Iran, the United States and five other big-power nations met yesterday in Geneva for what were described as “constructive” talks.
Terrific.
But does anyone seriously think the world is any closer today to bursting Iran’s dreams of nuclear weapons?
Please.
In fact, it’s hard to see anything good coming from these talks.
Yes, reports say the tone of discussions turned positive. Iran supposedly agreed to open its uranium-enrichment facility in Qom — whose existence it tried to keep secret — to international inspectors and to transfer its low-enriched uranium to a third nation.
Yet even if (and it’s a big “if”) Tehran lives up to those agreements, the mad mullahs may have other ways to pursue nukes. Already, for example, there is deep suspicion that Qom is just one of several secret Iranian nuclear facilities.
Truth is, any rational look at the nature of Iran’s rulers — recently, as well as over the past 30 years — strongly suggests that yet another round of dialogue won’t get Tehran to ditch its greatest ambition.
This, after all, is a regime that:
* Just this summer, stole an election — and brutalized dissenters.
* Has long sponsored terrorists, including those who killed Americans.
* Tried to hide key elements of its nuclear program, like the Qom facility.
* Vows to destroy Israel.
And, remember, the West has conducted talks with the mullahs, on and off, since the overthrow of the shah 30 years ago.
Why would yet more discussions persuade them to shift course now?
President Obama himself yesterday admitted that “talk is no substitute for action.” He said the West’s “patience is not unlimited” and that he would “move toward increased pressure” on Iran if it tried to drag out discussions.
But why wait? Even now, it’s a safe bet that something tougher than more talk will be needed to get Iran’s attention.