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Poll: Most Americans Disapprove of Iran Prisoner Exchange

Biden’s Controversial ⁤Decision: $6 Billion​ for ‌Iran

Siamak Namazi,⁣ Morad ⁣Tahbaz, and ⁣Emad Shargi,⁢ who⁣ were released during a prisoner ⁢swap deal ⁣between U.S. and Iran, arrive ⁤at Doha International Airport, Qatar ⁢September 18, 2023. (REUTERS/Mohammed Dabbous)

A majority of Americans are up ⁤in arms over the Biden‍ administration’s recent move to award Iran with a staggering $6 billion in‍ exchange for the⁢ release of several wrongfully detained prisoners. According to a poll commissioned by the Senate⁢ Opportunity Fund, a conservative nonprofit, ‌55 percent of likely voters⁤ expressed their disapproval ⁢of the prisoner swap.

Only 28 percent of the 800 national voters polled voiced their⁢ support for the deal, while 17 percent remained undecided.‌ Of ‍those who opposed the swap, 33 percent strongly disapproved, with an additional 22 percent expressing a more moderate level of disapproval.

These findings ⁢come as the five Americans released as ‍part of the deal finally arrive in Qatar on their journey back to ‌the United States. However, the deal has sparked intense ⁢backlash among Republicans in Congress and could potentially become⁣ a major obstacle for President Joe Biden’s reelection campaign. What’s more, Congress was not given any oversight over the deal, leading many to view it as a precursor to a new nuclear agreement with Tehran that would free up billions more.

The United‌ States has‌ granted Iran access to approximately $6 billion in cash‍ as part of this ⁣prisoner swap, and the hardline regime in Tehran has made it clear that they ⁣can spend ‌this money however they please. In ‍the past, when billions⁣ were freed up through the 2015 nuclear accord, Iran used a significant portion of those funds to ⁢bolster its nuclear infrastructure, stockpile missiles, and expand its Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a designated terrorist group.

Shortly​ after⁣ the deal was formalized, Iran announced its decision to expel nuclear inspectors affiliated ‍with the ⁢International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the global watchdog responsible for ensuring Iran does not develop nuclear ⁤weapons.

While White House officials have refrained from commenting on this latest development, they have confirmed plans to meet with European allies to⁢ discuss Iran’s nuclear program during the upcoming ⁢U.N. conference. A senior White House official⁢ has also hailed the prisoner swap as a “historic moment” that sets the stage for further negotiations ⁣with Iran’s hardline regime.

According to the poll conducted by the Senate⁤ Opportunity Fund, a staggering ​75 percent of self-identified conservatives‍ opposed the deal, while only 17 percent expressed support.‌ Among self-identified liberals, 51 percent supported the deal, ⁣with 27 percent opposing it.‌ A significant portion of moderate voters, 50 percent, also opposed the swap, while 27 percent ⁤voiced their support.

“Clearly, the poll indicates strong American concerns about such an ‍agreement and the ramifications it may have,” said⁤ Behnam Ben⁢ Taleblu, an Iran analyst at the ⁤Foundation for Defense of Democracies think-tank. “In my view, this means Americans understand the move is self-defeating and will only enrich the Islamic Republic.”

The Biden administration made the ⁢announcement regarding ⁤the deal with Iran on September 11, the 22nd anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. This timing, coupled ‍with the fact that the deal coincided with the anniversary of the ⁣Mahsa protests in Iran, has only added fuel ⁤to the fire. The Mahsa protests were massive nationwide demonstrations⁢ that erupted in Iran last⁢ year following the murder⁤ of ⁣a young woman. “This rubs salt⁢ in the wounds‌ of protesting Iranians⁤ who looked to‌ Washington to stand⁣ with them and instead now see a ⁤deal that can⁣ further⁤ enable ⁢their repression,”‍ Taleblu‍ added.

Furthermore, the exchange was finalized ‍just‌ before Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s arrival in ⁤New York City for the United Nations General Assembly. During his visit, Raisi is scheduled to hold private ‍events with influential political figures, including a closed-door meeting⁣ with the Council on Foreign ⁣Relations, a prominent Washington, D.C., think tank.

Why do opponents of the deal question the timing and lack of ​congressional oversight, and how do they believe it could affect national security and ‌foreign policy

Uropean allies ⁣to⁢ discuss a potential new nuclear deal with Iran. This has raised concerns among conservatives who fear that history will repeat itself and ⁣that any new deal⁢ will ⁣only serve to empower the⁤ Iranian regime and endanger global security.

Critics argue that providing Iran ​with such a large sum of cash without any strings attached is ‍not only dangerous but also goes against the principles of accountability⁢ and ‍transparency. They believe that the Biden administration should have insisted on conditions that would prevent Iran from using the money​ to fund ⁤its nefarious activities, such as supporting ⁣terrorist organizations or developing nuclear⁤ weapons.

Moreover, opponents of the deal question its timing and the lack of ⁢congressional oversight. They argue ⁣that the Biden administration should have consulted with Congress before proceeding with such a significant decision that ⁢could have far-reaching‌ consequences for ⁣national security and ⁣foreign policy.

Supporters of the prisoner swap, ⁢on the other hand, argue that prioritizing the ⁢release of wrongfully ‌detained Americans is⁣ a humanitarian gesture that should be celebrated. They believe that the Biden administration made the⁢ right decision in pursuing diplomacy and engaging with Iran, rather than resorting to ⁣aggressive tactics or military intervention.

They also argue ‍that the release of these prisoners is​ a positive step towards rebuilding trust and ⁣paving the way for future negotiations, whether it be on ‌nuclear issues or other matters of mutual concern. They contend ⁤that engaging with Iran and finding common ground is the best way to address the complex challenges posed by the Iranian regime.

While the debate over the prisoner⁢ swap continues to unfold, it is clear that ​the Biden administration’s decision has‍ ignited controversy and stirred strong emotions. The⁤ American public remains divided on the issue, and it is uncertain how this will impact the outcome of future negotiations with Iran.

What is ⁢certain, however, is⁣ that the Biden administration must be⁣ prepared to address the concerns and criticisms surrounding this decision. It is crucial for the administration to demonstrate⁢ that it is acting in​ the best ⁤interests of the American people and is committed to ensuring that any potential future nuclear deal with Iran prioritizes ⁣international security and prevents the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons.


Read More From Original Article Here: Poll: Majority of Americans Oppose Iran Prisoner Swap

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