Friday, May 1, 2015

David Ignatius, "Iran changes its tune on peace talks": No Mention of 100,000 Hezbollah Missiles Aimed at Israel

In his latest Washington Post opinion piece entitled "Iran changes its tune on peace talks," Obama cheerleader David Ignatius tells of his recent meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Zarif in New York. Ignatius writes:

"On the nuclear issue, Zarif was optimistic in the conversation that a final deal could be reached by the June 30 deadline. On details of the agreement, such as sanctions relief and inspection procedures, there seemed to be less difference between Iranian and U.S. positions than had appeared to be the case a month ago. 'It’s not a perfect agreement . . . but it’s the best we can get,' he said, echoing a line President Obama has used."

Of course, Iran will want to conclude an agreement by June 30 and receive the $50 billion of frozen Iranian bank deposits that Obama is dangling in front of Khamenei's nose, all in order to create a legacy for the American president. Meanwhile, however, as reported by The Times of Israel in an article entitled "UK: Iran trying to buy nuke technology in violation of sanctions":

"Iran is actively trying to buy nuclear technology through blacklisted companies, according to a confidential UN report, citing information from the British government.

The claims — which if true would violate UN sanctions — were made to a UN panel of experts just weeks after world powers reached a framework deal with Iran on curbing its nuclear program.

'The UK government informed the panel on the 20 April 2015 that it ‘is aware of an active Iranian nuclear procurement network which has been associated with Iran’s Centrifuge Technology Company (TESA) and Kalay Electric Company (KEC)’,' the report, seen by AFP, said.

. . . .

US State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf told reporters Thursday, 'We remain concerned about their procurement, taken steps to designate entities for procurement in the recent past.' She said the US has ongoing discussions with the UN about the issue."

Harf is "concerned," and the US is talking with the UN about the matter? Oh my goodness, I'm certain Tehran is terrified . . . not.

But more to the point, does anyone believe that Iran won't continue to cheat on an agreement signed with the P5+1?

Ignatius also tells us:

"Zarif outlined an Iranian four-point peace plan for Yemen that calls for a cease-fire, humanitarian aid, dialogue among Yemeni factions and a new coalition government. On Syria, he urged 'national recognition' and a 'national unity government,' though he repeated past Iranian arguments that Assad’s departure couldn’t be a precondition for such a transition.

. . . .

When pressed whether Iran would halt its support for proxy groups that destabilize the region, Zarif offered only a general statement that 'the regional security mechanism should be based on . . . noninterference in the internal affairs of other states.' To which Sunni powers such as Saudi Arabia might answer: Show me."

Ah yes, "noninterference in the internal affairs of other states." Needless to say, there is no mention by Zarif (or Ignatius) of the 100,000 missiles supplied by Iran to Hezbollah in Lebanon, all to be used in the next round of fighting with Israel, in which much of Lebanon could be reduced to rubble. But why should this concern anyone? All that really matters is Obama's legacy.

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