As if the world and the United States didn't have enough holes in their collective dams to plug, here comes yet another leak. Based on a recent interview with John Bolton, who has served as an interim ambassador to the United Nations from August 2005 to December 2006, action against Tehran must be taken within days, or risk a nuclear enemy in the resource rich Middle East.
Israel has days to launch a military strike against Iran's Bushehr nuclear facility and stop Tehran from acquiring a functioning atomic plant, Bolton said.
Iran is to bring online its first nuclear power reactor, built with Russia's help, on August 21, when a shipment of nuclear fuel will be loaded into the plant's core. Russia, voted for the sanctions, yet has assisted Iran in bringing this facility on line. What does Russia care? They are one of a small group of countries whose oil supplies are growing. No Peak Oil for them.
At that point, Bolton warned, it will be too late for Israel to launch a military strike against the facility because any attack would spread radiation and affect Iranian civilians.
"Once that uranium, once those fuel rods are very close to the reactor, certainly once they're in the reactor, attacking it means a release of radiation, no question about it," Bolton told Fox Business Network.
Absent an Israeli strike, Bolton said, "Iran will achieve something that no other opponent of Israel, no other enemy of the United States in the Middle East really has and that is a functioning nuclear reactor."
The UN Security Council hit Tehran with a fourth set of sanctions on June 9 over its nuclear programme, and the United States and European Union followed up with tougher punitive measures targeting Iran's banking and energy sectors.
Bolton doubts that any military action is forthcoming, however. In fact, despite his warning, he believes the window of action may have already closed.
The significance of this to investors is multi-fold. In the first place, any military action would undoubtedly cause a major disruption in Middle East oil and a closure of the Gulf of Oman shipping lanes. That would have grave consequences on the world economy and the financial markets.
Secondly, the other impact would be a heightened crisis bid in Gold. One can only imagine the resultant spike in the price of Gold. We could see a move of $100 per ounce in minutes or even more.
A deflationary scare might suddenly turn into an inflationary scare.
For the record, one must believe that the odds of such a dramatic occurrence is pretty low. The world is already engaged in numerous military conflicts and resources are quite constrained for more military spending. But, it does alter the investment calculus. One would be well-advised to maintain some positions in assets that benefit from crises. GOLD.
Marko's Take
Showing posts with label Iran Sanctions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Iran Sanctions. Show all posts
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Showdown With Iran Looms Closer
Last Wednesday, the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution for a fourth round of sanctions against Iran, which includes prohibiting Tehran from buying heavy weapons, tightening financial transactions with Iranian banks and new cargo inspections.
The main thrust of the sanctions is against military purchases, trade and financial transactions carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which controls the nuclear program and has taken a more central role in running the country and the economy.
It also authorizes nations to conduct maritime inspections of vessels suspected of transporting prohibited items for Iran and adds 40 entities to a list of people and groups subject to travel restrictions and financial sanctions.
The resolution followed five months of strenuous negotiations between the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. With 12 votes in favor, it received the poorest support in the 15-nation council of the four Iran sanctions resolutions adopted since 2006. Turkey and Brazil voted no, while Lebanon abstained.
After vehemently opposing sanctions, Russia appears to be taking a tougher line with Iran. Officials said yesterday that Moscow would comply strictly with the new UN sanctions and signalled that a deal to supply Iran with air-defense missiles was now off.
Predictably, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Israel was "doomed" and singled out U.S. President Barack Obama for derision, blaming Washington for orchestrating the sanctions.
The Obama Administration has hailed the sanctions as a key diplomatic victory despite having its proposals watered down in order to gain Chinese support and only garnering 12 votes. Domestically, however, the administration is reportedly working with Congress to ease restrictions. According to the L.A. Times, administration officials have begun negotiations with congressional leaders, who are working on versions of House and Senate bills that would punish companies that sell refined petroleum products to Iran or help the country's oil industry.
Unlike the U.N. measures, congressional action would pertain only to U.S. policies and agencies and would not be binding on other countries. Other countries and groups of nations are also considering additional measures.
For its part, Tehran has completely dismissed the sanctions. For months, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned that Iran would respond aggressively, even militarily against U.S. and Isaeali interests in the region. Any military action by Iran would undoubtedly be targeted at disrupting oil supplies through the Straits of Hormuz, an outcome the world hopes desperately to avoid.
Saudi Arabia, no friend of Israel, views Iran as the bigger threat. Sources in the Gulf say that Riyadh has agreed to allow Israel to use a narrow corridor of its airspace in the north of the country to shorten the distance for a potential bombing run on Iran.
Sources in Saudi Arabia say it is common knowledge within defense circles in the kingdom that an arrangement is in place if Israel decides to launch a raid. Despite the tension between the two governments, they share a mutual loathing of the regime in Tehran and a common fear of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The 4 main targets for any raid on Iran would be the uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Qom, the gas storage development at Isfahan and the heavy-water reactor at Arak. Secondary targets include the lightwater reactor at Bushehr, which could produce weapons-grade plutonium when complete.
Israeli officials refused to comment on details for a possible raid on Iran, which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, categorically refuses to rule out. Asked about the possibility of a Saudi flight path for Israeli bombers, Aharaon Zeevi Farkash, who headed military intelligence until 2006 and has been involved in war games simulating a strike on Iran, said: “I know that Saudi Arabia is even more afraid than Israel of an Iranian nuclear capacity.”
It looks like "show time" in the Middle East is at hand. In the last several years, Tehran has built an impressive aresenal of advanced Russian-made weapons which make Iran no pushover, even with a massive military presence by the U.S. across the border in Iraq, as well as the potent military capability of Israel.
Should any military action ensue, its economic effects may be life-changing for the entire planet. Disrupting oil flow will not be that difficult, with severe repercussions for the world. For investors, companies engaged in the production of energy outside of the Middle East ought to be huge beneficiaries. In addition, the uncertainty caused by any altercation ought to be explosively bullish for Gold.
Marko's Take
If you're looking for some great investing information at a reasonable price, we would like to suggest that you check out the following sites: http://www.lemetropolecafe.com/, http://www.aegeancapital.com/, http://www.marketviews.tv/, http://www.goldpennystocks.com/, and, of course, our FREE and, oh so informative You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv.
The main thrust of the sanctions is against military purchases, trade and financial transactions carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, which controls the nuclear program and has taken a more central role in running the country and the economy.
It also authorizes nations to conduct maritime inspections of vessels suspected of transporting prohibited items for Iran and adds 40 entities to a list of people and groups subject to travel restrictions and financial sanctions.
The resolution followed five months of strenuous negotiations between the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China and Russia. With 12 votes in favor, it received the poorest support in the 15-nation council of the four Iran sanctions resolutions adopted since 2006. Turkey and Brazil voted no, while Lebanon abstained.
After vehemently opposing sanctions, Russia appears to be taking a tougher line with Iran. Officials said yesterday that Moscow would comply strictly with the new UN sanctions and signalled that a deal to supply Iran with air-defense missiles was now off.
Predictably, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said Israel was "doomed" and singled out U.S. President Barack Obama for derision, blaming Washington for orchestrating the sanctions.
The Obama Administration has hailed the sanctions as a key diplomatic victory despite having its proposals watered down in order to gain Chinese support and only garnering 12 votes. Domestically, however, the administration is reportedly working with Congress to ease restrictions. According to the L.A. Times, administration officials have begun negotiations with congressional leaders, who are working on versions of House and Senate bills that would punish companies that sell refined petroleum products to Iran or help the country's oil industry.
Unlike the U.N. measures, congressional action would pertain only to U.S. policies and agencies and would not be binding on other countries. Other countries and groups of nations are also considering additional measures.
For its part, Tehran has completely dismissed the sanctions. For months, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has warned that Iran would respond aggressively, even militarily against U.S. and Isaeali interests in the region. Any military action by Iran would undoubtedly be targeted at disrupting oil supplies through the Straits of Hormuz, an outcome the world hopes desperately to avoid.
Saudi Arabia, no friend of Israel, views Iran as the bigger threat. Sources in the Gulf say that Riyadh has agreed to allow Israel to use a narrow corridor of its airspace in the north of the country to shorten the distance for a potential bombing run on Iran.
Sources in Saudi Arabia say it is common knowledge within defense circles in the kingdom that an arrangement is in place if Israel decides to launch a raid. Despite the tension between the two governments, they share a mutual loathing of the regime in Tehran and a common fear of Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The 4 main targets for any raid on Iran would be the uranium enrichment facilities at Natanz and Qom, the gas storage development at Isfahan and the heavy-water reactor at Arak. Secondary targets include the lightwater reactor at Bushehr, which could produce weapons-grade plutonium when complete.
Israeli officials refused to comment on details for a possible raid on Iran, which Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, categorically refuses to rule out. Asked about the possibility of a Saudi flight path for Israeli bombers, Aharaon Zeevi Farkash, who headed military intelligence until 2006 and has been involved in war games simulating a strike on Iran, said: “I know that Saudi Arabia is even more afraid than Israel of an Iranian nuclear capacity.”
It looks like "show time" in the Middle East is at hand. In the last several years, Tehran has built an impressive aresenal of advanced Russian-made weapons which make Iran no pushover, even with a massive military presence by the U.S. across the border in Iraq, as well as the potent military capability of Israel.
Should any military action ensue, its economic effects may be life-changing for the entire planet. Disrupting oil flow will not be that difficult, with severe repercussions for the world. For investors, companies engaged in the production of energy outside of the Middle East ought to be huge beneficiaries. In addition, the uncertainty caused by any altercation ought to be explosively bullish for Gold.
Marko's Take
If you're looking for some great investing information at a reasonable price, we would like to suggest that you check out the following sites: http://www.lemetropolecafe.com/, http://www.aegeancapital.com/, http://www.marketviews.tv/, http://www.goldpennystocks.com/, and, of course, our FREE and, oh so informative You Tube channel at http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Iran Nuclear Showdown Looms Closer
Iran's nuclear program is one of the most controversial issues in one of the world's most volatile regions. American and European officials believe Tehran is planning to build nuclear weapons, while Iran's leadership mainains that its goal in developing a nuclear program is to generate electricity and preserve its vast oil reserves.
Top American military officials said in April 2010 that Iran could produce bomb-grade fuel for at least one nuclear weapon within a year, but would most likely need two to five years to manufacture a workable atomic bomb.
Pronouncements from Tehran have been all over the map. In a recent statement by Iranian cleric Ahmad Khatami, Iran has entered the world's "nuclear club" and major powers should accept it.
Khatami, a conservative hardliner also warned the major powers that Iran could "endanger your entire world" in any future confrontation.
The United States and Israel, Iran's arch foes, have not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the row.
Iran, a predominantly Shi'ite Muslim state, has said it would respond to any attack by targeting U.S. interests in the region and Israel, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway crucial for global oil supplies.
One key to reaching a non-military solution has been the cooperation of the United Nations Securtiy Council. China, which imports 12% of its oil from Iran, has been the most reluctant to endorse stringent sanctions.
President Nicolas Sarkozy of France told President Hu Jintao of China that nations would have to impose new sanctions on Iran if it refuses to curb its nuclear program, official Chinese news organizations reported on last week.
France has joined with the United States and Britain in pushing for a new package of economic sanctions from the United Nations (UN). Those countries accuse Iran of using its nuclear program to try to develop weapons. Iran has said it is interested in pursuing nuclear power, not arms.
Addressing the UN, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran said that relations with the United States might never be repaired if new sanctions were imposed against his country, that the United Nations atomic agency had no authority to interfere into matters like missiles and that, despite his contested re-election last year, Iran had not become a republic of fear.
Later in the day, he suggested that relations with Tehran might never recover from a United States push for new economic and military sanctions against Iran through the United Nations Security Council. New penalties would “mean relations between Iran and the U.S. will never be improved again,” Mr. Ahmadinejad said at a news conference.
Of major concern is what options the U.S. has in response to a threatened attack by Iran against Israel or in attempting to sabotage Middle East oil supplies.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has warned in a secret three-page memorandum to top White House officials that the United States does not have an effective long-range policy for dealing with Iran’s steady progress toward nuclear capability, according to government officials familiar with the document.
One senior official, speaking anonymously, described the document as “a wake-up call.” But White House officials dispute that view, insisting that for 15 months they had been conducting detailed planning for many possible outcomes regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Mr. Gates’s memo appears to reflect concerns in the Pentagon and the military that the White House did not have a well prepared series of alternatives in place in case all the diplomatic steps finally failed. Separately, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote a “chairman’s guidance” to his staff last December conveying a sense of urgency about contingency planning. He cautioned that a military attack would have “limited results,” but he did not convey any warnings about policy shortcomings.
Thus, as Iran continues the development of its nuclear arsenal, options available to contain the situation appear limited. Israel has repeatedly warned of a pre-emptive strike if diplomatic initiatives fail. So far, the Obama Administration has successfully convinced Israel to remain patient while discussions are taking place.
However, given the stated intention of Iran to retaliate if sanctions are imposed, the potential outcomes are strewn with high risk. The last thing the sputtering world economy needs is a major disruption of Middle East oil supplies or an all-encompassing regional war.
Marko's Take
Our latest You Tube video, entitled "Social In-Security: The Problem", which tells you everything you need to know about the world's largest Ponzi scheme is now posted here http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv#p/u/0/twFn9XyP2rI. Our subsequent video, entitled "Social In-Security: The Solution" outlines a 7-step program to fix the mess. Hope you tune in!
Top American military officials said in April 2010 that Iran could produce bomb-grade fuel for at least one nuclear weapon within a year, but would most likely need two to five years to manufacture a workable atomic bomb.
Pronouncements from Tehran have been all over the map. In a recent statement by Iranian cleric Ahmad Khatami, Iran has entered the world's "nuclear club" and major powers should accept it.
Khatami, a conservative hardliner also warned the major powers that Iran could "endanger your entire world" in any future confrontation.
The United States and Israel, Iran's arch foes, have not ruled out military action if diplomacy fails to resolve the row.
Iran, a predominantly Shi'ite Muslim state, has said it would respond to any attack by targeting U.S. interests in the region and Israel, as well as closing the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway crucial for global oil supplies.
One key to reaching a non-military solution has been the cooperation of the United Nations Securtiy Council. China, which imports 12% of its oil from Iran, has been the most reluctant to endorse stringent sanctions.
President Nicolas Sarkozy of France told President Hu Jintao of China that nations would have to impose new sanctions on Iran if it refuses to curb its nuclear program, official Chinese news organizations reported on last week.
France has joined with the United States and Britain in pushing for a new package of economic sanctions from the United Nations (UN). Those countries accuse Iran of using its nuclear program to try to develop weapons. Iran has said it is interested in pursuing nuclear power, not arms.
Addressing the UN, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran said that relations with the United States might never be repaired if new sanctions were imposed against his country, that the United Nations atomic agency had no authority to interfere into matters like missiles and that, despite his contested re-election last year, Iran had not become a republic of fear.
Later in the day, he suggested that relations with Tehran might never recover from a United States push for new economic and military sanctions against Iran through the United Nations Security Council. New penalties would “mean relations between Iran and the U.S. will never be improved again,” Mr. Ahmadinejad said at a news conference.
Of major concern is what options the U.S. has in response to a threatened attack by Iran against Israel or in attempting to sabotage Middle East oil supplies.
Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates has warned in a secret three-page memorandum to top White House officials that the United States does not have an effective long-range policy for dealing with Iran’s steady progress toward nuclear capability, according to government officials familiar with the document.
One senior official, speaking anonymously, described the document as “a wake-up call.” But White House officials dispute that view, insisting that for 15 months they had been conducting detailed planning for many possible outcomes regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Mr. Gates’s memo appears to reflect concerns in the Pentagon and the military that the White House did not have a well prepared series of alternatives in place in case all the diplomatic steps finally failed. Separately, Admiral Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, wrote a “chairman’s guidance” to his staff last December conveying a sense of urgency about contingency planning. He cautioned that a military attack would have “limited results,” but he did not convey any warnings about policy shortcomings.
Thus, as Iran continues the development of its nuclear arsenal, options available to contain the situation appear limited. Israel has repeatedly warned of a pre-emptive strike if diplomatic initiatives fail. So far, the Obama Administration has successfully convinced Israel to remain patient while discussions are taking place.
However, given the stated intention of Iran to retaliate if sanctions are imposed, the potential outcomes are strewn with high risk. The last thing the sputtering world economy needs is a major disruption of Middle East oil supplies or an all-encompassing regional war.
Marko's Take
Our latest You Tube video, entitled "Social In-Security: The Problem", which tells you everything you need to know about the world's largest Ponzi scheme is now posted here http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv#p/u/0/twFn9XyP2rI. Our subsequent video, entitled "Social In-Security: The Solution" outlines a 7-step program to fix the mess. Hope you tune in!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
China Overheats While Currency Tensions Remain
China, a country rapidly ascending into the global center stage, is now showing signs of a rapidly overheating economy. It appears that Beijing must be taking plays out of "The Maestro", Alan Greenspan's book, as its real estate market appears to be in the midst of a bubble accompanied by double digit growth in the economy.
Government figures released yesterday showed urban housing prices in March rose 11.7% during the previous 12 months, up from 10.7% the month before and the biggest increase since the index began nearly 5 years ago.
The figures released on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics did suggest some cooling in demand for housing, as the 35.8% year-on-year increase in sales for the first quarter were less extreme than the 50% gain experienced at the end of last year. The data series is showing extreme volatility. Separate figures prepared by a private consulting firm indicated housing sales exploded in March by 90% versus February, despite sizable declines in the two prior months.
The Chinese economy grew at an 11.9% rate in the first quarter from a year ago, confirming Beijing's rapid recovery from the global economic crisis but raising new concerns about the risks of overheating.
The economy grew at its fastest rate in nearly 3 years and more quickly than economists had expected. The pace of growth puts new pressure on Beijing to consider tougher tightening measures, including appreciation in the exchange rate and increasing interest rates.
In spite of rising fears of overheating, consumer price inflation dipped to 2.4% last month, from 2.7% in February. However, at the producer level, inflation continued to accelerate, increasing from 5.4% to 5.9% in March.
The government has already taken some steps to reduce the stimulus it is injecting into the economy, including much tighter control over bank lending. However, concerns about potential inflation come at a time of growing international pressure to abandon China’s currency peg against the U.S. Dollar. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has called for a more flexible Renminbi, saying it would help keep China's inflation from accelerating further.
Asian tiger Singapore reset the band in which its currency trades and said it would allow gradual appreciation. This was designed to calm its booming economy, which grew at an annualized rate of 13.1% in the first quarter.
Political consideration continue to be the wild card. Currency markets have been volatile as recent pressure from the U.S. over the Renminbi peg have been met with resistance since the Chinese do not want to be seen as caving to pressure.
Complicating the situation further is the growing worldwide desire for sanctions on Iran. China is seen as critical for a successful diplomatic effort and the United States must tread lightly in order to secure Beijing's
support.
Marko's Take
Please visit our new YouTube video on the Legality Of The Personal Income Tax. The video can be accessed by clicking here (http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv#p/u/0/1TInKnCIikg).
Government figures released yesterday showed urban housing prices in March rose 11.7% during the previous 12 months, up from 10.7% the month before and the biggest increase since the index began nearly 5 years ago.
The figures released on Wednesday by the National Bureau of Statistics did suggest some cooling in demand for housing, as the 35.8% year-on-year increase in sales for the first quarter were less extreme than the 50% gain experienced at the end of last year. The data series is showing extreme volatility. Separate figures prepared by a private consulting firm indicated housing sales exploded in March by 90% versus February, despite sizable declines in the two prior months.
The Chinese economy grew at an 11.9% rate in the first quarter from a year ago, confirming Beijing's rapid recovery from the global economic crisis but raising new concerns about the risks of overheating.
The economy grew at its fastest rate in nearly 3 years and more quickly than economists had expected. The pace of growth puts new pressure on Beijing to consider tougher tightening measures, including appreciation in the exchange rate and increasing interest rates.
In spite of rising fears of overheating, consumer price inflation dipped to 2.4% last month, from 2.7% in February. However, at the producer level, inflation continued to accelerate, increasing from 5.4% to 5.9% in March.
The government has already taken some steps to reduce the stimulus it is injecting into the economy, including much tighter control over bank lending. However, concerns about potential inflation come at a time of growing international pressure to abandon China’s currency peg against the U.S. Dollar. Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has called for a more flexible Renminbi, saying it would help keep China's inflation from accelerating further.
Asian tiger Singapore reset the band in which its currency trades and said it would allow gradual appreciation. This was designed to calm its booming economy, which grew at an annualized rate of 13.1% in the first quarter.
Political consideration continue to be the wild card. Currency markets have been volatile as recent pressure from the U.S. over the Renminbi peg have been met with resistance since the Chinese do not want to be seen as caving to pressure.
Complicating the situation further is the growing worldwide desire for sanctions on Iran. China is seen as critical for a successful diplomatic effort and the United States must tread lightly in order to secure Beijing's
support.
Marko's Take
Please visit our new YouTube video on the Legality Of The Personal Income Tax. The video can be accessed by clicking here (http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv#p/u/0/1TInKnCIikg).
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Iran Sanctions Gain Momentum
The nuclear threat posed by Iran has proved to be nettlesome for the U.S. The world community, given America's tendency toward interventionism, has viewed our hard line towards Iran with suspicion. Especially worrisome has been the fear that the U.S. and/or Isreal would employ some sort of military strike against facilities in Iran, believed to be capable of producing nuclear weapons, which could be used to either strike Israel or threaten Iran's neighbors.
The world community has substantially shifted its stance. With French President Nicolas Sarkovsky at his side, President Barack Obama stated Tuesday, that he hopes to have international sanctions against Iran in place "within weeks," not months, because of its continuing nuclear program. However, the full support of the United Nations is not yet solidified.
For his part, Sarkozy told reporters, "Iran cannot continue its mad race" toward acquiring nuclear weapons.
On the U.N. Security Council, permanent members Russia and China, have previously expressed reservations toward a tougher set of sanctions, as have several of the rotating members who do not have veto powers.
However, recently, both China and Russia have signalled, overtly or covertly, marked shifts in their stances.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton predicted new sanctions would be forthcoming, hinting that skeptical nations, such as China and Russia, would eventually come along. At the conclusion of an international meeting of 8 major powers in Canada, Clinton cited a growing alarm around the world about the consequences of a nuclear Iran.
According to diplomats in other countries, China has recently agreed to begin discussing specific sanctions against Iran, offering the first sign that Beijing may be willing to back a new round of United Nations measures.
Such a shift would be a major breakthrough for the U.S., which views China’s previous reluctance to back sanctions as the biggest obstacle to its intention of ratcheting up the pressure on Iran. Washington believes that if Beijing’s support is obtained, a security resolution would be a done deal.
The diplomats cautioned that difficult negotiations lie ahead over the scope of any sanctions. Washington hopes they would be designed to thwart Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, punish the Revolutionary Guard and increase the country’s financial isolation.
Russia has already signalled its willingness to support sanctions on Iran, although like China, it favors less stringent measures than the U.S. and its allies.
American diplomats added that countries with temporary membership of the Security Council, such as Turkey and Brazil, whose votes are not necessary for passage, but who could help convey a message of international unity, are more likely to be secured if China is brought on board.
Assisting the U.S. in its attempt to pursuade the international community is the defection of a key Iranian nuclear scientist, Shahram Amiri to the United States.
According to the people briefed on the intelligence operation, Amiri's defection was part of a long-planned CIA operation. The CIA reportedly approached the scientist in Iran through an intermediary, who made an offer of resettlement on behalf of the United States.
Using information gathered from Amiri and other sources, the CIA has produced a new report on Iran's nuclear capabilties.
The CIA report is the latest official study expressing concern over Iran's continuing nuclear activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently issued a report warning that continuing nuclear activities in violation of U.N. resolutions raise "concerns about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile."
Isolating Iran, without military intervention represents a major international victory for the Obama Administration and lessens the liklihood, in the near-term of unilateal military action, which would be dangerous and de-stabilize the entire Middle East. It would also, in all probability, cause a major disruption to oil supplies and deal a blow to global efforts to continue to engineer an economic recovery.
Marko's Take
We want to wish everyone a wonderful Good Friday and Easter. Please visit our new YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv or our friends, the very excellent LeMetropole http://www.lemetropolecafe.com/ or Stock Mavrick http://www.stockmavrick.com/.
The world community has substantially shifted its stance. With French President Nicolas Sarkovsky at his side, President Barack Obama stated Tuesday, that he hopes to have international sanctions against Iran in place "within weeks," not months, because of its continuing nuclear program. However, the full support of the United Nations is not yet solidified.
For his part, Sarkozy told reporters, "Iran cannot continue its mad race" toward acquiring nuclear weapons.
On the U.N. Security Council, permanent members Russia and China, have previously expressed reservations toward a tougher set of sanctions, as have several of the rotating members who do not have veto powers.
However, recently, both China and Russia have signalled, overtly or covertly, marked shifts in their stances.
Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton predicted new sanctions would be forthcoming, hinting that skeptical nations, such as China and Russia, would eventually come along. At the conclusion of an international meeting of 8 major powers in Canada, Clinton cited a growing alarm around the world about the consequences of a nuclear Iran.
According to diplomats in other countries, China has recently agreed to begin discussing specific sanctions against Iran, offering the first sign that Beijing may be willing to back a new round of United Nations measures.
Such a shift would be a major breakthrough for the U.S., which views China’s previous reluctance to back sanctions as the biggest obstacle to its intention of ratcheting up the pressure on Iran. Washington believes that if Beijing’s support is obtained, a security resolution would be a done deal.
The diplomats cautioned that difficult negotiations lie ahead over the scope of any sanctions. Washington hopes they would be designed to thwart Iran’s nuclear and missile programs, punish the Revolutionary Guard and increase the country’s financial isolation.
Russia has already signalled its willingness to support sanctions on Iran, although like China, it favors less stringent measures than the U.S. and its allies.
American diplomats added that countries with temporary membership of the Security Council, such as Turkey and Brazil, whose votes are not necessary for passage, but who could help convey a message of international unity, are more likely to be secured if China is brought on board.
Assisting the U.S. in its attempt to pursuade the international community is the defection of a key Iranian nuclear scientist, Shahram Amiri to the United States.
According to the people briefed on the intelligence operation, Amiri's defection was part of a long-planned CIA operation. The CIA reportedly approached the scientist in Iran through an intermediary, who made an offer of resettlement on behalf of the United States.
Using information gathered from Amiri and other sources, the CIA has produced a new report on Iran's nuclear capabilties.
The CIA report is the latest official study expressing concern over Iran's continuing nuclear activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency recently issued a report warning that continuing nuclear activities in violation of U.N. resolutions raise "concerns about the possible existence in Iran of past or current undisclosed activities related to the development of a nuclear payload for a missile."
Isolating Iran, without military intervention represents a major international victory for the Obama Administration and lessens the liklihood, in the near-term of unilateal military action, which would be dangerous and de-stabilize the entire Middle East. It would also, in all probability, cause a major disruption to oil supplies and deal a blow to global efforts to continue to engineer an economic recovery.
Marko's Take
We want to wish everyone a wonderful Good Friday and Easter. Please visit our new YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/markostaketv or our friends, the very excellent LeMetropole http://www.lemetropolecafe.com/ or Stock Mavrick http://www.stockmavrick.com/.
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