``New Opportunities in the US-Iranian Relationship
Time Is Not on Our Side
Declining Political Support for Sanctions and Containment
Iran Can Build and Use Centrifuges Faster Than We Can Impose Penalties or Controls
Tehran's Countertactics The third challenge is that Iran has developed several tactics intended to undercut the current US strategy. It has improved relations with Russia, attempted to use its oil exports to win support from an energy-hungry China, and launched a diplomatic offensive aimed at its Persian Gulf neighbors. Iran has also sought to counter US pressure in the UN Security Council by agreeing to negotiate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). A clean bill of health from the IAEA, confirming that Iran was not preparing to produce weapons, would further weaken Russian and Chinese interest in joining in additional sanctions.
Retaking the Initiative: Iran Policy After the NIE US policymakers have been slow to seize the unusual opportunity created by the new intelligence estimate and shift direction. The main obstacle has been US insistence that it will not agree to take part in face-to-face talks on the nuclear issue until Iran suspends its nuclear enrichment. This precondition may well be working against US interests...''
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I am going to argue, fuck this whole idea.
First, George Bush does what George Bush wants to do, no matter what. The rancid neocons always manage to deliver a great bullshit alibi for even the most egregrious and outrageous Bush policies. Let them eat shit for a change, delivered by their worst nighmares Russia and Iran. So it is a complete waste of time to make proposals like the above.
Second, the above proposal is NOT well intended. It is intended to keep the US finger up Iran's ass, just at the point when Iran has very successfully managed to pull that finger out and stamp on it a few times for good measure. Good for Iran. Keep it up boyz and you will continue to be successful with that attitude.
The EU, Russia and China know exactly what they are doing. They are developing relationships with Iran that have completely excluded the US, because the US has proved itself to be a rogue terrorist state that needs to be contained.
And last. It was evident to me two summers ago that the US didn't care what the empirical realities of urainium enrichment were, and various lbo-list physics/math cognoscenti did the math to prove there was no enrichment capability in Iran beyond that useful to nuclear reactors. If a fucking email list can sort it out, what was going on in the CIA, State Department, and White House?
Well, the answer is the US political elite is wedded to the crotch with Israel and it is Israel who has no interest in a rich, powerful, nuclear powered Iran. Technically it's the rightwing in Israel, but since they rule Israel policy, I am glossing that detail.
So, George, pulled'm down and stick your butt out pre-greased and get the big jolly from Likud. Relish it honey, relish it...
CG