“I don’t see evidence that the U.S. or U.N. have implemented the elements of Gov. Romney’s 5-Point Plan to confront Iran anywhere near the degree he proposes”
I must say that your response was impressive. I’d like to note the below resolutions of what’s been the status quo so far.
S/RES/1696 (2006) Non Proliferation
http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=S/RES/1696%20(2006)&Lang=E&Area=UNDOC
S/RES/1737 (2006) Non Proliferation
http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=S/RES/1737%20(2006)&Lang=E&Area=UNDOC
S/RES/1747 (2007) Non Proliferation
http://daccess-ods.un.org/access.nsf/Get?Open&DS=S/RES/1747%20(2007)&Lang=E&Area=UNDOC
Dept. of State and Exec supported these resolutions/sactions. See Annex 1 in RES 1747 for the most recent additions of companies included in the sanctioning.
A key difference I did notice was the indictment of Ahmedinejad.
Regarding point 1: We’re not going to get any more help from the EU on sanctioning Iran, so the sanctioning gig is up in my eyes. Regarding the general word “sanctions” I would just point one toward North Korea as a failed example of sactions.
Point 2: “Second, we need to impose diplomatic isolation of Iran’s Government.” I agree with that. Would Mitt Romney in your opinion discourage President Karzi of Aghanistan to welcome a visit from Ahedinejad?
Point 3: From the comments in the link you provided, it sounds good, but it’ll never happen. Read the Arab League Charter for my reasoning.
Point 4: Ok.
Point 5: He would have to have a DOS with a backbone. I liked the very last part of Point 5.
He mentioned in point 3, ‘...telling the Palestinians they must drop terror and recognize Israel’s right to exist.’ If only it were that easy. He seems to recognize the pivotal role with Palestine, but if he says “cut the flow of funds”, I would hope he would stick to it. North Korea has played us with the money game and freeze/thaw of funds. I’d like to see us stick to our committments in those areas.
I certainly think Gov. Romney would apply pressure on President Karzi of Afghanistan, and any other of our allies, to refuse visits by Ahmadinejad and make the leadership of Iran a pariah on the world stage. An important part of Romney's strategy to isolate Iran diplomatically is to present the leadership of Iran as unworthy of the world's respect. He used his limited authority as governor in MA to shame the Iranians in a symbolic way.
Mitt Romney denied Massachusetts state police protection to Iran’s former President Khatami when he visited Boston to speak at Harvard. Romney thought it was a mistake for Harvard to invite Khatami to the U.S., calling it, "a disgrace to the memory of all Americans who have lost their lives at the hands of extremists, especially on the eve of the five-year anniversary of 9/11."
(Romney Denounces Khatami Visit to Harvard, September 5, 2006)
As always UP! We, Romney fans, are lucky to have a resource like you. It's a plus that you always remain a gentlemen as well. Wish it would rub off on more people around here.