http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/30/opinion/30thu2.html?_r=1&th&emc=th&oref=slogin
This article definitely has its opinion, judging from its opening statement. "French President Nicolas Sarkozy made the wrong gesture at the wrong time by brandishing the possible use of force against Iran’s nuclear weapons program". The reason why this gesture is viewed as 'wrong' by the author of the article is because Sarkozy had previously stated "France would not join Washington in military action against Iran", making him sound a bit hypocritical.
What is essentially the purpose of Sarkozy's blunt, direct, and American-supporting statement is that if negotations aren't productive, or if "diplomatic initiative fails", then military force will be necessary to keep stability within the region and prevent the use of Iran's nuclear force.
The irony of it all, though, is this "bullying" of Iran is most likely compromising any chance of a diplomatic initiative or future agreement between Iran and the western allies. Was there, perhaps, and alterior motive behind Sarkozy's sudden 'change of mind'? Will the rest of Europe join Sarkozy and Bush in this "bullying" of Iran? Does Bush truly want a diplomatic initiative in Iran, because it seemed oddly convenient that in a press meeting on August 29th, Bush "suggested the nuclear threat from Iran was a justification for keeping American troops in Iraq."
Perhaps an alterior motive, perhaps not.
1 comment:
The idea of military action in Iran is such a scary thought to me. The military is stretched so impossibly thin- soldiers are having to serve 2nd and 3rd tours each over a year long with no end in sight. Our image in the region is already so bad, I can't imagine what another pre-emptive military strike would do. Also, when talking about fighting terrorism, I'm reminded of an e-mail the Obama campaign sent out about..hey, we still haven't found Osama bin Laden! Al Qaeda is regaining it's pre 9/11 strength and President Bush is saying things like "i don't spend that much time on him...i truly am not that concerned about him." it's just really interesting...the idea of another military conflict...give peace a chance!
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