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2011-12-10 Caucasus/Russia/Central Asia

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Posted by Steve White 2011-12-10 14:10|| || Front Page|| [1 views ] Top

#1 Russian diplomacy can be very enigmatic at times. Though they might pursue similar goals to the US, they make it a point never to pursue those goals in the same way. This is a strategy calculated to give them more influence in the outcome.

A good example is Iran's pursuit of nuclear everything. The US was direct in saying 'hell no', and trying to prevent any nuclear materials and equipment from going to Iran. But this left the question of Iran's intentions wide open. We really didn't know what they were planning to do.

But the Russians approach was to offer Iran enriched uranium for its nuclear power plants, but only on condition that the expended uranium was returned to Russia in exchange for fresh.

Were Iran to just want nuclear energy, this would have been fine with them. But they had to show their hand that they wanted to make nuclear weapons, by refusing Russia's deal. Weapons grade uranium is processed from expended fuel, which provides isotopes such as plutonium. To make it directly from reactor grade uranium is much harder.

So do not underestimate the Russians. While they seem to be Iran's good buddy, it is the friendship of a rattlesnake and a kingsnake. Russia will tolerate Iran as long as it is to Russia's interests. If Iran becomes a threat to Russia, Russia will treat it accordingly.

Posted by Anonymoose 2011-12-10 15:15|| 2011-12-10 15:15|| Front Page Top

#2 Anonymoose, I agree with your thoughts. How would we react should Mexico go nuclear. That is without O of course.

Posted by Dale 2011-12-10 18:39|| 2011-12-10 18:39|| Front Page Top

#3 HMMMMM, HMMMM, RUSSIA, aka Iran's BFF???

Agree wid #1.

Our mighty "YEAR OF THE LEFT FIELD" JUST KEEPS MOVING ALONG.

Posted by JosephMendiola 2011-12-10 22:51|| 2011-12-10 22:51|| Front Page Top

23:22 JosephMendiola
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