Biden's Plan for the Iran Situation

[gateley]

Again -- he goes beyond condemning the current situation, and presents a step by step template.

First, the situation as it stands:

Iran did resume work on uranium enrichment, which is the most likely method it would use to produce the fissile material for a bomb.

But at its current pace, the NIE concluded that Iran could produce that material no earlier than the end of 2009 – but that this is very unlikely. More likely is that Iran will be capable of making enough material for a bomb sometime between 2010 and 2015.

This means that the answers to the questions I posed are no, war is not inevitable and yes, we can prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. There is still time for diplomatic engagement and economic pressure to work. There is still time to protect our interests without using force.

The Five Steps: (He expounds on each of these points at the link, if you're interested.)

From Regime Change to Conduct Change

Instead of regime change, we need to focus on conduct change.

First, working with allies and partners, not acting alone, we must make it very clear to Iran what it risks in terms of isolation if it continues to defy the international community’s demand that it stop enriching uranium.


Second, we need to do a far better job managing great power relations with China, Russia, and our allies in Europe. We need a common understanding with them because they have more leverage than we do.

Third, we must exploit growing cracks within the ruling elite and between Iran’s rulers and its people.

Fourth, Iran can’t be dealt with in isolation. We have to connect the dots.

Fifth, we must end our dependence on the “Axis of Oil.”

http://www.joebiden.com/getinformed/speeches?id=0091

[polichick]

1. Looks good...

Let's hope he parlays this opportunity into votes!

[Think82]

2. kick

[rucky]

3. Axis of Oil

priceless!

[livvy]

4. Nice summary!

I recommend that folks read the whole thing, too. It's an interesting read. It's refreshing to read an actual plan as far as how to deal sanely with these problems.

edit: for sense

[rcsl1998]

5. All I Know Is...

...when Joe started talking impeachment re: Iran and Dennis said he was drawing up articles in the House, the Decider BACKED DOWN - Helloooooooo Nancy! Anybody home?

[gateley]

6. Whoa -- I didn't even make that connection! Interesting! nt

[1corona4u]

7. Kick...

[Steely_Dan]

8. This is very interesting....

I think I will pursue this line of thinking with a little research. Great insight, my friend. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall in that conversation.

-Paige

[rcsl1998]

9. Great On So Many Issues...

...but the bankruptcy 'reform' that he voted for (and the ties to the finance industry) have prevented me from fully deciding on Joe in the primary. The Democrats have extremely good candidates and while no one candidate is perfect, I hope that Joe would rise above Delaware politics and change course on that issue. On foreign policy, he's a giant. I love that he's direct in what he says. He's been winning me over in the 'debates' - but I'm still doing my research. Gotta keep my focus on the candidates and their positions not on some of their supporters who's support for their own candidate is so 'aggressive' that they actually have the opposite effect from what they intend. And don't get me going on the mostly useless M$M... ARGH!

[K Gardner]

10. Very encouraging to read an actual ::gasps:: PLAN to deal with Shrubs f***ups. n/t