U.S. agrees to negotiate with a brick wall (Iran)

Condi Rice announced today that the United States is willing to negotiate with Iran on their nuclear program. These negotiations would not be one-on-one with Iran, but would include France, Germany, and others. The only problem with this is that brick walls don't negotiate. Brick walls don't care what you offer them, they are not listening, they are firm in their foundations and unyeilding.

The 'offer' to negotiate was issued to Iran via the Swiss, and acknowledges Iran's right to have nuclear power, not nuclear weapons. Verification of Iran's 'peaceful' nuclear program and proof of cessation of the weapons program are requirements for the negotiations to go forward. I'm not holding my breath on this one.

"Thus to underscore our commitment to a diplomatic solution and to enhance the prospects for success, as soon as Iran fully and verifiably suspends its enrichment and reprocessing activities, the United States will come to the table with our EU-3 colleagues and meet with Iran's representatives," she said according to a text provided by the State Department.

Rice said Iran would incur "great costs" if it continued to pursue nuclear weapons. source

So the U.S. knuckles under and loses round one against Iran. Ahmadinejad must be smiling...

Linked with Morning Coffee:

The key point of the statement (at least my impression of it) is that as soon as Iran can demonstrate that it is a responsible member of the international community it can be treated as one. As long as it continues to pursue Nuclear weapons, and as long as it is the Primary state sponsor of terrorism in the world today they will be treated as the pariah it is.

Comments

[Debbie]

Good point. But I don't think they have any desire to be a part of the international community, which may be good.

People can see them for what they really are.

[Darrell]

The key point of the statement (at least my impression of it) is that as soon as Iran can demonstrate that it is a responsible member of the international community it can be treated as one. As long as it continues to pursue Nuclear weapons, and as long as it is the Primary state sponsor of terrorism in the world today they will be treated as the pariah it is.