I don't think they seized the consulate. They raided the consulate and seized five employees who apparently were bad guys.
After Iran's seizure of the American Embassy during the Carter administration and holding our diplomats hostage, they are hardly in a position to complain.
Still, this is a serious breach of normal protocol and a clear shot over the bow to Iran. I like it.
These activities are designed to keep the pressure on Iran, and cause them to continue to make political errors in judgment at a time when they are having difficulty with their increasingly angry public.
All in a days work! But I don't see it as new or some sort of major policy change. I see it as a adjustment to realities on the ground and the recent U.N. sanction decision that leaves each country with a lot of latitude on how they enforce it....Unfortunately.
We are leading the way as usual.
US to target anti-Iraq activity
Features Condi Rice and details on the Irbil raid.