By Scott Bates
Negotiations with Iran have many implications for US policy in the Pacific.
Those who were once excited by the concept of a “pivot to the Pacific” have fair reason to be impatient with the Obama administration’s pace of change in grand strategy. Foreign policy is often a reactionary business: one does not always get to pick and choose where to focus time and attention. Whether the distraction is a domestic government shutdown or an unprecedented crisis in Eastern Europe, the president has seen his stated agenda “overcome by events” more than once. Still, the simple fact remains that any efforts to increase the U.S. presence in the Pacific will require a conscious and purposeful reorientation of resources.
Our attention is once again set to be drawn to the Middle East. On July 20, the international community’s interim agreement with Iran will expire. Whether the talks keep moving forward for another six months and Iran’s nuclear program remains effectively frozen or a permanent deal is reached that ensures Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon under our collective nose, a win for American foreign policy is imminent. Anyone interested in seeing the much delayed rebalance to Asia come to fruition would do well to support both of these positive outcomes, for only in closing a chapter of conflict in the Middle East can we hope to move forward with a new strategy focused on the Pacific.
Read the full story at The Diplomat