Can we please take Iran serious NOW?

While Iran 'pulled the wool' over the West with worthless negotiations, nuclear work continued at full-speed ahead. Iran has not tried to hide it's desire for nuclear 'power' and it's true desire to "wipe Israel off the fact of the map'. But included in Iran's threats was and is the United States. Why have we not taken these threats seriously?

Now "Iran threatens U.S. with 'harm and pain'" for its role in hauling Tehran before the U.N. Security Council over its disputed nuclear program. The statements were made in Vienna where the 35-member board of the International Atomic Energy Agency is meeting.

"The United States has the power to cause harm and pain," said a statement delivered by the Iranian delegation. "But the United States is also susceptible to harm and pain. So if that is the path that the U.S. wishes to choose, let the ball roll."

But diplomats accredited to the meeting and in contact with the Iranians said the statement could be a veiled threat to use oil as an economic weapon. source

I don't think Iran meant anything about oil. They can bring us 'harm and pain' in so many other ways, Iraq for one. They have already sent terrorists into Iraq to fight against Americans. They continue to conduct terrorist training camps in Iran. Some believe they already have a nuclear weapon and the missiles to deliver it. Maybe the missiles would not reach the United States, but they could reach many of our friends in surrounding countries, including Israel.

Whilel negotiations with Russia have fallen through (as if they ever had a chance), "Iran suggests nuclear enrichment in Turkey". Iranian Ambassador Dowlatabadi said:

"We have much more confidence in Turkey. We can discuss these suggestions as part of a package. As you know the discussion includes nuclear enrichment, developing nuclear fuel, but is not limited to that. If any of these would be on Turkish soil, it would be better for us. The issue has technical and legal aspects and can be further discussed in detail by the experts. But as I have said we are ready to discuss Turkey's involvement in this process." source

I don't see a snowball's chance of that happening. I want to hear some tough talk out of Washington but what I hearing is weak double-talk.

White House press secretary Scott McClellan said the US view towards Iran's nuclear program was one of no compromise. "There has been a proposal put forward for Iran to pursue civilian nuclear power. The problem is that this is an issue of trust," said McClellan.

"I don't think anybody has been lacking in telling the Iranians that they have only one course, and that is to agree to a civil nuclear program that would allow Iran to have civil nuclear power, but would mitigate the proliferation risks that people are concerned about," said Rice.

Speaking in Tehran on Tuesday, President Ahmadinejad said the IAEA "has to compensate Iran for causing damage to the development of its science, technology and economy". source

Iranian President Mamoud Ahmadinejad sure doesn't sound weak:

"If anyone shows agression toward the Iranian nation's rights, Iran will wipe the dark stain stain of regret on their foreheads. If the world accepts Iran's desire then fine, but if it wants to ignore the rights of the Iranian nation then Iran will know which path to pursue." source

So can we please take Iran seriously now???

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Linked with Outside the Beltway, The Beltway Traffic Jam

Comments

[Debbie]

Yes Joe, you are correct. And I am hearing today that we may just have 'weeks', not months or years, to do something. I don't know why we fool around with the UN???

[Joe Palcsak]

Sinse 1979 the mullacracy of Iran has been chanting, "Death to America"
They have been deliberately investing in, strengthening, hiding, and nurturing a sophisticated nuclear enrichment program.
Now, Amedenijad and his ilk are emboldened and feel divinely destined to usher forth the "12th Imam," the fulfillment of Jihad's biblical prophesy. Amedenijad sees his role as paving the way for the second coming of the Imam who vanished almost a millenia ago. Certain conditions - such as the mass extermination of a signifigant amount the world's population ( don't you just love how cheery the revered sacred texts of these guys tend to be? ) - must be fulfilled to precurse this event.
Yeah, I'd say it's time to take Iran seriously