Iran Talks: Rice vs. Bolton/Cheney
Condoleezza Rice just really pissed off John Bolton, whom I have learned is seething about Rice's offer of direct negotiations with Iran.
There is a long, long way to go in our haggling with Iran over its nuclear program whether it is through indirect negotiations via Europe, direct negotiations, or resolutions and eventual sanctions via the U.N.
However, Rice not only has to manage the Iranian response to her initiative but has to manage Vice President Cheney's team -- including John Bolton -- who will try to undermine her at every step.
The President had to sign off on this initiative, but what is not clear is whether he is going to give his complete support to Rice or whether he is going to sit on a perch while his closest advisors slash each other over this.
More later. I am on vacation. Heading to Athens tonight.
-- Steve Clemons
The way I see it, it's two (at least) against one: Bush and Cheney, and Cheney's thugs like Bolton, and the neocons, against Condi.
And that's assuming Condi is legitimate about this offer and that the offer is legitimately supported by Bush.
Not to mention that the offer itself is a non-starter as it demands what Iran has already rejected - suspension of an NPT right - uranium enrichment.
While Iran MIGHT go for a temporary suspension in order to get direct talks, there is little likelihood that without some concrete precondition from the US that suits Iran that they will accept suspension as a precondition in the absence of US concessions.
Therefore, Condi's offer is not legitimate on the face of it.
I've read some other commentators today - including those for action against Iran - pretty much acknowledge that the offer of negotiations with a precondition of enrichment suspension is not only not new, it's a non-starter on the face of it.
June 1, 2006 8:06 PM | Reply | Permalink
Here is Bolton's attitude - listen for yourself.
Transcript:
BOLTON: And I think when the President says it’s unacceptable, I think what he means by that is that it’s unacceptable. So it’s important…
CAVUTO: But unacceptable means that if it keeps going on you’re going to do something about it…
BOLTON: That no option is taken off the table. And Secretary…
CAVUTO: Military as well?
BOLTON: Exactly. Secretary Rice…
CAVUTO: Unilateral military action?
BOLTON: Secretary Rice made that point again today. But that’s why I think…
CAVUTO: That we would, I’m sorry Ambassador, that we would act alone if we had to?
BOLTON: That’s why he says no option is taken off the table. But it’s also why he has, the President, has reached out President Putin and other leaders in the past couple of days to say, “We’re making a significant step here,” that will be criticized by many of the president’s staunchest supporters here at home. But he’s taking this step to show strength and American leadership and to say he’s willing to do something that may be unpopular even with some of his supporters, to remove all excuses from Iran and its supporters to say, “We went the extra mile. We gave Iran really, this last chance to show that they are serious when they say they don’t want nuclear weapons.” This is put or shut up time for Iran.
June 2, 2006 12:59 AM | Reply | Permalink