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             Green Light for US Implementation of Iran Nuclear Pact

   by Michael Bowman

   The Obama administration can begin implementing the international
   nuclear accord with Iran after Thursday's expiration of a 60-day
   legislative review period. The Republican-led Congress failed to block
   the pact despite fierce majority opposition in both chambers.

   "This is really a lousy deal," said Republican Senator John Cornyn.

   "The agreement with Iran will stand," said Senate Democratic Leader
   Harry Reid.

   Thursday, Senate Republicans mounted a last gasp effort to register
   their disapproval of the accord, pushing a measure that would have
   prevented U.S. sanctions relief until Iran recognizes Israel and
   releases detained Americans.

   ''"We cannot allow Iran to be empowered as a nuclear threshold state
   armed with billions in sanctions relief without at least providing some
   protection to Israel first, without at least demanding the release of
   Americans who have languished in Iranian custody for years," said
   Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

   Democrats banded together to block the measure, just as they repeatedly
   did with a resolution disapproving the entire nuclear accord.

   "The best way to make sure hostages are released, the best way to
   hasten the day that Israel has the kind of relationship with Iran that
   they had not that many years ago, is to fully implement the plan that's
   before us, one that will make it very difficult for the Iranians to
   develop a nuclear weapon and ensure, if they do, that we know about
   it," said Senator Tom Carper.

   A resolution of disapproval easily passed in the House of
   Representatives, but could not clear Congress without Senate action.
   Thus, despite weeks of thunderous and contentious debate, Congress is
   officially silent on the deal, freeing President Barack Obama to begin
   implementation.

   Even so, Republicans say the issue is not settled.

   "This is not legally binding beyond the presidency of Barack
   Obama," said Cornyn. "This is not a legal document; it's not a treaty.
   It's a political agreement.  And so I hope the next president
   understands that he or she will have complete freedom to tear this deal
   up and negotiate a better deal."

   Nearly all Republican presidential contenders have pledged to do
   precisely that if victorious in next year's election.  Democratic
   aspirants all support the deal.

   Thus, while President Obama implements a legacy-defining nuclear
   accord, the pact will continue to be debated among those vying to
   succeed him in office.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/us-implementation-of-iran-nuclear-dea
   l-to-go-forward/2967894.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/us-implementation-of-iran-nuclear-deal-to-go-forward/2967894.html