The 'Negotiation Process'

Negotiation Process

Well, it looks like the Bush administration got an agreement in Vienna. Now comes the real fun, getting a resolution passed in the UN Security Council. Of course, attacking Iran, while stupid would take the focus of Iraq. In fact, attacking Iran would provide the Bush adminstration with a justification for the withdrawl of US troops from Iraq.

Yeah, I know, such wild speculation on my part. But just for the hell of it, why don't you check out the following exchange between Neil Cavuto of Fox News (gee what a suprise) and Ambassador to the UN, John Bolton. (Think Progress has the video.)

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.

Bush, Iran, Security Council, Fox News, Neil Cavuto, John Bolton