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A Foreign Idea: Imagine Iran’s nuclear negotiations are the latest reality show.
Power Play2
In this week’s game, the players battle over old grievances and face a new challenge.
Sir Ahmadi-Nejad sat motionless as he contemplated his next move. Across from him, Sir ElBaradei stared back, growing more irritated with each passing minute.
"Make him do something," spouted India’s Foreign Secretary, Sir Saran.
"You are in no position to talk," blasted Sir Larijani. "Where’s your NPT membership?"
"I have a waiver," grinned Sir Saran.
"Enough!" shouted Sir ElBaradei, then directed his eyes back upon Sir Ahmadi-Nejad to motion him to move.
Sir Ahmadi-Nejad’s finger slowly raised and pressed a button.
"No!" shouted most of the people in the room as they watched him press down on one particular button…
At this point, there are two options. One: the button is the one all the world fears. But, that would be the end of the game. Option two: let it be the "chance" button and have the game continue. Fortunately, further extensions by the 49th Annual Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s meeting in September and a follow-up in November, gave Iran another chance to come clean within the guidelines of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). So, the game continues…
"Damn," said Sir Hill. "I got pulled from talks with the DPRK for this?"
"Sir, it’s in our best interest," whispered his aide. "We got India to vote against them. Now we need Russia."
"How are we going to get Russia on our side? Didn’t Sir Rumyantsev just announce that Iran didn’t have the capacity to enrich uranium at this point?" asked Sir Hill.
"Sir, the IAEA can’t confirm or deny that, so why should we?" the aide added. "And, everything looks good with India."
"I see your point," answered Sir Hill. "But, damn, now we have to go to ‘chance.’ Why can’t we go back to the good old days of the Cold War?"
Confused? Don’t be. Your cheerful host will sort through it all. If you missed the meeting between President Bush and Indian Prime Minister, Manmoham Singh, in September, you would have caught Washington making a deal with a non-member of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) who actually has a nuclear bomb. (Fortunately, it was not with India’s Foreign Minister Natwar Singh, who resigned this month amidst the UN oil-for-food scandal.) R. Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, addressed the U.S. House International Relations Committee, Sept. 8, to gain support for the U.S.-India civil nuclear energy cooperation initiative. The current administration isn’t happy that certain U.S. laws make it illegal to work with countries not part of the NPT on nuclear activities, as Burns stated. A lobbying effect is underway. It appears India was appreciative of the effect to vote in favor of closing in on Iran. It certainly should energize any future Congressional debate on outsourcing.
"Esteemed members of Power Play2," begins Sir Otero.
How else would Bolivia’s Ambassador to Austria, resident representative to the IAEA and newly-elected President of the 49th IAEA General Conference, enjoy an increased gain in his recent political capital? He could have won for having the best middle name in the bunch, Bazoberry.
"Iran has opted for ‘chance,’" Sir Otero continues. "I shall now pull a card."
Sir Otero carefully reads the card as the other members anxiously watch. He reads it again, then announces, "How interesting. This is even more amusing than Sir Ahmadi-Nejad’s proposal to share his nuclear knowledge with other nations at the UN World Summit."
He hesitates, just to tease the others.
"What is it?" shouts Sir Larijani.
"You, of so little patience," grins Sir Otero. "At least it’s not fusion."
"How the hell did Bolivia get into the NPT?" demanded Russia’s Foreign Minister Sir Lavrov.
Before things get rather messy on the playing field, it is interesting to note that the U.S. Department of Energy listed Bolivia as one of a dozen "areas to watch" in a 2004 report by the Energy Information Administration. Bolivia just happens to possess the second largest oil reserves in South America, behind Venuzuela. It’s just fuel for thought, of course.
"We are also a player on the energy scene, Sir Lavrov," responded Sir Otero.
"Enough, already," groaned Sir ElBaradei. "Why did I accept another term?" he asked his aide.
"All right," answers Sir Otero. "Here is Iran’s chance—Russian Roulette. Russia will take over Iran’s enrichment activities. All Iran has to do is steal it back."
"What!" shrieks Sir Hill.
"Ha, ha, ha. I was just joking," responded Sir Otero. "Everyone knows how safe Russian’s nuclear facilities are."
"Can we use secret means like we did in Pakistan?" asked Sir Larijani.
"Hmmm…It’s not secret if you finally admit to it," replied Sir ElBaradei.
Iran recently outed itself by admitting it received nuclear technology from Pakistan’s entrepreneurial nuclear scientist, A.Q. Khan. The world knew of it last year, but Iran did have a commitment to protect its sources.
"We shall pursue the services of Sir Adamov," said Sir Ahmadi-Nejad, looking over to Sir Lavrov.
"You’ll have to deal with the Americans on that one," glared back Sir Lavrov.
What has America to do with it all? The former head of the Russian Atomic Energy Ministry, Yevgeny Adamov, was arrested in Switzerland in October for extradition to the U.S. to face charges he stole up to $9 million designated for improving Russia’s security of its nuclear facilities. Adamov’s duties must have been lost in the translation…securing facilities, securing funds…
"Then it’s settled," said Sir ElBaradei. "Meeting, adjourned."
"What!" Sir Hill injects. "Nothing’s settled."
"Of course, it is," said Sir ElBaradei. "Look how nice it is compared to North Korea."
"Seconded. Meeting adjourned," injected Sir Otero, never one to waste the last word.
Power Play2 is brought to you by the sponsors of freedom. In Iran, Akbar Ganji and dozens of other journalists, are not free to publish the news or their views outside the dictates of the government. In a world where survival is tantamount to the free exchange of information, all speech is vital. Support their freedom and their efforts.
© 2005 Sherry Harbert, Foreign Interest. All rights reserved.
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