Job Maarleveld
The winner of the Democratic Primary for Rush Holt’s seat will inherit a constructive foreign policy legacy characterized by thoughtful responses to international issues – the most critical of which are Obama’s ongoing negotiations with Iran.
Congressman Holt’s legacy, however, is under threat now that he is planning to retire and leave an open seat in Washington.
Of the four candidates running in the June 3rd primary, only Democratic State Assemblyman Upendra Chivukula has committed himself to continuing Holt’s progressive approach to Iran and supporting President Obama’s diplomatic efforts.
Representative Holt – a specialist in arms control and nuclear programs – has always been a vocal supporter of robust and sustained diplomacy when it comes to Iran.
Unfortunately other candidates have not been so responsible, instead undermining President Obama’s negotiations in favor of chest-beating and populist talk of war and sanctions bills.
The position of the other Democratic candidates would be a grave and reckless mistake indeed, and they join the likes of Republicans like Ted Cruz in supporting sanctions bills which undermine President Obama’s Administration.
This is serious. Threatening sanctions at this crucial time could derail the entire process for years to come, risking yet another military intervention in the Middle East.
Chivukula’s statements on the issue prove he is the most intelligent, progressive and mature candidate in the race – the only one fit to carry Rush Holt’s legacy.
Recent history should have taught policy-makers that threats and rhetoric as a negotiation strategy are often highly counterproductive – perhaps those that support the bill should ask the Bush Administration how that worked out for them.
A gradually worsening economic situation fueled by increasingly tough sanctions imposed over the last 12 years may have contributed to bringing Iran to the negotiating table, but they are not a recipe for keeping them there.
The election of moderate President Hassan Rohani has provided a unique opportunity for a deal that hasn’t been in sight since then President Bush swept aside a generous Iranian proposal in 2002 – declaring that the United States refuses to ‘speak to evil’.
Rohani appears to be making a strong and sincere effort to regain lost ground, however, he is under pressure from hardliners rooting for him to fail so they can step to the forefront of Iranian politics once again – in a way it mirrors Republicans in Congress as they try to force Obama to ditch his diplomatic efforts.
Still, there is hope. Rohani has gained domestic goodwill by finally getting the country’s hyperinflation somewhat under control. More importantly, his initiative to engage with the West was publicly endorsed by Khamenei – the country’s principal power broker – in a speech early last month.
Yet the diplomatic talks are still fragile, and the tide would quickly turn for the worst if new sanctions are passed. Congress needs to realize that the ongoing negotiation process is the only feasible way to securing peaceful relations with Iran, short of going in for all out war.
The upcoming elections for the House of Representatives will prove crucial in preventing Congress from once again ruining a chance for America to succeed.
Upendra Chivukula should be applauded for his progressive, mature approach to this important issue, and we can only hope that he has every success on June 3 to continue Rush Holt’s proud legacy.

