What's the right posture for Iran?

If Iran were limited by an agreement to the 164 centrifuges currently in use, the US State Department has calculated that it would take a little over 13 years to produce enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon. But in April, Iran informed the IAEA that it plans to construct 3,000 centrifuges at Natanz by next April. Once Iran masters a 3,000-centrifuge cascade it will be able to produce enough enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon within 271 days, according to the US calculations.

But who wants to believe the US calculations? When it comes to the watchdog policy on Iran's uranium enrichment, it's brinkmanship and allegiances. The parents are not presenting a unified front, and the representation resembles already-existing political profiles too much. Germany, the bonus member of P5+1 (sounds like a boy band?), softens a little on the enrichment requirements. The idea is this will delay the inevitable, as Iran can go on unimpeded if it decides it won't conform to IAEA directives or the wishes of P5+1.

But the plan is, has been established as, nuclear suspension or bust. This article really wants it to seem as if that's a new idea being muscled in by the Bush administration, which is a clear sign it's to be opposed. The international tribune is so delicately crafted that near-unanimous support is needed for important actions. And now Germany is conscientiously objecting: Iran should be allowed to have some uranium. Anyone seen United 93?

The Bush administration appears bent on maintaining a confrontation with Iran that precludes any compromise on enrichment. But the Jung interview suggests that there will be frantic efforts in the coming weeks by some in the coalition to head off a diplomatic disaster on Iran's nuclear program.

So Germany is the force of diplomatic righteousness. Another victory in balanced reporting for China -- by way of an academe who wrote a book with a colon in the name and is, surprise! using his super-intellect to combat the current administration.