Friday, September 19, 2003
Appeasement is a habit that dies hard. Now it appears that France, Germany and Britain have offered to cut a deal with one of the world's least reliable governments, to provide nuclear technology in exchange for more cooperation on inspections. How Iran could be compelled to stay within the bounds of the agreement in perpetuity is of course the eternal question. Perhaps a little forethought would dictate it might be best to focus on keeping the Mullahs nuclear-free? Of course, that would require certain European nations to work together with the United States, and some would rather work with the Mullahcrats than debase themselves so.
This story highlights one of the basic differences between current European and American thinking. Europeans believe its a matter of how we treat them that dictates their behavior, Americans, by and large, recognize that "their" behavior is dictated more by who and what they themselves are. In this case, power-mad, West-hating, thugs and murderers. That's who Britain, France and Germany would consider giving nuclear technology to...as long as they let us watch. It's like handing a murderer a knife to stab you with while you stand by and watch them sharpen it.
(Via email, and also LGF) Reuters | EU Big Three Offered Iran Carrot for Nuclear
Western diplomats told Reuters a joint letter by the big three European foreign ministers, the content of which has not previously been disclosed, was delivered to Tehran in early August despite intense lobbying by Washington.
It highlighted a gulf between the administration of President Bush and even its closest European ally, Britain, on whether to engage or isolate the Islamic republic.
The Europeans urged Iran to sign, implement and ratify the Additional Protocol to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) that provides for intrusive, short-notice inspections and to halt its uranium enrichment program, which the West fears could be at the heart of a clandestine nuclear arms program.
In return for compliance, the letter raised the prospect of cooperation on technology, without specifically pledging help with a civilian nuclear energy program, the sources said.
"Washington did not consider it very helpful at all. They were worried it ran the risk of splitting Europe and America on this issue, and they talked to their friends and colleagues in Europe about that and attempted to dissuade them from sending the letter," a diplomat familiar with the exchanges said.
European diplomats said they were disappointed there had not been a more specific reply from Tehran so far.[...]
