During the Great Jewish Revolt against Roman rule of 66-70 CE, which culminated in the destruction of the Second Temple, the insurgents waged a guerrilla campaign, often retreating to caves for safety. Archaeologists have just found some of these caves in the Galilee, confirming the descriptions of the contemporary Jewish historian Josephus. Philippe Bohstrom writes:

The sanctuaries in which Jewish rebels hid from the Roman forces 2000 years ago were natural caves in the chalky cliffs, [from which the rebels carved elaborate living spaces] over quite extended periods of time. . . .

Based on Josephus’ writings, the archaeologist Yinon Shivtiel became convinced that the Jews hid in natural caves in the cliff side when fleeing from Roman forces approaching their villages. That may have been a precarious endeavor since, from the bottom at least, the caves can be reached only by rappelling down or by climbing up using ropes or high ladders. . . .

At least some of the caves were huge, as much as four stories in height, and tunnels were carved out of the rock allowing access to other caves. Even balconies were discovered, enabling the cave dwellers to watch out for hostiles.

Another remarkable discovery was six ritual baths . . . that received at least some of their water from still-dripping stalactites. Channels were carved out to the external rock wall, so rainwater runoff could accumulate, and stairs leading to the baths were cut into the rock.

In 2003, the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi, spooked by the American display of might in Iraq, decided to destroy or surrender his entire nuclear program. Informed observers have suggested that the deal he made with the U.S. should serve as a model for any agreement with Iran. Robert Joseph provides some useful background:

Gaddafi had convinced himself that Libya would be next on the U.S. target list after Iraq. There was no reason or need to threaten Libya with bombing as Gaddafi was quick to tell almost every visitor that he did not want to be Saddam Hussein. The images of Saddam being pulled from his spider hole . . . played on his mind.

President Bush’s goal was to have Libya serve as an alternative model to Iraq. Instead of war, proliferators would give up their nuclear programs in exchange for relief from economic and political sanctions.

Any outcome that permits Iran to enrich uranium at any level will fail the one standard that President Trump has established: Iran will not be allowed to have a nuclear weapon. Limiting enrichment even to low levels will allow Iran to break out of the agreement at any time, no matter what the agreement says.

Iran is not a normal government that observes the rules of international behavior or fair “dealmaking.” This is a regime that relies on regional terror and brutal repression of its citizens to stay in power. It has a long history of using negotiations to expand its nuclear program. Its negotiating tactics are clear: extend the negotiations as long as possible and meet any concession with more demands.