Unserious Consequences
Charles Johnson
Thu Jan 12, 2006 at 8:23 am PST • Views: 297
A good OpinionJournal piece on the feckless European Union approach to Iran’s nuclear ambitions: Unserious Consequences.
Iran’s decision yesterday to resume what it dubs “nuclear research” is garnering stern criticism in unexpected quarters.
Mohammed ElBaradei, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), says he’s “running out of patience” with Tehran. French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy urges the mullahs to “immediately and unconditionally reverse the decision.” His German counterpart, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, warns that matters cannot continue this way “without consequences,” citing Iran’s actions as a violation of the November 2004 Paris Accord in which Tehran agreed to suspend its nuclear programs.
It’s almost enough to think the Europeans and their friends finally mean to get serious with Iran. Almost, but not quite.
Thus, even as Iran announced plans to break the IAEA seals on the centrifuges of its Natanz uranium enrichment facility, Austrian Chancellor (and temporary president of the European Union) Wolfgang Schüssel warned that it would be premature to discuss sanctions. Javier Solana, the EU foreign policy chief, added that “every effort must be made to convince the Iranians to return to the previous situation, to negotiations.” Mr. Solana’s idea of getting tough with the Iranians is apparently to beg them to show up for lunch.
The Iranians have seen this European two-step before.
Frank says: