wait, what??
U.S. offers Iran nuke tech - Mideast/N. Africa - MSNBC.com
Never have 5 words caused me such confusion: "US offers iran nuke tech." Whoah, wait a minute there, cowpoke! Isn't this a huge about-face in policy with Iran? How can we have "miltary options not off the table" (paraphrased) one day, and the next offer nuclear technology?
Or am I just still in shock by the headline, thusly all reasoning and logic has shut down in my brain?
I think there are a few possible motivations.
One, the GOP is under the impression it's going to get its ass handed to it come November. If we can resolve this crisis with Iran before November happens, it might put the GOP back in better standing with the public.
Two, it's another test from the Bush administration. If, for example, Iran declines this offer, it gives the US more leverage and credibility in the standoff. We offered them this much, and they rejected it...why would they reject nuclear technology aimed solely at electricity production UNLESS they only (or primarily) want nuclear technology to build a bomb? It does start to make a more compelling case for the US.
Three, it's solely (or primarily) altruistic, but I seriously doubt that. Why would we one day be at odds with Iran, and the next offer them gifts of goodwill, just because? Nuh-uh. Not likely.
My money is that it's on items number 1 and 2. It's the Bush administration's and the GOP's way of killing two birds with one nuke, uh I mean, stone. Gain credibility with the US citizenry (and get re-elected), and gain credibility with the rest of the world with an "I told you so" kind of routine.
Never have 5 words caused me such confusion: "US offers iran nuke tech." Whoah, wait a minute there, cowpoke! Isn't this a huge about-face in policy with Iran? How can we have "miltary options not off the table" (paraphrased) one day, and the next offer nuclear technology?
Or am I just still in shock by the headline, thusly all reasoning and logic has shut down in my brain?
I think there are a few possible motivations.
One, the GOP is under the impression it's going to get its ass handed to it come November. If we can resolve this crisis with Iran before November happens, it might put the GOP back in better standing with the public.
Two, it's another test from the Bush administration. If, for example, Iran declines this offer, it gives the US more leverage and credibility in the standoff. We offered them this much, and they rejected it...why would they reject nuclear technology aimed solely at electricity production UNLESS they only (or primarily) want nuclear technology to build a bomb? It does start to make a more compelling case for the US.
Three, it's solely (or primarily) altruistic, but I seriously doubt that. Why would we one day be at odds with Iran, and the next offer them gifts of goodwill, just because? Nuh-uh. Not likely.
My money is that it's on items number 1 and 2. It's the Bush administration's and the GOP's way of killing two birds with one nuke, uh I mean, stone. Gain credibility with the US citizenry (and get re-elected), and gain credibility with the rest of the world with an "I told you so" kind of routine.
posted by xanadian at 12:52 PM
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