Today retired diplomat Stan Otto returned to Sunrise Rotary to discuss the nuclear agreement between the U.S. (and several other powers) and Iran.  He drew a large and attentive crowd. 
 
 A native of Iowa, Otto spent nearly two years in Iran just before and during the revolution (1977-1979). The first year he taught at a university in Isfahan; the second he spent as Executive Director of the Iran-American Cultural Center in Tabriz, leaving a month before the hostages were taken.  His harrowing departure was much like that pictured in last year's film "Argo."
 
Stan spent the next three decades in the diplomatic corps before retiring to Benzie County in 2011. As a diplomat he had to deal with various aspects of U.S. policy toward Iran, including sanctions.  Using a helpful handout, Stan talked about the importance of Iran to its region in the Mideast, as well as the major players.  In terms of relations between Iran and the U.S, Stan finds it encouraging that both the President and Foreign Minister of Iran are moderates (the Foreign Minister having attended high school in San Francisco!).
 
With regard to the nuclear accord, Stan began with a brief physics lesson on how nuclear bombs are built.  He then discussed the key provisions of the agreement.  The agreement recognizes Iran's right to atomic energy but eliminates Iran's nuclear capabilities for ten years.  It relaxes economic sanctions against Iran, but only after full implementation of the agreement.  There are snap-back provisions should Iran violate the agreement.
 
Stan's conclusion:  This is a tough deal with a forward-looking policy.  In the latter regard it supports political moderates in Iran, will help move us toward normal diplomatic and economic ties, and reduce the risk of Mideast nuclear proliferation.
 
The Q&A session following Stan's talk demonstrated the relevance of his topic.