Free at Last: Iran Sanctions Begin Lifting Today

The interim, six-month nuclear deal with Iran officially takes effect today, Jan. 20. Though the deal was called an "historic mistake" by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, U.S. President Barack Obama believes it marks an opportunity for a new era in U.S.-Iran relations, and has touted it as the only chance to avoid war.
According to the terms of the deal, Iran will receive roughly $7 billion (or $20 billion, Israel contends) in sanctions relief. In exchange, it will enrich uranium only to somewhat lower levels, convert its already...