generalspeaking

Smiley-Face Campaign

"I will tell the truth in the face of the sweet talk and the onslaught of smiles. Telling the truth today is vital for the security and peace of the world and, of course, it is vital for the security of the State of Israel."
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

The bearer of a tediously unpopular message, Benjamin Netanyahu once again headed to Washington, yarmulke held beseechingly in hand, to attempt to counter a charm offensive that had American and European authorities lapping up the smiles like kittens entranced by clotted-cream offerings.

What threat to world peace? Which concerns exactly are being spoken of? Couldn't be the threat of nuclear weapons finally in the hands of a fanatical theocratic regime which has distinguished itself as a sponsor of violent terror attacks in various parts of the world, surely? Not the Islamic Republic of Iran whose notoriety as the funder and trainer of Islamist militias geared to destroy a Middle East member-country of no real account in the world...?

Concern misplaced, most obviously by a country unfortunately plagued with the dread of persecution. These are not scowling, threatening faces, voices raised in high-pitched rhetoric of defiance and vengeance against those who stand in their way.  Those who caution that words are well and fine, but wait for matching action as proof positive of a 360-degree turn in intention, are, well, spoil-sports.

Everyone is just fine.

A good time being had by all; tensions relieved, handshakes all around; almost -- but good-natured satisfaction overwhelmingly tickling the funny-bone. It took 34 years, some might say, but better late than never, responds President Obama, confident in his repeated overtures to reason, addressing a national interest that eschews reason for the passion of conquest.

Deeper ties are in the offing; America and Iran, two great nations identified as such by the new president of Iran, are set to become bosom pals, and European diplomats are utterly thrilled at the "very significant shift" in attitude and tone. On the part of Obama, the Nobel Laureate finally earning his medal; from Iran, reasonableness and the promise of normalcy.

And there's Israel's politicians, trying to spoil it all, to grab the limelight of attention, what a drag. The prime minister of Israel keeps repeating that tired old slogan: Rouhani's 'outreach' a mere superficiality, a visible ploy to ease international sanctions for the vital result of buying time for Iran's nuclear program to progress beyond the point of return ... an imminent juncture.

"Negotiations are on the table to discuss various aspects of Iran's enrichment program. Our right to enrich is non-negotiable" announced Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Sunday. The United States must take steps to end the crippling economic sanctions. Or no deal. AT other times in other venues this might be described acerbically as the tail wagging the dog; no longer.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared nuclear weapons contrary to Islamic law. It is merely coincidental and of no account whatever and certainly not of any business of the international community that Iran has its national aspiration and the right to develop its uranium enrichment program.

And everyone -- almost -- seems deliriously happy.

Labels: European Union, Iran, Israel, Nuclear Technology, Security, United Nations, United States

posted by Pieface @ Monday, September 30, 2013