Posted by
arandomguy on Wednesday, November 01, 2006 11:51:59 PM
This is another piece of news that shouldn't come as a surprise to any of you who either read my blog, or watch any news program at all. There is a call (by the US) to draw up a draft resolution imposing sanctions on Iran for their noncompliance with the earlier UN resolution ordering them to cease their nuclear enrichment activities by August 31.
Russia is concerned that imposing sanctions against Iran might further alienate them from the international community, and make the jobs for inspectors even more difficult. "We cannot support those measures which in fact aim to isolate Iran from the outside world, including the isolation of the people who are charged with leading negotiations on the nuclear program," the Russian foreign minister said today.
Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't this the point? Iran is in violation of the will of the "international community." Shouldn't isolating it be the next logical step? If they will not comply with the resolutions willingly, then a path of systematic alienation from the rest of the world is necessary, until the sanctions are strong enough to force Iran's hand.
If they want to declare themselves outside international law, then so be it. But they shouldn't get to follow the provisions of international law that best suit their needs. Lincoln said something similar during the Civil War, when southerners wanted the Union to enforce the Fugitive Slave Act. He told them that they cannot neglect some parts of the Constitution, and choose to use others.
It works the same with International law. If Iran wants to declare itself outside the law, then so be it. But then we must totally isolate them from the "international community," and have no business at all with them. It is the only way to get them to cave.
Russia also announced their desire to open negotiations with Iran over the nuclear program, expressing their belief that the diplomatic option has not been exhausted. Evidently, the UN, EU, Russia, US, and multiple contingents of other nations, ALL failing to successfully negotiate with Iran isn't enough evidence for the Russians.
Nevermind that the Russians themselves have failed to produce anything out of their multiple sets of negotiations with Iran. Nevermind that Iran has proved itself unwilling to negotiate about their nuclear program. The fact is, Iran wants a nuclear weapon, for use against either Israel or the US, whichever opportunity presents itself first. It is a rogue nation of islamofascists that must be dealt with now, before it is too late. And puny UN resolutions won't cut it. There must be substantive action taken, with at least a credible threat of force if Iran is to be caved, and forced into submission.
Anything less is, simply, stupid.