Some Movement on Iran

Even though the focus today is on Iraq, I want to write about Iran for a spell, because there are some interesting developments. As you know, the UN will shortly vote on yet another resolution which will put sanctions on Tehran for refusing to stop its uranium enrichment program. And Russia is completely on board, telling Iran that they would withhold shipment of nuclear fuel unless they stop the enrichment process. This is something new, to have the Russians play economic hardball like this.

Iran is unbowed and vows to pursue illegal actions if the UN carries through with sanctions. But I have to believe that the Russian intransigence gives them pause, even more so than the fact that the US is arming their enemies to the hilt. Iran's claim is that they're in desperate need of nuclear energy, and the uranium enrichment is only going toward that end. Russia cutting them off, then, will have a far greater effect than any other sanction. I think it's the only option that will really cool down the rhetoric and get everyone to the bargaining table. The question is whether or not the US will be sidelined in that negotiation in favor of Russia.

Incidentally, the US arming Middle Eastern Sunnis to combat Shiite Iran, while battling Sunnis and providing support to Shiites in Iraq, is as dumb as it sounds, and will have blowback consequences for decades if it's carried out. If the US keep the diplomatic coalition together and continues on a negotiating track with Iran, this entire crisis can be averted. I don't mind tough talk, but giving Saudis guns when they pretty much want to kill us too would be insanity.