration to build a missile-defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic, particularly if the decision moves Russia to end its sales of weapons to Iran, cease its development of Iranian gas fields and nuclear facilities, and support increased sanctions as a way to end Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
And we should, together with our allies, find ways to help China address its energy needs without investing in Iran.
My hope is that President Ahmadenijad’s visit will inspire American officials to take these proactive steps immediately. Certainly, the safety of Israel, the United States and the world depends on it.