To: Foreign Affairs Legislative Staff

From: Julie Schumacher Cohen, Legislative Coordinator

Re: CMEP Urges Opposition to H. Con. Res. 362; Support for Robust Diplomacy With Iran

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) urges all House members to oppose passage of H. Con. Res. 362.  This resolution represents an “all stick and no carrot” approach that, if passed, would increase the hostile rhetoric and threat of confrontation between Iran and the United States. 

The churches that comprise the CMEP coalition are deeply concerned about the prospect of Iran gaining a nuclear weapon and deplore the anti-Israel and anti-Jewish statements of Iranian President Ahmadinejad.  CMEP supports robust U.S. diplomacy in the Middle East, including direct and sustained negotiations with Iran, together with international partners, to address Iran’s nuclear ambitions and their support for Hezbollah and Hamas. 

However, the harsh threats and sanctions included in H. Con. Res. 362 are not a replacement for sustained, principled diplomacy and will not achieve a resolution of the current impasse with Iran.  In fact, such measures are likely to strengthen hardliners and escalate tensions, decreasing the likelihood of a peaceful resolution. 

While H. Con. Res. 362 states that it should not be construed as authorizing the use of force against Iran, it also demands “stringent inspection requirements on all persons, vehicles, ships, planes, trains, and cargo entering or departing Iran.”  Many analysts view this language as tacit approval for a land, air or sea blockade, which could only be carried out through the use of force.  Even if a blockade was not the intent of the drafters of the H. Con. Res. 362, passage of the resolution would send a provocative message to Iran and the international community.  The resolution also prohibits “the international movement of all Iranian officials not involved in negotiating the suspension of Iran's nuclear program” which would severely limit diplomatic engagement. 

The possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran is a grave threat to Israel and Iran’s support for Hamas and Hezbollah’s militant activities is a destabilizing factor that hampers progress on the peace process. While military confrontation with Iran would be likely to spark a dangerous regional crisis, constructive engagement to resolve the current impasse could have serious strategic benefits.  Furthermore, progress on peace between Israel and its neighbors can help reduce tensions elsewhere in the region.  As the Iraq Study Group said, “all key issues in the Middle East—the Arab-Israeli conflict, Iraq, Iran, the need for political and economic reforms, and extremism and terrorism—are inextricably linked.”  With agreements recently negotiated successfully between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, and with talks going on between Israel and Syria, diplomatic progress is clearly possible.  

U.S. Congressional and Executive branch time, energy and resources should be focused on comprehensive diplomacy across the Middle East and Congress should oppose passage of H. Con. Res. 362. 

If you have any questions about this resolution or CMEP’s positions, please do not hesitate to contact me at julie@cmep.org or 202-543-1222.