Iranian Missile Tests May Be a Good Sign

[Truth2Tell]

I think it may actually be a positive sign that Iran chose to test launch some of their most high-tech medium range missile systems on the eve of direct talks about their nuke program. I know that sounds crazy, but bear with me...

Anyone ever involved in negotiations knows that the positioning of the parties prior to a negotiation can be even more important than the actual talks... the displaying of some cards and the hiding of others, the posturing for appearance of more or less strength, the last efforts to change the facts on the ground, etc etc. This is what parties do before they negotiate, particularly nations in open or covert conflict with one another. Iran is acting like a nation trying to claim as much territory as they can on the eve of a ceasefire. And by doing so they are implicitly acknowledging that they are preparing to actually negotiate.

I don't think the Iranians would be chest thumping their way into these talks unless they thought it was likely that they would be making some concessions soon.

Just a crazy hunch.

[onehandle]

1. They have weeks to a few months before Israel blows them away.

Then we get $600 a barrel oil.

[Truth2Tell]

2. Israel would have a very hard time acting

if Obama reached a compromise deal with Iran. It would become almost impossible.

[Selatius]

3. As long as Likud is running the show in Israel, nobody should be at ease b/c of Obama's efforts.

Benjamin Netanyahu is one who should be treated with caution. He has virtually ignored Obama's demand that they shut down settlement construction due to intense pressure within Likud, so his track record on following behind Obama is already spotty at best.

[Truth2Tell]

4. I don't think Israel could

effectively strike Iran without at least tacit US support.

[Selatius]

8. They would have to fly through Iraqi airspace, which is currently patrolled by the US Air Force.

They'd be putting themselves and us in an extreme position of potentially shooting each other down if Obama denied them permission and they attacked anyway. It would be a diplomatic nightmare. What's worse is if some of those Israeli planes still make it to Iran to drop the bombs, the US would have a regional world war on top of having shot down allied warplanes.

[onehandle]

7. True. And of course that's what will happen. nt

[Wash. state Desk Jet]

5. There is no-thing good about it.

Not a thing.

[bridgit]

6. Were I to enter such a room with my Itel guys alternately whispering into their cuff links...

and into my ear after showing me a full panel of look-down Sat stuff and whatever came up from the ground I wouldn't mind so much that the principle-other showed up with some spiffy new rockets so new they had no markers on them just painted in shades Pyongyang - it can - it can be endearing to observe such intent such industry, or, it can flavor the room but I would've taken a snap of the poli/socio/econ landscape behind this as well, what has been represented as: millenia' old national pride in scientific achievement before I got into the limo for the ride over so that I become more grounded in the presence of another's negotiating/management style, still...

- Where, Or If & When It Is To Be The Case -

Or where not provided for, or solicited as: comedic relief: the principle-other instead struts the conf room table like a banty rooster kicking the papers all about, jacking the bottled Calistoga through the air like they just won the Indy 500, and starts up shooting their spiffy new rockets round the room killing my lawyer then goddess bless them cause my sense is that our counter offer would be less than appreciated

"I see. Understood. Well, we've discovered from these talks, and I personally thank you for them; essential components able to nurture shared goals, ideals and prospects of a lasting peace for all. And not just here in the region in the world beyond: all people.

It is, however, both cases that: these talks while appreciated are expired-pending and - *and* - or more to the point: our gentlemen, our ladies, and myself are to away in either event conducting, hopefully concluding pressing matters elsewhere for the better as: Time Is Of The Essence, here's hoping you agree...

...

...

Our people will be conveying message to your people in due course. Thanks again"


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