In Focus delivers deeper coverage of the political, cultural, and ideological issues shaping America. Published daily by senior writers and experts, these in-depth pieces go beyond the headlines to give readers the full picture. You can find our full list of In Focus pieces here.President Donald Trump’s deal to end the war with Iran is very likely to be weak in form and effect. In reaching his memorandum of understanding with the Islamic Republic, Trump is making the same mistake he made in starting this war: acting without clarity of purpose or due consideration for the risks of his course of action.Although the exact terms of the peace deal remain unclear, reports suggest it will include unfreezing billions of dollars in Iranian assets (much the same as Barack Obama’s JCPOA nuclear accord), ending the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports (which was causing massive damage to the Iranian regime and economy), and granting Iran both sanctions relief and up to $300 billion in reconstruction financing. In return, Iran will reopen the Strait of Hormuz energy chokepoint and enter 60 days of negotiations to address its nuclear program. All of this looks very generous from an Iranian perspective.
Feeble Iran deal a fitting end to a foolish war
Historians will likely use this war, and the nature of its end, as a textbook example of Trump's penchant for acting without due regard for what comes next.
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