Does Europe Matter in the Debate on Iran?

Almost a year ago, Condoleeza Rice announced the new strategy to press Iran to suspend its uranium enrichment activities. Since then Iran has continued its path, leading some in the Administration to call for military action. Reinhold Bütikofer, President of the German Green Party, agrees with Rice’s direction and calls for a more proactive, triple prong approach: continuous diplomatic efforts, U.N. sanctions, and a unified “coalition of the willing.” Bütikofer contends that military action would not prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear bomb, rather it would nuke the strategic coherence of the West.

Reinhard Bütikofer has been Chairman of Alliance 90/The Greens since December 2002. Previously, he served as the party’s National Executive Director. In addition to his political work in the party, Bütikofer plays an important and engaged role in public life. Among other things, he sits on the advisory council of the Heinrich Böll Foundation and on the board of trustees of the Aspen Institute.

Video of this provocative discussion on the European view of Iran — including a question and answer session moderated by Steve Clemons — is available at right; an MP3 audio recording can be downloaded below.

Participants

• REINHARD BÜTIKOFER
  Chairman
  Green Party of Germany
• STEVEN CLEMONS
  Director, American Strategy Program, New America Foundation
  Publisher, www.TheWashingtonNote.com