Mahmoud Ahmadinejad (Photo: Daniella Zalcman)
In yesterday’s Washington Post, columnist David Ignatius helpfully breaks down the Iranian proposal from last month’s direct talks between representatives from Tehran and the so-called P5+1 – the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council (the U.S., U.K., France, China, and Russia) plus Germany. Ignatius goes over a 48-page PowerPoint presentation given by the Iranians. It’s actually pretty interesting stuff.
What’s amazing is that Ignatius seems to treat the presentation as a credible offer from the Iranians, when history should have long since proven otherwise. It’s absolutely remarkable that bright people still believe anything Iran has to say, or that their proposals are anything but a play for more and more time. They have consistently – for years and years – gamed the international community by promising never-ending talks and discussions and negotiations. They are well aware that the international community – and the democratic West in particular – has no political will for actual confrontation and, thus, they can dangle the perpetual hope of a diplomatic solution; all while enriching uranium at full speed.
So let’s say it again: It is long past time that the world gets serious about the Iranian nuclear weapons program. President Obama is to be congratulated for sending additional military muscle to the Persian Gulf and, hopefully, it will be taken by Iran as a sign that the United States isn’t kidding around. But the President now must impose the crippling economic sanctions he already has at his disposal, to force Iran to choose between its livelihood and its nukes. There’s no reason the P5+1 shouldn’t keep talking to Iran – but negotiations should continue with Iran’s economy in tatters.
What do you think?
7:16 pm
This man has hate in his heart. Hate for Christians and Jews. You can’t take that away with sanctions. America is not Israels God. Even though I stand with Israel completely, they need to put their trust in God. Israel needs bomb these sights.
8:23 pm
I personally think that Iran’s leadership is dangerous, evil and demonic. They say their programs are geared for peaceful purposes and energy but I’m not believing it! We MUST MAINTAIN THE UPPER-HAND
11:35 pm
I hear and agree, but…. CHINA is Irans friend and unless I’m mistaken, China is buying up the difference that the EU (18%) stopped buying. Maybe at a discount. US gave them a waiver!!!
8:09 am
Has anyone here read any of the books written by Joel Rosenberg? Each time one of his books has come out an event that has happened in the current book has actually happened. Read Tehran initiative.
11:10 pm
Obama needs to get on the ball or let someone else take over, that can do the job.Thing is people are starting to not believe Obama anymore than Ahmadinejad.Obama will wait on purpose until they have nuclear bomb,then say it’s too late. I just don’t trust either one !
3:41 pm
“60 Minutes” just told us about Stuxnet. They said it is working quite well to stymie Iran’s nuclar program. Of course, like the invention of gunpowder so long ago, this modern, contemporary weapon can be turned against us the good guys. So goes history.
1:56 pm
I feel we are just giving Iran the time needed to become that much more difficult to defeat. We are all aware that their fanatisism and hatred for Israel and America is their drive for war.
D.A.W
9:41 pm
You are right on target, sir, that’s exactly what Iran wants, more time to fortify their defence and build better bombs. History is repeating itself with this new Hitler!!
1:15 pm
Iran has played the nuclear power game extremely well and their have benefitted for choosing to go nuclear in front of the world.
I strongly oppose Iran’s position with the nuclear weapons.
In closing, Iran will continue to play their hand out until the end of the nuclear game. It wouldn’t surprize me if the leadership chooses the weapon over the cares and concerns of their people. Is the world really prepared to confront a country like Iran who is almost nuclear ready.
1:08 pm
I THINK IRAN NEEDS A LEADERSHIP CHANGE AND NOT OF THE BROTHERHOOD A REAL PEOPLES CHOICE ALL VOTES COUNT
12:59 pm
BRAVO !! Bring them to their knees.Obummer needs to man up with the sanctions.