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Experts say Iran may be using the negotiations as a stalling tactic until the August 31 deadline to observe what positions Russia and China take. Both countries have given mixed signals on whether they would support the application of Chapter Seven powers, which enable the Security Council to impose sanctions or employ military force, should Tehran choose not to suspend its nuclear programs by the deadline. The head of Iran's atomic energy program said the country's nuclear capabilities, at least from a scientific standpoint, had advanced to the point where "suspension of uranium enrichment is not possible anymore" (CSMonitor).
Bill Samii of RFE/RL examines potential responses by Iran, should the United Nations impose sanctions. One possibility is Iran, which accounts for 10 percent of the world's oil reserves, could restrict oil experts and further cripple energy markets. Another is Iran could pull out of the NPT. Then there is the outside chance Tehran might use military force somewhere in the region, a threat highlighted by recent tests of its naval forces.
No!? Thank goodness for 'experts'
My god, those "experts" are brilliant. How come none of us peons ever thought of that?
I think the West, including the U.S., is making a mistake by assuming that we can diplomatically negotiate with a regime which is totally irrational.
The fanatic who heads Iran has an apocalyptic religious vision that welcomes total destruction of infidels and the coming of the 12th Imam. In order to have rational talks with such a 7th century jihadist mentality, we'd have to assume he doesn't really believe what he's saying. Are we willing to take that risk?
Relative to sanctions, they're as preposterous as the UN itself. Even IF they're enacted do we seriously believe that Russia, North Korea, and the other nations who made enormous profits arming them in the first place are going to cooperate? Give me a break!
Iran is certainly stalling for time. But what scares me is that it seems we are too. I think it's time the administration stopped kicking the can down the road and began to consider serious measures.
I've heard some pundits say we negotiated with the Soviet Union, why not Iran? Netanyahou had the perfect answer. He said that even though the Soviets had an irrational ideology they basically conducted foreigns rationallly --- that is, they were rational enough to NOT want mutually assured destruction! It's time we face the fact that fanatics who WELCOME "martyrdom" and death for Allah are not within the realm of rationality. Should we just offer more carrots and wait and see?