U.S. Policy toward Iran: The Prospects for Success — And for Failure: Panel 2: The Options if Diplomacy Fails

Summary: In the months since the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) issued its November 2011 report, which raised new questions about Iran's nuclear program, the debate in Washington, D.C., over Iran has grown hotter. Policymakers, politicians, scholars, and pundits are now offering wildly divergent predictions and prescriptions. While these open debates are an improvement over the Beltway groupthink that accompanied the run-up to the Iraq War, many questions remain about the Obama administration's policy. This conference examines the two central questions surrounding U.S. policy toward Iran: Can diplomacy work? What are the options if diplomacy fails Please join us for a vigorous discussion of these critical issues. 8:30 a.m. Registration 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Panel 1: Can Diplomacy Work?Is the current policy—or any diplomatic offer—likely to work? Has the administration defined "diplomacy" as being limited to sanctions and pressure? Could a different approach hold a better chance of success? How is success defined? Justin Logan, Cato Institute Alireza Nader, RAND Corporation Barbara Slavin, Atlantic Council Michael Adler, Woodrow Wilson Center 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Break 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Panel 2: The Options if Diplomacy FailsIf diplomacy fails, what are the military and non-military options the U.S. administration would have? What are the prospects for success? What likely repercussions would follow from bombing Iran? Jamie Fly, Foreign Policy Initiative Matthew Kroenig, Georgetown University Nuno Monteiro, Yale University Joshua Rovner, U.S. Naval War College 12:15 p.m. Luncheon