By Steve Hynd
Yesterday, I wrote that any chance of substantial talks on Iran nuclear talks had passed, with France's hawkish foreign minister speaking on behalf of the international community to say that discussions with Tehran can continue, but not about nuclear development. Almost immediately, though, Hillary Clinton spoke up to say that the U.S. would still pursue a dual track of pressuring Iran while seeking dialogue with it. Iran immediately welcomed this move, and her statement that there would be no deadlines on talks, apparently ditching its own end-January deadline for some kind of substantative deal.
"We share the same idea with her. Deadlines are meaningless. We hope other countries return to their natural path, too," said Ramin Mehmanparast, a foreign ministry spokesman.
With UN veto holder China still insisting that diplomacy is the best way to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue, there are two possible ways to view these word games. One is that France's Kouchner, a staunch ally of Israel, overstepped his authority in saying he spoke on behalf of his allies. The other, though, is that Clinton is simply dissembling while the US, UK and France try to convince Russia and China not to veto any UN sanctions resolution. That second view is bolstered by Clinton's several previous statements to the effect that she is "doubtful that Iran will respond to any kind of engagement". She was doubtful of diplomacy's success long before the diplomacy began and has always viewed talks as simply a neccessary preliminary to crippling sanctions.
The Iranian response to Clinton's words show that Iran is now getting desperate to do some kind of deal and head of the inevitable bombs that would follow the end of any talks and the failure of sanctions. Unfortunately, one of the major obstacles to doing any deal is Clinton herself. I just don't see it happening any more.
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