Iran Defies, Obama Complies

AP is running a story entitled, "Iran assembles more advanced centrifuges as it continues enrichment program." Yet, having received contrary information on the exact location, method of installation and type of centrifuges in question, the world is again left wondering what exactly Iran might be doing with all that nuclear enrichment hardware.

In light of this new affront to the international community, and despite three sets of UN Security Council sanctions (the most recent imposed last month), Iran spent yesterday celebrating "National Nuclear Technology Day." The original title, "National New Way to Sweep the Jews into the Sea Day" was apparently scraped at the last moment.

In response to Iran's inching ever closer to potential nuclear armaments and Gen. Petraeus' assessment that Iran is sponsoring terrorism in Iraq, presidential candidate Barack Obama has called for . . . more talks with Iran. Coining his conciliatory approach a "diplomatic surge," Obama's too-cleverly named strategy would be accompanied with a retreat of U.S. Armed Forces from Iraq.

Obama's lack of serious appreciation for foreign affairs and conflicts has not yet caused him much fret - as his foil thus far in the Democratic contest has proved equally frivolous. However, should Obama win the nomination, he will soon find himself grossly over-matched by a contestant with vastly superior international relations credentials and a willingness to speak of victory in unhesitating tones. The general election is going to prove a very different contest for Sen. Obama.