Walking into a trap?

The Washington Times ^ | 2-13-06 | William R. Hawkins

[JZelle]

The sudden decision by Russia and China to allow Iran's nuclear weapons program to be brought before the U.N. Security Council should caution American officials about the old saw of being careful about what they wish for. It is doubtful either Moscow or Beijing have had any change of heart about their support for the Tehran regime. Moscow favors having Tehran ship uranium to Russia, where it would be enriched and then returned to Iran for use in its nuclear reactors. This would defuse the current crisis, but it would not end the long-term threat. It would legitimize Iran's possession of enriched uranium, handing it a diplomatic victory that would validate its claimed "right" to a nuclear program. The day before Iran removed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) seals at its uranium enrichment plant at Natanz, its Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari met with Chinese Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing in Beijing. The official Chinese statement was "Zhang reiterated the principled position of the Chinese side on properly settling the Iranian nuclear issue through diplomatic negotiation. Safari briefed Zhang about the views and considerations of the Iranian side in this respect." In other words, Tehran cleared its action with Beijing.

[TheDon]

There is only one way forward, and that involves US military overthrow of the Iranian regime. Anything less is a bandaid and will not solve the problem.

[steel_resolve]

Yeah I'm sure we'll get China's permission beofre we kick their ass back to the sandpit.

[ex-snook]

"Moscow favors having Tehran ship uranium to Russia, where it would be enriched and then returned to Iran for use in its nuclear reactors. This would defuse the current crisis, but it would not end the long-term threat."

Which long-term threat Iran or Russia?

[Paul_Denton]

I agree

[humint]

However, in the face of domestic political opposition to new military action, as well as budget constraints and deployment problems, undoubtedly many even within the Bush administration would welcome an excuse to do nothing about Iran.

Iran will not allow the U.S. to do nothing about Iran. N-Bomb making, holocaust denying fascist agitators do not have idle hands.

[Thunder90]

PING

[Thunder90]

We will get Russia's as well...NOT!

[Willie Green]

Wiliam Hawkins ping....

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