In my Jan. 20, post on Iran’s exploitation of President Obama’s foreign policy weakness I mentioned hints that U.S. negotiators were backing off their demand for an outright halt to Iran’s nuclear program in favor of a lesser demand that would provide Iran with a window to gradually build up its capability. Today, it appears we’re a step closer to such an agreement.
Appearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee this week, Secretary of State John Kerry insists Iran will not get the bomb. (newsweek.com)
Secretary of State John Kerry told senators yesterday, “There is no deal yet. And I caution people to wait and see what these negotiations produce.” All reports indicate, however, that a deal in the works would supposedly slow the Iranian nuclear program.
“The president has made clear – I can’t state this more firmly – the policy is Iran will not get a nuclear weapon,” Kerry tried to assure members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
Meanwhile, consider these events:
Last year, Iran test fired a ballistic missile, a technology advance that could lead to the development of a missile that could reach the U.S., and Tehran argued that missiles were not part of the nuclear talks.
Despite denials that it is on the path to build a nuclear weapon, new evidence charges that Iran has an underground site that is enriching uranium intended for nuclear weapons that has been hidden from the West for years. The Iranian opposition group, the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) stated yesterday that the site is just outside of Tehran and is equipped with radiation proof doors to prevent leaks that could be detected by UN inspectors.
Demonstrators in Tehran exhibit their feelings toward the West. (michaelmurray.ca)
Yesterday we also learned that Iran, concerned with the possibility of an attack by Israel, is considering the purchase of Russia’s Rostec Antey-2500 anti-ballistic missile system, despite the fact that Rostec is on the U.S. sanctions list.
And today we note that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard launched large-scale naval and air defense drills near the vital Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway. Included was an attack by a number of fast boats firing missiles at a mock-up of an American aircraft carrier and the shooting down of a drone.
Lastly, President Obama opposes Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s up-coming speech before a joint session of Congress and will not meet with him privately, supposedly because his visit comes too close to Israel’s elections. If you believe that, you still believe you can keep your doctor and your health care plan.
I wonder if the president thinks this is an Obama love fest in Tehran. (English.alarabiya.net)
The truth is President Obama doesn’t want us to hear the truth. Netanyahu is coming at a time when we are in negotiations with Iran, and he will tell Congress about the Iranian threat. What you won’t hear from Kerry and Obama.
