tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414025411716568353.post8182252600869075964..comments2023-10-17T05:20:29.635-04:00Comments on Shadowed Forest of World Politics: Will Tehran Accept Beijing's Support?William deB. Millshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07103937881679464836noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414025411716568353.post-52888199068918529992010-04-03T12:10:11.918-04:002010-04-03T12:10:11.918-04:00Veronica, I'm quite sympathetic to the argumen...Veronica, I'm quite sympathetic to the argument you make. Yes, it does appear that Washington would just demand more if Tehran conceded anything.<br /><br />But even if one assumes that the subordination of Iran to the U.S.-led international system rather than the curbing of Iranian nuclear ambitions is Washington's goal, I would argue that Tehran should still contemplate the effectiveness of its tactics. <br /><br />My point here is not that Tehran could persuade Washington to change but that it could persuade some others in the world to change and that it could facilitate the efforts of those such as Ankara, Moscow, Brasilia, and Beijing that are searching for a compromise.<br /><br />The issue for Tehran is not truly "oneupmanship" but survival and independence. Being "right" but getting attacked is failure for the Iranian people (perhaps not for some particular politician).<br /><br />If I were an Iranian patriot, I would severely criticize Tehran for doing a very poor job of international coalition-building.<br /><br />I should note that Ahmadinejad's recent offer of a compromise on the medical uranium issue weakens my argument. That was a good tactical move. However, it could perhaps have been framed more effectively by coordinating with Moscow and Beijing. A joint statement of some minor shift on the terms of the exchange that allowed Beijing, say, to take credit for achieving a "compromise" would strengthen Tehran's position, would it not?<br /><br />The question of whether or not Beijing or Moscow might be willing to cooperate is worth asking. I certainly do not know the answer, but the public remarks of both Chinese and Russian leaders suggests to me that they would be likely to leap at the chance.<br /><br />If anyone has insight into the calculations being made in either of these capitals on the Iran nuclear issue, by all means send a comment!William deB. Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07103937881679464836noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1414025411716568353.post-40939542270631060972010-04-02T15:45:39.800-04:002010-04-02T15:45:39.800-04:00I believe Iran should not give in to the bullying ...I believe Iran should not give in to the bullying and pressure of USA and Israel. If Iran gives an inch to USA-Israel, they would want a mile. Even if Iran were to stop all uranium enrichment and to give up all its technological research and advancements, USA-Israel will find another excuse to harass and bully Iran. These pressures exerted on Iran by USA and Israel have nothing to do with uranium enrichment but has everything to do with "regime change" and establishing a puppet government in Iran. USA and Israel are like bullies in a neighborhood who get worse day by day until people stand up to the bully and stop him. <br /> <br />China, Turkey, Brazil and Russia should stand up united with Iran to the bullies and let them know clearly that Iran has the right to enrich uranium for civilian use in Iran and that is exactly what Iran is doing and should start pressuring USA and Israel with more force to give up their nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. These countries are as soft as marshmallows trying to please demands of USA-Israel. <br /> <br />Western warmongering politicians are the ones demonstrating so little skill at diplomacy, not Iran. Iran's politicians are standing up for their rights and principles.Veronicanoreply@blogger.com