George (Orwell) Bush was at his double-speak worst at the White House yesterday following the revelation that his accusations about an Iranian nuclear weapons program turn out to be as accurate as his accusations about Saddam's weapons of mass destruction.
What was the lesson the president drew from the new National Intelligence Estimate that Iran does not and has not had a weapons program since 2003? It is a "warning signal" according to the president. It means that Iran is "dangerous" and a "threat to peace."
In other words, before the release of the new NIE, Bush -- and his neocon allies -- wanted to attack Iran. After the release of the new NIE Bush -- and his neocon allies -- want to attack Iran. But hey, when have facts ever gotten in the way of this administration?
The White House needs to shut up with its threats and saber rattling and start talking with Iran. Threats empower the hawks in Tehran with Bush's favorite weapon -- fear -- while marginalizing those who argue for negotiations and compromise. Negotiations get results. Just ask the Europeans. According to the new NIE, Iran suspended its nuclear weapons program in the fall of 2003. This is precisely when Iran and European negotiators began to talk.
No comments:
Post a Comment