NOW U.S. IS SKEPTICAL:  It's perfectly clear that this morning's announcement of a "deal" on Iran's nuclear program, brokered by Iranian pals Turkey and Brazil, is no deal at all.  Following France's public expression of skepticism, the U.S. has now responded. 

TEHRAN (AP) -- Iran agreed Monday to a key big power demand, saying it was ready to ship much of its low-enriched uranium abroad -- but immediately rolled out a new obstacle to compromise on its nuclear program by insisting it would continue enriching to higher levels.

Yeah.  We send some, and then make more.  Doesn't sound too good to me.

Tehran's decision to agree to export a large amount of its low-enriched uranium to Turkey after refusing to let it leave the country for more than half a year appeared to be an attempt to stave off a new set of looming U.N. sanctions -- a doubtful endeavor, judging by initial reactions from Western nations spearheading attempts to deal with Iran's nuclear defiance.

In Washington, the White House showed deep skepticism about the deal, saying it has the chance to be "positive step" but warning that the deal still allows Iran to keep enriching uranium toward the pursuit of a nuclear weapon.

COMMENT:  To us, the deal is clearly a non-starter.  But, sadly, to other nations, wishing to do mischief and weaken our position, it may be the opening they need to slow any progress toward sanctions and urge "patience."  Russia is already talking in those terms.  You can be sure that the American and European left will follow.  China will probably say that this deal, however flawed, shows that the world can do business with Iran. 

Charles Krauthammer said this evening that this deal shatters Obama's foreign policy, his "outreach" to Iran.  Iran responded by using two other nations for cover and outmaneuvering us.  I'm afraid Krauthammer may well be right.  We have a foreign policy that goes nowhere.

May 17, 2010