Iran wants to stall for time...

No, and why should they? If Pakistan was nice they'd lend Iran one until Cheney finally croaks and all this imperialist silliness blows over.
 
Why would they not temporize? There are plenty of people that would grab the chance to do nothing.
 
Why would they not temporize? There are plenty of people that would grab the chance to do nothing.
I know that, and you know that, and CplFerro seems to know that, too. But I am just dying to hear the explanations of people that really think Iran is interested in honest negotiations for halting their program.

Because I would like to sell them some of these bridges I have...
 
I know that, and you know that, and CplFerro seems to know that, too. But I am just dying to hear the explanations of people that really think Iran is interested in honest negotiations for halting their program.

Because I would like to sell them some of these bridges I have...

Or my ahem authentic Scots heirloom ....
 
Why would any country honestly negotiate to halt a nuclear program?
 
I know that, and you know that, and CplFerro seems to know that, too. But I am just dying to hear the explanations of people that really think Iran is interested in honest negotiations for halting their program.

Because I would like to sell them some of these bridges I have...
Well, I found people to sell my bridges to. The French, of course! Right out of the article...

Nuclear proliferation expert Francois Gere, who heads the French Institute of Strategic Analysis, said there are few, if any, viable options for punishing Iran — and the Iranians know that. The French, therefore, are still hoping for a diplomatic way out. “There is absolutely no discussion of punishment for the moment in the French approach,” Gere said.
 
Barring intervention, they will get their nukes

Economic sanctions, the obvious measure, would be difficult to enforce: the regime is awash with cash earned from oil exports, totalling $36 billion last year, and has reportedly been stockpiling medicines and essential supplies to survive a trade embargo for years. Given the temptation of high oil prices, some states would probably seek ways to cut deals and flout any international sanctions. Saddam Hussein showed the way.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,542-1982924,00.html
 
Screw 'em. It's Europe's problem. Let them handle it without our imperialistic, pre-emptive hegemony-based involvement. No blood for oil, and all that.

Maybe a glowing Madrid will snap them out of their lethargy. Assuming they don't make Tel Aviv glow first, of course.
 
Screw 'em. It's Europe's problem. Let them handle it without our imperialistic, pre-emptive hegemony-based involvement. No blood for oil, and all that.

Maybe a glowing Madrid will snap them out of their lethargy. Assuming they don't make Tel Aviv glow first, of course.

Concur. I see no particular reason for the US to be part of NATO either.
 
Screw 'em. It's Europe's problem. Let them handle it without our imperialistic, pre-emptive hegemony-based involvement. No blood for oil, and all that.

Maybe a glowing Madrid will snap them out of their lethargy. Assuming they don't make Tel Aviv glow first, of course.

Er - why is it Europe's problem and who do you mean by "Europe" - just the EU countries?
 
Er - why is it Europe's problem and who do you mean by "Europe" - just the EU countries?

I mean, Europe has insisted on two years of masturbatory diplomacy, and only Europe is within range of Iran's current missile technology (i.e., the US is not).

That's what I mean by it being Europe's problem. They mismanaged it, and they're most likely to pay the price. I figure our friends across the pond don't need the additional stress of even more paroxysms of angst over American "imperialism."

Just trying to look out for your happines, dude. ;)
 
Jocko - your response bears no relation to the reality of the negotiations that have been going on for years that have included EU countries, the USA and even Russia.

Those negotiations had stopped the progression of any practical steps to continue their nuclear program so they at least bought the world some more time before this became a major problem.
 
Jocko - your response bears no relation to the reality of the negotiations that have been going on for years that have included EU countries, the USA and even Russia.

Those negotiations had stopped the progression of any practical steps to continue their nuclear program so they at least bought the world some more time before this became a major problem.

Oh? And what "reality of the negotiations" has been widely reported this week? I find it amusing that apparently I'm the one who's misapprehending the realities. I know the US is involved, but the effort has been led by Britain, France and Germany. This is not in dispute. And Russia's main contribution has been to sell the Iranians advanced anti-aircraft weapons. Way to go, diplomacy. Yay for our side.

Don't get all defensive, I'm merely acknowledging that Europe finally got its way on resolving an international weapons crisis. We live with our decisions, so must you.
 
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The range of their missiles is around 2200 miles, that Europe.

When they hit 6,000 miles, maybe then we'll take a greater interest. In the meantime, I'm content to let our egalitarian, silver-tongued friends to handle their mess their way.

After all, everything the US touches turns to *****, doesn't it? Sure wouldn't want to make things worse.
 
Jocko - your response bears no relation to the reality of the negotiations that have been going on for years that have included EU countries, the USA and even Russia.

Those negotiations had stopped the progression of any practical steps to continue their nuclear program so they at least bought the world some more time before this became a major problem.

What is the value of "buying time"?
 

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