From an aircraft carrier in the Persian Gulf, Dick Cheney issued another warning to Iran, emphasizing that the U.S. intends to use force if Iran seeks nuclear weapons (meaning that if Iran continues work on its nuclear program, whether it is for peaceful purposes or not). The White House is continuing to pursue a hardline against Iran, although this has not been very successful so far in bringing the Iranians to the negotiating table. Of course the Iranians have just responded to Cheney's remarks, saying they are ready for a fight. This is so reminiscent of the buildup to war with Iraq.
Cheney also left the door open for negotiations, but the two sides are so far apart that a peaceful solution is not yet in sight.
A breakthrough may come from an unlikely source- discontent among the citizens of Iran. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is becoming increasingly unpopular inside Iran, mainly due to the economy. The Supreme Leader is also keeping Ahmadinejad on a shorter leash. The White House would be better off playing on those weaknesses, hoping for a change in domestic politics in Iran. Everytime Bush & Co. gives a threatening speech, they only strengthen support for Ahmadinejad. They play right into Ahmadinejads politics, which involves painting the U.S. (and the West) as the boogeymen that the Iranian people should be concerned about.
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