Iran: 3/29/12-4/5/12

Well it seems that the next round of talks with the European Union that were supposed to occur in the coming weeks are not going to be a reality.  Iran has had problems establishing a fair and appropriate place for the talks with the European Union. This seems only to be a delay tactic. Most believe that they are going to try and hold off the talks until the last possible moment. Iran may believe that the economic sanctions will not start to hurt them before a point that Israel makes the first move. Earlier this week my SRA Professor told us that Israel had been caught fueling their planes for a strike, but the plan was somehow leaked and eventually scraped. This was false, but on the other hand, over the weekend Israel edited a weapons deal with Azerbaijan that now allows them to land their planes on Azerbaijan airfields. Although this does help the plan to strike Iran, the major problem of refueling the planes in the air before the strike is still at large. This evidence is now changing the question of if Israel will strike, to when Israel will strike. It is this very question that is pushing Iran to delay talks. If they can wait for Israel to strike without giving up any of their nuclear program, then Iran no longer becomes an enemy but a victim, and a victim with their nuclear program intact. The difference between these two words is critical in the political arena. As the enemy, Iran’s nuclear program is seen as a world threat. As a victim, Iran’s nuclear program may be seen solely as an act of self-defense to prevent further military strikes. Although such a change in public perception is unlikely, a strike will certainly bring back Iran some support in the world at a time when they seem to have lost touch with all allies. Although the talks could proceed, at this point in time it seems unlikely.