The arguments against striking Iran are pretty persuasive. What should we be doing instead? I think this is a pretty good summary of the diplomatic approach we should be taking:

Iran’s objectives for weaponizing (were they to do so) –becoming a stronger regional force and deterring a conventional military attack–would be better addressed diplomatically. Unlike a military strike, deft diplomacy could move Tehran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Association. While this would allow Iranian enrichment activity to continue, it is the best way to ensure Iran does not arm. In other words, destroying nuclear facilities would address the symptoms while worsening the underlying disease. In order to prevent Iran from weaponizing, U.S. policymakers will need to address Tehran’s motives.

In addition to normalizing economic relations, Washington could reintegrate Iran into the international community, push for Iran’s entrance into the World Trade Organization, and provide security support to compensate for the lost deterrence capability. More meetings with Iran won’t generate a good campaign slogan for Obama, but bargaining has worked.

In 2003, Libya opened up its nuclear program to IAEA inspectors in exchange for full reintegration into the international community and normalization of economic relations. NATO intervention following the 2011 Libyan uprising, and subsequent ousting of Qadaffi, might not have been possible had Tripoli succeeded in weaponizing. Several other countries, including South Africa and Brazil, gave up their programs peacefully with a mix of incentives and international pressure. There is no guarantee, given the current rift between sitting President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei as well as the lessons Tehran’s leadership likely drew from Qaddafi’s abandonment of Libya’s weapons program, that Iranians would be receptive. But we will never know until we try.

She also notes that unfortunately, like Vali Nasr, that little of this is viable in an election year. That does not mean however that a strike on Iran, by us or Israel, is necessarily inevitable, or that it must happen prior to the elections. If we can get through the rest of the year, a re-elected Obama might be willing to give this effort another go once it becomes apparent that sanctions will not force Iran to abandon it’s nuclear program. One can hope at least.