My modest proposal in the event that an Iranian program for developing nuclear weapons continues:

1. Calculate (as best as possible) the financial cost of a war with Iran, including cost of occupation, rebuilding, etc.

2. Double it- in fact- triple it- because the cost of human lives of all sides never seems to make the cost/benefit analysis.

3. Gather your allies and instruct it's time to ante up. Everyone has something at stake, especially the US and Israel, who will contribute the lion's share.

4. Approach Iran and put the cards on the table by saying, "Listen. We can tighten sanctions, life can get more miserable and dangerous each day, but if you agree to abandon your quest, we have a reservoir of cash, payable over 20 years. The funds must be applied to peaceful ends (food, public works, education, the arts, etc.).

5. Moreover, we will maintain regular UN inspections.

6. Payment will increase according to democratic reform that takes place within the country over 20 years. If these reforms occur on a scheduled basis, you'll get the whole pot, pluswe will further commit to reducing our nuclear arsenal (along with the other nuclear nations). If not, you will get a negotiated percentage.

7. As an added condition of the annuity, oil production and exports must continue at a level deemed fair and appropriate.

Yes, this wouldn't be popular, but it's pretty much how we're dealing with North Korea. It's buying a measure of security, stability and peace, the price of which is determined by the extent of the threat. While the present Iranian regime would certainly not agree to democratic reform, the possibility is real that another cry for freedom will come from the Iranian people in the coming years. Can the Arab Spring be in its infancy?

Also, this would not likely be a popular solution here either with people complaining why we're investing in an oppressive regime when we're having financial shortages domestically. Yet they'd have no problem fighting another long war on a credit card.

Finally, under the scenario it is imperative that we use the 20 years to build a bond, foster friendships, and commit to peace and justice in the region.