Iran: 4/13/12- 4/19/12

The negotiations between Iran and the world’s major powers took place over this weekend. To give you the best visual representation of how I interpreted the meetings went this weekend I would like you to watch this 30 second clip from the movie Madagascar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvYBZRwwGB4&feature=related

The penguins in this clip are Iran. Every diplomat from the major power’s side coming out of that meeting each believed that the meeting was a success, because they felt that Iran was willing to negotiate the control of their nuclear weapons. The whole purpose of this meeting was merely for the diplomats from the major powers to put their toe in the water, and they found the water was perfect. They left believing that Iran is wholeheartedly willing to negotiate. To be honest, I believe that all Iran has done is “smiled and waved” while they continue to work on their weapons for the time being. The next meeting to start to discuss the negotiations isn’t until next month. This gives Iran additional time with not very much pressure to continue working on their nuclear program. Iran has played every aspect of the negotiations perfectly. At first they gave the appearance that they were reluctant on the venue of the negotiations. Iran effectively made the major powers feel that they would be lucky to have Iran show up at all to the negotiations. When Iran actually did show up, the major powers would feel grateful to them for coming, putting the major powers at a disadvantage from the very beginning of the process. Next, Iran put on their best face and acted politely. This reassured the major power’s diplomats that only good things were to come. This removed Iran slightly off the hot seat they have been on, and will allow them to continue their work on their nuclear weapons. As has been suspected before, this appears to be merely a stall tactic. If Iran comes to the next meeting in May with the real intention of giving up their nuclear weapons, I will be thoroughly shocked. Instead, I anticipate another political subterfuge which will not end well for the major powers.