Sending a Message

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad

Iran’s Balls

There is both annoyance and frustration in Washington over Tehran's unwillingness to agree on the venue for the next round of talks over Iran's nuclear activities. The two sides have agreed on a date -- January 28-29 -- but it will likely have to be rescheduled due to Tehran's procrastination over the venue choice.

Mindful of the short and closing window of opportunity for an intermediate agreement on the nuclear issue -- before the Iranian New Year in March and the Iranian elections in June -- time has not been used effectively since Obama's reelection in November. And Tehran is not helping.

It took the P5+1 (the Permanent members of the Security Council plus Germany) a full month to agree on a new negotiation strategy and package, after the U.S. Presidential elections. The P5+1 sent Tehran a formal letter on December 12, 2012, requesting a new meeting. Now, more than six weeks later, the Iranians are still sending conflicting messages -- agreeing on a date while creating disagreements on the venue.

The Security Council states prefer Istanbul, Turkey, while Iran has given several proposals, including Cairo, Egypt.

But why are the Iranians procrastinating?

According to Huffington Post contributing writer Trita Parsi, a few possible explanations exist.  To read these explanations, click here: 

 

But, in truth, America has a BIG footprint in the Middle East as well as in the rest of the world as it manipulates foreign governments (either directly or indirectly) to acquiesce to American demands which has worked for decades as it balances its economic and military power with fueling the economies of its allies and trading partners while financing “over-throwing the present government” activities by rebels it is perceived will be pro-American once in control.  This balancing act is further exacerbated by America’s presence in the rebuilding of countries that have been decimated by years and years of brutal conflict further drawing down the treasuries of those countries.

Consequently, there are many countries in South America, Europe, and the Middle East that have simply had enough of US help and involvement and would do just about anything or join forces with their enemies to go repel American influence.  Iran is no different and is “thumbing its nose” at the US knowing that very little will happen in return and if it does, its Arab Brothers will come to its aid, “under the table,” a clever trick learned from the US.