And I thought I had seen it all...

[spence]

Originally Posted by detbuch

So . . . Spence . . . what do you think Iran wants? After all, it has never wanted to build nuclear weapons. And doesn't now. It only wants peaceful use of nuclear power. Do you think, maybe, Iran is angling for some U.S. investment. A sort of Solyndra deal . . . say, maybe, half a bill to float them through the finish of their strictly peaceful nuclear program?

I think Iran wants to get the most they can from the situation. If it means trading off nuclear capability to benefit economically from reduced sanctions they'll do it. At the same time if we think they're crazy and hell bent on destroying Israel it's probably going to help them get a better deal. It's a position to negotiate from.

The Zakaria piece you so adored makes a great point. Does Iran have more to gain by having some capability than actually having a bomb and starting a new arms race? If they really wanted a bomb couldn't they have had one years ago? According to Bibi they've been on the cusp for decades.