The Daily Clarity

Sarkozy and Obama clash swords on Iran

  It appears there is some discord among members of the UN Security Council toward the policy on Iran. In addition, there is some leaked criticism of US Presidential candidate Obama’s proposed approach to Iran’s nuclear programs.

The UN Security Council members are frustrated about their lack of ability to agree on additional sanctions against Iran. Russia has dissented on further sanctions, and China has also not approved further sanctions in their current form. Other members of the Security Council think these internal squabbles are divisive and send the wrong message to Iran. Without consensus on the issue, the sanctions lack the strength that may make Iran consider amending its program. A divided, somewhat lack luster set of sanctions is unlikely to impact Tehran. A clear mandate has yet to be reached, and frankly looks unlikely to happen.

This frustration is particularly evident in French President Sarkozy’s recent dialog. France has been an active player in the region of late. It has close historical ties to both Lebanon and Syria, and is viewed by many in the Middle East as potentially being an honest broker for discussions with the West. Sarkozy, according to a source in the Israeli government, is especially unimpressed with the potential approach to Iran being discussed by US Presidential Candidate, Obama. The source quotes Sarkozy as saying that Obama’s proposed ‘diplomacy without preconditions’ while generally laudable, in the case of Iran is both utterly immature” and comprised of “formulations empty of all content.” These are pretty harsh words, but Sarkozy has experience in the region and his words are resonating with some.

Sarkozy and Obama met in Paris in July with a particular emphasis on discussing the Iran situation. Sarkozy is particularly concerned that Obama might disregard the UN Security Council policy and instead involve himself in direct talks with Iran. Sarkozy is actively and urgently lobbying both US Presidential candidates to stand firm on the current Iran policy and not to change direction. Israel of course has a vested interest in encouraging the players to keep pressure on Iran. The divisions and rifts forming in the international community towards what policy to pursue towards Iran is troubling. If diplomatic initiatives falter, military options become much more likely. This something the world would be best to do all it can to avoid.