This book examines attempts to influence the outcome of the negotiations between Iran and the
United States over Iran's nuclear capabilities. In particular it focuses on struggles within
the United States around public and congressional opinion with regard to the accord. Trying to
prevent a successful outcome to the talks became a cottage industry in Washington with the
casino billionaire Sheldon Adelson being just one of those who were pouring millions of dollars
into the effort. On the pro-diplomacy side there were a wide range of religious peace and
arms control groups with some financial support coming from the Ploughshares Fund trying to
create the space for a negotiated agreement. The tactics of both sides of the debate are
described and analyzed to show how a contentious foreign policy issue can become not just a
decision for high-level government decision makers but a wide-ranging fight that involves
scores of nongovernmental organizations the media and thousands of activists.
