U.S.: Six world powers accept Iran's offer to hold talks

"Attacking Iran would gratify most Israelis, and end all risk of peace." (Mark Lincoln) This statement is your personal evaluation (which you keep making for years...). I am not aware that anyone has EVER polled Israelis on this particular subject. S. Ever? They have and you even posted on the Haaretz talk back where it was published! A senior moment perhaps? 'Poll: 66% of Israeli Jews back attack on Iran' Supporting Mark Lincolns statement and refuting yours. "A large majority of Israeli Jews support military action aimed at destroying Iran's nuclear facilities, according to a survey sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League." http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1082790.html Another poll conducted in June by the Institute for National Security Studies found 59 percent of Israeli Jews would support such strikes. http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE55D0DR20090614 "Moreover most Israelis don`t believe Israel CAN do it" S Seems to me that if most Israelis "support military action" it is logical to presume that those same Israelis believe Israel CAN carry out such an action. Logic not your forte is it?

Not being in government does have perks. I can speak my mind and guess with any pundit about what US policy is or should be. Implying that the US would fight a war when clearly we are not manned or ready to do so is an objective reality. I don't have to pretend reality doesn't exist. That does not mean that the US would not respond if attacked. But punitive reaction is not the same as planned offensive war.

publicising that america does not want a war is foolish to an extreme. only naives who do not understand that iran is also a u.s. enemy would give it such a free gift.

I'd bet even Israel, Germany and Australia have secrets the US doesn't know about. The nature of governments is to maintain secrets, even from allies. Some secrets can be ferreted out using national technical means. Other secrets require human assets. Nobody has a lock on other countries' secrets. It is a mistake to think anybody knows everything about another country or that anything can be found out from a distance. Iraq should have made that clear. EVERYBODY was wrong. And it took a search of the country to prove it. And yes, given the US problems with occupations, it turns out they are not as easy as one would have expected. But then the US didn't learn from the Israeli experience of nearly 36 years of occupation when we invaded Iraq. We'll be out of Iraq after only 8 years. That works for me. We've learned. Talks may not work with Iran. But war would be infinitely worse. Even if the talks are inconclusive, I don't think the US wants another war.

no one wants to occupy iran. finding nuclear sites is a matter of intelligence, not of occupation. you and your president think that chasing phentoms in afghanistan is a necessary war. all afghanistan has is a bunch of islamists armed with ied's and rocket propelled granades. iran will become nuclear in a short period of time. iran will also have long range missiles in the near future. the idea that afghanistan poses a more accute threat to the u.s. than does iran strikes me as ludicrous. even the ultra-liberal nyt has editorialised that although a war against iran would be a disaster, so would be a nuclear iran. a nuclear iran would affect directly all u.s. interests in the middle east. it would also increase substantially russian influence. iran is extremely vulnerable for the time being. however, as soon as it goes nuclear, time will be over for any action. iran is not iraq. its scientists are far superior. their solid fuel missile development proves it.

MoL:"Meanwhile, don`t you think Israel should be building its own aircraft carriers and amphibious assault capabilities? It`s hard to occupy and search a country without invading first." I would have thought that would be the very last thing Israel would do. They didn't do it in Iraq or Syria, why would they start now? Given the difficulties the US have had with their occupations it's a very poor option for Israel. This will be a case of asset destruction based on intelligence. Then the mullahs will find themselves not only fighting Israel but also their own internal opposition forces.

you seem a little confused about Irans obligations under threaty it has signed,so you throw in everything except the issue at hand.

How many times do you need reminding about Kosovo or Gulf 1. They were really grateful werent they?

How many times do you think they can keep trying to fool all of the people all of the time?

Not even Bush was interested in a war with Iran that the US did not have the capacity to conclude successfully. Cheney wanted a US attack, but there is no evidence he even thought it would succeed. And Cheney would have disclaimed all responsibility anyway. Like I told Joseph in Post 36, they will still be a year away from having a bomb in a few years and the military options can again be discussed then. Meanwhile, don't you think Israel should be building its own aircraft carriers and amphibious assault capabilities? It's hard to occupy and search a country without invading first.

Yeah, remind me again how many American service men and woman died in Iraq? Those suspected WMD? Just like the suspected Iranian nuclear threat?? No more American blood.

...Iran gives a 5 page paper to some newspaper. The USA tells reporters that they accept it, in the name of P5+1, saying that "We are seeking a meeting now based on the Iranian paper to see what Iran is prepared to do...and then, as the president has said,... we'll see when that can occur. We hope that will occur as soon as possible." "Open hands" on all sides! Of course, "comprehensive" negotiations would take some years, during which, so Iran hopes, that no one shall be allowed to stop them from continuing what they're doing now...

Iran is no threat to Americans. They have every right to develop nuclear energy and nuclear weapons. If Israel cannot get along with its nieghbors then dont come to us to fight anymore. Seems Iran has learned well from Israel about stalling and wordplay games. Why should Iran follow international laws when Israel refuses to?

We are so worried about Iran having nuclear weapons,so worrried,that we are forgetting that there are other form of WMD,and they are easy to get and deliver to the target.Can we stop all from getting it?of course not.i'm more worried from Hezbollah or Hamas going Biological or chemical.What about Syria?aren't you worried from their WMD,they may not have the A,but they have the B,and C.

The only talk they will have is when the five old members of the nuclear club will accept the new coming member.We are all committed to MEANINGFUL negotiations with Iran,say the one. Ahmadinejad says,we will not halt enrichment nor negotiate over our nuclear righs. Meaningful negotiatios?Ha.

Iran will remain intransigent.Britain,France,Germany,USA will have to find a face-saving formula, and will go for the obvious;energy sanctions against Iran.Russia,China,and Venezuela will be the sanctions busters.Since France's military have added their voice to Russia and China, that the military option is not on the cards,energy sanctions may have some merits.If Israel attacks Iran, then the 4 powers will be able to distance themselves from Israel; claim that it should have waited for the sanctions to bear fruits,and if Iran retaliates to Israel's hypothetical attack,then after the carnage,the 4 powers can call for an international peace conference to include on the agenda also;the Arab-Israeli peace.Pitty,such international conferences have better rates of succes after major wars and not before.

all other avenues have failed and there is nothing to lose,its either bombing or an Iranian bomb that threatens not JUST Israel. Iran is NOT the worlds prime source of fuel and their blocking the straits would not last long so how would that stop world recovery? The Mullahs are very well entrencehed and the street demonstrations by the middle classes have limited support.

stop gorging yourself on crackpot websites which spread disinformation and engage in wild speculations about Islam for breakfast dinner and tea. They are the equivalent of rense.com. Check that one out and then you might get what I mean.

His response is measured and responsible. If there is a fight on the horizon - and certainly not one of the god-drunk talkback prophets knows anymore than he does, then watch out Ahminijad. If there is a peaceful path in this dangerous mess, then Obama has the intelligence and the character to find it. I suggest you right wing lunatics take a deep breath (and then hold it).

the P-5+1 was never interested in war and never will be. the united states and western allies have not been allied with russia since wwii. china has never been allied with the west. hence talking of the P5+1 not wanting a war is quite misleading. there will never be an alliance of those countries on any issue of import. russia's main objective is to weaken the u.s. russia sees an opening with the present administration. china is in the same game. china, however is more patient, more quiet and more dependent on foreign oil and gas.

Apparently the American Democratic Party does not fear Iran. More exactly, the American Democratic Party is a party of pacificts. Yet, even under these circumstances, Iran is sufficiently of a threat to get the Democratic administration to beg for talks.

And not only that, after Israel attacks, Iran will retalliate with force. Israel does quite well attacking people with small or limited military strength. Iran does not fall into that category. Iran will rain missles on Israel. Iran will consider the attack an act of war and will respond accordingly.

Iran sees itself as a premirer world power. Iran wants a new world order based on godliness, democracy and justice. Iran saw the reaction of the world's major powers to its brutal murder and torture of peaceful demonstrators. Iran has been watching carefully the world's reaction to its thirty years of shia revolution and terror. Iran has been listening to Obama's speeches since before the elections. Iran concluded that it can make business with the new president. Iran has concluded that the world's major powers are only third rate powers. Iran will enter talks with these powers knowing full well that some are cowards while others would want only to play games. Iran knows that Russia only wants to exploit American weakness. There is no one to stop Iran. Iran knows this and will act accordingly.

CJ:"Iran is only SUSPECTED of having a nuclear weapons program. Thus far nothing has shown this to correct." CJ we will NEVER have proof, it is the nature of the beast. Even when evidence is turned up it is denied very quickly both by the Iranians and people like you. Iran is contravention of the NPT by continuing to enrich Uranium. They have ignored 3 lots of UNSC sanctions. They could put all our minds at ease by signing up to the Additional Protocols..... they won't do that. So tell us all big shot what should be done now? Or are you one of those who are happy with Iran having nukes? BTW have you sent your food parcel to North Korea yet?

...Iran throws a 5 page paper to some newspaper. The USA tells reporters that they accept it, in the name of P5+1, saying that "We are seeking a meeting now based on the Iranian paper to see what Iran is prepared to do...and then, as the president has said,... we'll see when that can occur. We hope that will occur as soon as possible." If these are not an open hands, nothing is. Of course, negotiations may take some years, during which no one shall stop Iran from what it's doing now...

Iran is willing to enter into dialogue.Iranian dialogue is,we talk you listen,or you can go to hell.but i've to admitt that i love the Iranian sense of humor,now they offer their cooperation on fighting terror.IRAN IS TERROR!! BTW,If they are the 6 leading powers in the world.grave new world!

"We are all committed to meaningful negotiations with Iran."even though Iran insists it will not negotiate over its disputed nuclear program.How can one take those clowns seriously? This charade is a waist of time,and no one is expecting anything out of it.Remember they only accept the offer to HOLD TALKS nothing else. You can all give it up.Iran will get the weapon and we have to live with it.And if Obama will say,YES WE CAN,I'll say to him YOU LIE!

Binyamin, sounds like an educated man, and a thinker. My worry is that Bibi and company are playing woth global fire. Bibi, a pathetic liar, is concerned about pleasing the crazy Israeli Hizbollahs, and serving a full second term, for a price the entire world cannot afford. I truly beleive that any military actio by Israel will empower the Mullahs, and weaken, damage, and destablize Israel.

You have no clue of what you are talking about, Jane, lady. You must have been watching too much Fox News. Then it was Hans Blix, and now it is Al Baradei. World's politics and international conflicts are not and seem not to be your specilaity. You have simplified the entore problem, and mixed little criminals/terrrorists with a huge geo-politically based and complex issue. At least you knew what IAEA means. I have to give that much of credit. Hey, how about starting with a campaign to disarm the entire Middle East of nuclear weapons? Will start with the most powerful, Israel, and then Pakistan.

"Attacking Iran would gratify most Israelis, and end all risk of peace." (Mark Lincoln) This statement is your personal evaluation (which you keep making for years...). I am not aware that anyone has EVER polled Israelis on this particular subject. But my personal opinion is that most Israeli people DON'T want war, nor to bomb Iran. Moreover most Israelis don't believe Israel CAN do it, nor that it could benefit them in the long run if they could, and they are aware that Iran's response would be quite horrible. It goes without saying that Israel won't nuke anyone, ever!

And Dan, since when have you mastered Foreign Policy? Please educate.

After limited sanctions, Iran will talk. Who knows where it might go? The regime would not survive serious sanctions on oil exports, which is the next step, so they have a big interest in an acceptable solution. All the cards are in the hands of the big players, not the mullahs. Nothing is off the table, including oil sanctions or even military strikes. Israel is more of a hindrance than a help with its bellicose warmongering. It is doubtful the IAF could do anything militarily anyway, lacking aircraft range and ordnance. Best if Israel concentrates its energies on granting an early and fair 2-state solution to Palestine, that would remove one of the biggest provocations in the ME. Next, it might care to join the NPT as a responsible nation, which would remove another. The chances of either happening are of course zero, as Bibi tries to shift the spotlight from Israel to ANYTHING else and parades on the stage with big talk for his domestic supporters.

Go play in another corner and leave the grown up people alone.

Hillary Clinton runs State, not some nameless bureaucrats. The US isn't organized like Israel. Hillary isn't shy about her feelings about Iran. Neither is Obama. They just aren't in the mood for another war right now. Check back in a couple of years. There is no reason to assume the US would tolerate an Israeli attack that endangers US troops or civilians or our Navy. Your government knows this. Just because Obama lets people lie about him and tolerates insults from people claiming to be "friends," that doesn't mean getting US people killed by accident or design is going to be OK.

What's the hurry Mark Lincoln? Maybe there's some equivalence here. Additional Protocols: Palestinian Nation. But these are big problems. Big problems require serious thought and should not be rushed. Let's not be adding artificial time restraints. It's taken this long to get where we are today: we can afford a couple years to get this right.

"If Elbaradei is a pious Muslim who?s loyalty is to Islam and the dictates and mandates of the Koran, then it would perhaps explain the proliferation of nuclear weaponry and technology among Islamic states, and state sponsors of terror under his tenure as head of the IAEA ? (International Atomic Energy Agency)". Obama's name could easily be used instead of Elbaradei's in the article, http://www.ourchangingglobe.com/is-muhamad-elbaradei-a-practicing-muslim/ So it would seem that Israel must once again do the world's dirty work. Jane

"And it precludes Israel from doing anything stupid, unless of course Bibi wants to take down Israel himself by attacking Iran and sinking any chance at talks." - BBS News And what would serve Bibi more than taking down all prospects for peace in the mideast? How would starting a general conflagration harm him? Would not a war with Iran end all pressure to make peace? Attacking Iran would gratify most Israelis, and end all risk of peace. How can war harm Likud?

Iran is only SUSPECTED of having a nuclear weapons program. Thus far nothing has shown this to correct. The suspicions came from the same idiotic regime who gave us that olde "WMDsWMDsWMDs in Eyeraaaak" - " be afraid!!" conspiracy theory. Fooled you once. Fool you twice and I guess .....well.......you're a fool.

obama has pushed israel into a corner by lying about the september deadline. perhaps he doesnt 'get it' that a nation still traumatized by near annihilation just 2 generations ago simply won't tolerate this kind of threat from iran. just try to imagine what you would do if you were a fearful little country whose most important monument (yad vashem) is to the massacre of millions of your own people. do you think that every foreign dignitary comes to yad vashem for nothing? let me explain it to you - even if it means 40,000 missiles coming from lebanon, with chemical warheads, israel WILL bomb iran. count on it. never again meant never again, and this business, which is Munich all over again, just reinforces it.

May be Peres wanted the six world powers to understand that a Iran with nukes is a mideast and world danger . But it seems that Peres warnings (per Israel Dhimmedias) relayed such a upcoming worldwide tsunami to the six world powers as if it was the insignificant Israel-Arab conflict but mostly the spineless lefties amenable inconveniences . And yet , watch against the U.S Dep't of States And EU pro arab and moslem politics of dhimmitude .

It would seem the US and other 5 nations are not yet interested about a new war. I'm sure in another couple of years, Iran will still be on the verge of a bomb and can only be stopped by starting WWIII. They've been only a year away for about six years now. Maybe the P5+1 will be more interested then.

...that you all have been talking about for 5 years is sure to happen any day now. In response to years of threats and most recently a 'deadline' after which terrible sanctions and an Israeli attack would ensue, Iran has agreed to talk about only those things of interest to Iran. And the tough guy western response is "ok" The Iranians are shaking in their boots, I'm sure.

with Iran's proposals for discussion. Seems to be lots of scope in these proposals for fair and even-handed treatment of nations, for addressing nuclear weapon proliferation, for reducing economic disparity, and for furthering Middle East peace initiatives. If only the rest of these negotiations were under the world's gaze, some progress might be made.

... Write on there in Farsi with indelible ink, "You have been weighed in the balance and have been found wanting!"

We're also being currently threatened by Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, N. Korea, not to mention our old friends in China and Russia and the narco gangs lobbing human heads across our southern border. It is a threatening world. We're getting used to it. Bottom line is our economy is in the toilet, we're all just one major illness away from bankruptcy and we're just not up for another war in the middle east right now. Can't somebody else handle this one?

This will be the ultimate stare down. Mottaki with hot-air vitriol in hand. US envoys applying logic or reasoning. The Chinese and Russians with a sheepish smirk on their face. And let's not forget the hoity-toidy Europeans providing the ever-so-needed intelligencia and class. Man, talk about meeting of the minds.... more like an encounter of the sublime. So let every pundit and putz believes this will result in a new world order.... tailor-made for the 21st century.

This is still the same stalling tactic that the mullah regime has been using since the secret nuclear program was exposed in 2003.

Persian building codes in an earthquake zone? I hope that that Russian-built nuclear, breeder reactor isn't sitting on a major tectonic fault or there's going to be another Chernobyl.

The Iranian basis for discussions refer to the unjust oppression of Palestinians, and to unregulated WMD's.

As long as Israel is realistic about Iran's intentions and the nature of the West (with emphasis on correctly, not fearfully or complacently, judging Iran's intentions) Israel (state and more broadly) will with G-d's help make their way.

Will Israel have to do their own dirty work? Do they have the ability? Do they have the nerve? Apparently Iran does not feel threatened by Israel.

Why does yourr country need nukes ast all? It's encompassed by the US nuclear umbrella. You don't dare to say No even to Libya ,ridiculous to assume you'd dare to oppose Russsia. Scrap your nukes and your military ,then talk about Israeli nukes.

...Russia was not going to OK new sanctions anyway so why not engage in talks. And it precludes Israel from doing anything stupid, unless of course Bibi wants to take down Israel himself by attacking Iran and sinking any chance at talks. If he does that, there will no longer be an American best friend for Israel.

The 'world', i.e., the majority of nations, want Iran to not develop nuclear weapons and does want Iran to comply with all of the Additional Protocols. Israel, and those American Neo-Con Lunatics who thought all they had to do to win was invade Afghanistan and Iraq, want a war and have no interest in any other outcome. What does Iran want? They have the choice between full compliance with the Additional Protocols or continued sanctions. The most certain way of thwarting a war started by Israel is compliance with the Additional Protocols. There is one problem with the Additional Protocols which Iran might fear. The Additional Protocols give greatly expanded powers to the IAEA including snap inspections, and inspections of undeclared but suspect facilities. It will just have to accept that consequence and swallow those fears.

After year after year of this Dribble here comes another round. This is exactly what Ahmadman wants and then the fateful day will come when he can pull the trigger against Israel exactly like he has talked about since coming into power in 2005. Between the EU & USA you can count on absolutely NOTHING coming out of this.

I am sorry, but I must say that the more I read analysis like yours, the more I dislike the way Israelis think, and welcome Nuclear Iran. And I must also say that, may be and just may be a nuclear Iran could be something good to contain Israel's superiority in the Middle east and it might bring the peace negotiations a bit closer.

As a last resort, US and Britain tried to oust or discredit Ahmadi. Well that did not work. Now Back to reality. As one Iranian said once, let us play chess and not engage in boxing. It will all be on Ahmadi terms and conditions. America is not the Empire it thinks it is and it is time for Obama and Israelis to understand this. Biby will have to grin and accept the reality. It will be on AhmadiMads terms. May be it is time for you the CHOSEN PEOPLE to call YOUR CHOSEN GOD. I wonder why is he/she is hiding. .

Russia and China don't seem to want a war, and neither does the US. And now, it doesn't look like France or the UK or even Germany want a war.

been talking since Camp David. Israel always sidestepped issues and created circumstances to promote delays for 32 years. The same can be said of Iran.

I think they will certainly discuss two issues that interest all parties 1. Zionist corruption & human rights abuses 2. Iran's plan to make the Middle East (including Israel a nuclear free zone). I think the 2nd idea is terrific. In fact I would like to see either a two state solution to the Israeli problem with both Israel & Palestine as Neutral States along the lines of Switzerland with Jerusalem United under and International group representative of all Abrahamic monotheistic religions with freedom of movement for all as long as each person respects each others religious requirements such as: In Synagogue:wearing kippot, In Mosque: removing shoes, women also & covering ones hair and Christian Churches would expect you to follow whatever it is that their particular church practices. I have no idea if Jews allow Muslims or Christians into their Synagogues in Israel but I do know that Muslims and Christians here do welcome anyone who wants to know more about us to visit

Talks about what? About Iranian pistachios?

Is it really news if an insane person runs down the street yelling nonsensical things?

The earlier the Israelis realize that the safety of their great country is only possible thru a genuine peace treaty the better for everyone,

It figures that on late Friday afternoon, Obama would announce that he is talking although Iran says there is nothing to talk about. With Obama, no nuclear Iran changed to no nuclear weapon Iran. Now, Obama is going to talk to Iran about Nukes although Iran says it will talk about anything but nukes. Thank you Neville (Obama) Chamberlain.

This is good news, not unexpected by those who have thought about the issues, but of course quite unexpected by the bellicose Israelis. Israel will have to come clean on their nuclear devices. Everyone will eventually accept that Iran means what it says. It has no interest in having a nuclear bomb. Why would it need one?

talks have been held with iran for years by those very same world powers without results. those talks have only allowed iran to continue with its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. at this point, iran has enough leu as feed for one nuclear bomb. iran also has been able to install more advanced centrifuges. iran also has been able to build indigenous solid fuel missiles. since the six world powers cannot even agree among themselves on the course of action to follow, it is very difficult to envision how the talks could lead to any significant positive outcome.

The attack on Natanz will accomplish three things: 1. The democratic forces in Iran will be crushed by a tide of patriotic fervor whipped up by the mullahs. 2. Iran will withdraw from the NPT and push its nuclear program forward with new energy and support from the Russians and Chinese. 3. Oil prices will skyrocket, bringing an end to the world economic recovery. Five years from now Iran will have a nuclear arsenal the size of Israel's. Thanks, Bibi.

Obama will do nothing. It's sad to see Israel left for dead. I think your best bet is to attempt to destroy the installations yourselves. Or start making friends in China and help them with technology and weapons, at some point they will start getting Russia nervous, bellicose or not.

There is nothing new here. Except that now Iran's radicals have full control (for the moment). THE US can approach this in two fundamental directions: Disarm Iran by force or disarm Iran by bringing it into the world. an Iran that is fully integrated in today's world is not going to be able to torment anyone within or without its borders. Let the games begin.

"U.S. officials said Thursday that the proposal falls well short of satisfying international demands that Iran detail its nuclear program." I look forward to the day that Israel "detail its nuclear programme."

the honeymoon that was witnessed after the dreadful 1940s is over.i recommend israelis read the letter pages in the quality newspapers in the west. the jew hatred is virulent some jews in the west would give their all for the jewish state.that may change with intermarriage.half jewish children will not have the same magnetic affilation with the jewish state. israel must depend on itself. may G-D bless the one state of the jewish people.and may she overcome.

iran has been given a free pass.it is ludicrous to expect israel to stop iran.a vast country with a huge population.we are unable to obtain operational intelligence on gaza.iran is a different planet.

They will talk about anything except the real issue.