Preparations for a Showdown?
- US, Iran trade barbs ahead of Iraq talks (Associated Press)
- Showing jailed Americans, Iran TV cites confessions (Washington Post)
- Under fire from US, Iran reacts by cracking down at home (Christian Science Monitor)
Hardly looks like cooperative behavior, does it? Looks more like each side is posturing to increase its power at the bargaining table. Both sides appear to be going out of their way to annoy each other. Allegations and complaints on both sides have been escalating all week.
No one would ever accuse Iran and the US of being best buddies, but the current level of dialog doesn't even appear to be coldly courteous. Words like appalled, alarming and outrageous are being used by both parties -- not the conciliatory speech one would expect before a discussion aimed at resolving differences and solving problems.
Under the circumstances, it is hard to believe the sincerity of either party or their ability to compromise. Tuesday's scheduled talks look like another exercise in futility for America and another crafty delaying tactic on the part of Iran.
Labels: foreign policy, Iran, peace talks, US
