Techman said:Iran is not interested in talking as shown by the total disregard for resolutions concerning it's nuclear program. They will do things their way no matter what the rest of the world wish. North Korea is no different. Don't make the mistake that these countries can be reasoned with through diplomatic means. All that will succeed in doing is to give them enough time to develop the nuclear weapons they so badly desire and then the time for negotiation will be over. They will be the ones holding the cards and they will not be interested in any deals. As long as there are countries such as Russia and France who are ready and willing to veto any severe santions against them, there is no chance of diplomatic solutions.
Don't make the mistake? How the hell are you going to know if you don't try? Iran has expressed the willingness to have direct talks with the US. Even if you argue that the probability of these talks achieveing anything positive is minimal why not at least give it a shot? The "we don't negotiate with terrorists and talks would be useless anyway" approach is pig-headed and childish. Give it a try and let them know that military options are on the table if they do anything stupid.
How often has diplomacy really worked to avoid major conflicts?
It certainly worked during the Cold War. The US negotiated with the Soviets -even though they said they were going to bury the US. They (Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, etc.) made it quite clear what would happen if Russia chose to use those weapons and what the response would be if they invaded Western Europe. The Soviets made as many - probably more - threatening moves than Iran has.
You have to be pragmatic. The leaders of a nation have the interests of their nation in mind plus they want to remain in power. I don't believe any leader of any nation would consider the destruction of his nation to be in their interest. And, that applies to Iran as well. A military attack on Iran would be a huge mistake. Heck, even Newt Gingrich of all people said today that he opposes a military strike on Iran.
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