Issues Under Fire: Iran-P5+1 Talks Remain on Life Support
In the last 48 hours of the Iran-P5+1 nuclear talks, it seems as though the life has been drained from the process. While the talks are barely breathing, those opposed to any deal, have so successfully poisoned the well of cooperation and compromise, those hoping for a breakthrough appear to be preparing to move on.
Apparently the French, Chinese and Russians have determined the "Deal" is so close to death, it was pointless to wait around for the United States to pull the plug. All three countries called their foreign minister home, leaving relative underlings in Switzerland in case of a miracle. For the moment, the Deal's demise looks likely.
Although the Obama administration was able to keep Germany and the U.K. in the room, with only three of the six Western principals left at the table, its becoming clear the prospects for reaching a deal with Iran is dying and dying fast. If these talks do indeed collapse, one can only speculate as to how the United States will spin the failure in order to place the blame on Tehran. Being seen as the cause for the death of the deal has to be avoided at any cost.
Considering the United States is the only entity in the process that seems to be answering to a higher power, the Obama administration will have to concoct an angle that presents Tehran as unwilling untrustworthy and negotiating in bad faith. In other words, Iran will have to be framed. How the administration will get the frame to fit will be interesting, since the entire world witnessed the level of influence Israel exerted over the United States.
Injecting itself into the process through unmitigated gall, Israel used the United States Congress to make it clear to all negotiating participants, their efforts were futile. Ordering U.S. Congressional leaders to Tel Avi as easily as ordering deli sandwich, senior members of the House and Senate responded like lap dogs to a treat. Evidently, pledging their allegiance and undying support for whatever was in Israel's best interest, was enough to convince anyone paying attention, the fix was in.
Bottom line: If the "Deal" does die in the next 24-36 hours, one can expect the infusion of a narrative that forces the United States to walk away from the talks. Out of the blue, Iran's long standing demands like the immediate lifting of sanctions and retaining Tehran's right to continued research and development of nuclear technologies will be cited as obstacles too objectionable to overcome.
In the end, John Kerry will be lauded for his determination and dedication by the administration and the opportunity to transition from decades of hostility and instability will be lost for another generation or more. Podcast Below!
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