Friday, January 13, 2006

Iran tells us to take our UN inspections and shove 'em

They're being about as cooperative as a pair of wet leather pants that are a size too small on a hot day. Not that I'd know what that's like... it just sounds uncooperative.

TEHRAN, Iran - Iran threatened Friday to end surprise inspections and other cooperation with the U.N. nuclear watchdog if it is referred to the U.N. Security Council over its nuclear program, and the president vowed his country won't be intimidated by sanctions.

Iran's tough line came as Europe and the United States were trying to build support for hauling Iran before the Security Council. They faced resistance from China, which warned the move could only escalate the confrontation.

In Washington, President Bush and German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged U.N. intervention. The world needs to "send a common message to Iran that their behavior ... is unacceptable," Bush said.

An end to U.N. inspections would be a dramatic breakdown in the already faltering diplomatic attempts at reining in Iran's nuclear ambitions.


I really don't see many other options here other than some type of military strike. I don't think diplomacy can take us any further.