Here we have a real blood for oil deal being advocated in the pages of the New York Times:
Unfortunately, by refusing to consider a "grand bargain" with Iran — that is, resolution of Washington's concerns about Tehran's weapons of mass destruction and support for terrorism in return for American security guarantees, an end to sanctions and normalization of diplomatic relations — the Bush administration is courting failure in its nuclear diplomacy and paving the way for Russia and China to win the larger strategic contest.
Iran has the world's second-largest proven reserves of conventional crude oil, after Saudi Arabia, and the second-largest reserves of natural gas, after Russia. Its relatively low production levels make it one of the few states with the potential to greatly increase its exports of both oil and gas over the next two decades.
Ah, a "grand bargain." That sounds so much more sophisticated than "grand betrayal."
I am amazed that some of our elites would choose to abandon Iranians yearning for freedom from the evil mullahs with a plan to cement the mullahs' hold on power. The eagerness to betray people who actually like America is further amazing.
And the saddest thing is, this so-called realist policy founders on the very realism is purports to advocate. An agreement with the mullahs of Iran of the sort advocated is no bargain.
Iran under the mullahs will not under any circumstances give up nuclear weapons and end their support for terrorism.
The mullahs may very well pretend to give up nukes and take our goodies until they get caught cheating. And then they figure they'll face no more consequences than North Korea did--new negotiations over new bribes. The Iranians must be amazed at our faith in talking.
And Iran may tone down terror attacks for a bit while the ink dries, but who really believes they will halt attacks forever?
As for Iran wanting security guarantees? Bull. The fact is, Iran does not fear us. They've said as much. They don't think we have the balls to invade or the stomach to endure casualties. Nor do they consider mere infidels as having any chance of winning at all given that they believe Allah is on their side. Didn't you catch Ahmadinejad's call for our President to surrender?
Get real people. Iran under the mullahs is our enemy. There can be no grand bargain with such thugs who see only our utter defeat or destruction as their goal.
