Members of the European Union are reportedly working on an incentive package to offer to Iran in exchange for Tehran agreeing to end its nuclear program. According to published reports, the incentives include alternative sources of affordable energy and increased trade with the West.
Britain, France and Germany introduced the package but it was done with the support of the United States. The reason: the U.S. was unable to convince Russia and China to support economic sanctions or even the threat of force against Iran.
Monday night, Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice held a meeting with Security Council members but Russian diplomats held firm in their opposition to sanctions against Tehran.
As a result of this refusal, any diplomatic actions against Iran have been delayed by at least two weeks. No U.N. resolution will be introduced until at least that time in order to put together the incentives package and offer it to Iran.
Rice now claims she is endorsing a 'new approach' and a 'return to the negotiating table' with regard to Iran. On Tuesday, she announced, 'I would just like to say to the people of Iran: Obviously, if there is a way for Iran to accept the will of the international community, to accept proposals for civil nuclear power, this is the time for Iran to take that possibility, because no one wants to isolate the Iranian people.'
Iran continues to insist that its nuclear program is solely for peaceful purposes. Both the United States and European Union fear it may be part of a program to develop nuclear weapons.
Rice pointed to the fact that the U.N. Security Council is in 'total agreement on the view that Iran cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon.' She added, 'Let's just give the diplomacy a little time to work.'
The fear is that by rewarding Iran for developing a nuclear program, other nations will attempt to reap similar rewards by starting one as well.
For now, the United States' ability to get the international community united in its opposition to Iran seems extremely limited. The ball is Tehran's court.
