As shrill partisanship dominates Washington, there remains one vital security issue that unites rather than divides America’s leaders: the growing threat posed by the Islamic Republic of Iran. While there are few ideal policy options, there has been a groundswell of state and national legislation to facilitate the divestment of funds from corporations working in the Islamic Republic. As Tehran continues to defy international demands, divestment may prove to be the most effective mechanism yet in curtailing Iran’s nuclear and regional ambitions.

But what barriers to divestment exist? Is divestment little more than a symbol, or will it drive business away from Tehran? And, ultimately, what will divestment mean for the Islamic Republic?

Representative Brad Sherman (D-CA), chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade, will open this AEI event with an overview of Congressional efforts to move divestment legislation this year.

Patrick Clawson of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, Ken Katzman of the Congressional Research Service, and Danielle Pletka of AEI will address the public policy implications of divestment.

Senator Jon Kyl (R-AZ), chairman of the Senate Republican Conference, will deliver a luncheon keynote address on the Senate’s view of the Iran threat and potential legislative responses.

The day’s last panel will cover state legislation, pension fund divestment, and the new state activism. Panelists include Senator Ted Deutch (D-FL), sponsor of the Protecting Florida’s Investments Act of 2007; Senator Craig Johnson (D-NY), sponsor of the Iranian Economic Divestment Act of 2007; and Missouri state treasurer Sarah Steelman, architect of Missouri’s terror-free fund.